It’s not always easy to figure out why networks do what they do. The latest head-scratcher for many is why Doctor Odyssey remains on the bubble when Grey’s Anatomy was renewed. After all, the soapy cruise drama has slightly stronger linear ratings.
TV Series Finale shares that Doctor Odyssey and Grey’s Anatomy are the two lowest-rated shows on the network in terms of the average demo and total audience. Grey’s Anatomy is at the very bottom of the list, with Doctor Odyssey in second-last in the demo and third-last (with Abbott Elementary and Grey’s beneath it) in the total audience.
If there was a worse show in terms of linear ratings, why wouldn’t the soapy drama be renewed? There are a couple of reasons behind this.
Doctor Odyssey is the more expensive show of the two
While Grey’s Anatomy linear ratings are down considerably from previous seasons and despite the ensemble cast, it doesn’t cost as much as Doctor Odyssey. This is one of the more expensive shows on the network, but it doesn’t bring in the ratings like 911 to be able to justify the costs. Because of this, the network and the creators need to have a discussion to find a way to bring the costs down.
The series did start off with a strong following, but that following didn’t remain loyal throughout the series. With a sharp drop in the ratings week on week, it shows that the series is too risky. There would be another drop when season 2 rolled around, and the network can’t risk that with the high production costs.
Grey’s Anatomy is a staple for ABC
While Grey’s Anatomy’s linear ratings saw a decline this season, there are various reasons for that. One of those is that it moved to the 10 p.m. ET/PT timeslot on Thursdays, which has been a difficult timeslot for the network for some time. ABC chose to put this show in the later timeslot knowing that it could somewhat weather the storm.
It’s a staple for the network at this point. On top of that, is has the streaming viewers, whether via Netflix for the past seasons or Hulu for the current season. This is one of those beloved shows that fans are just waiting to see it come back to what it used to be.
A newer show is always going to be a higher risk, and if the series already has the linear ratings that are similar to a 20+ season show, it’s probably not worth that risk. I do have a feeling that ABC may decide to cancel Doctor Odyssey and leave the last hour of TGIT blank or hand it over to an unscripted show as its become so much of a struggle.
Doctor Odyssey and Grey’s Anatomy air on Thursdays starting at 9/8c on ABC.
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