Don't Count 'Caprica,' SGU Out Just Yet
It's not looking good, but there's still some hope
The audiences for "Caprica" and "Stargate: Universe" are hardly stellar, but they're not automatic death warrants either.
At least that was the message being conveyed by Syfy's top decision-makers to kick off the Fall 2010 press tour in Orlando, Fla. Sunday evening.
Syfy president Dave Howe was among those in attendance this year (with outgoing NBC Universal head Jeff Zucker also rumored to be in Orlando this weekend as well), designed as a way to present not only Syfy's fall programming, but also to showcase Universal Orlando from Halloween Horror Nights XX to the new Harry Potter area of Islands of Adventure.
Howe himself wouldn't show his hand on the fate of the two shows that moved to Tuesdays for the fall, but others said there is still not enough information out there for anyone to make a decision.
"They've only aired one or two episodes so far, and that's just not enough," said one Syfy employee. "We don't have any DVR numbers back yet, and these are shows that actually do real well when it comes to DVR viewing."
The fact that both "Caprica" and SGU are up against one of the most powerful nights of network programming means that a lot of viewers may not be choosing to watch the shows live, and instead utilize their DVR. While that could give a boost to the overall audience, timeshifted viewers, however, are not treated the same since they are less likely to watch commercials -- the needed component to help fund shows.
While there is room for optimism, the two shows are hardly out of the woods. DVR returns are important, but so is at least some stabilization -- or even better -- growth in audience. If that doesn't happen, then no sunshine will be able to save either show.
For now, however, Syfy has just one message: Keep watching, and keep hope alive.
Keep up with all of Monday's events at the Syfy Press Tour in Orlando by following us on Twitter at @airlockalpha.
Take a look at this coming week's episode of "Stargate: Universe" by clicking here.
Also, see what's next on "Caprica" with this first look right here.
"Stargate: Universe" airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET followed by "Caprica" at 10 p.m. ET on Syfy.
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by Calysta Rose | Mon, 10/11/2010 - 00:09 #1
I would be incredibly miffed if they were to cancel either show. I've finally begun to really appreciate SGU and I've only just gotten into Caprica. I actually watch both shows live. Tuesday nights belong to SyFy for me.
by mhinman | Mon, 10/11/2010 - 06:01 #2
Yeah, but you can't really blame Syfy if they cancel it ... they are a business and have to make money.
But there is still a chance at least. :)
by Austin Harper | Mon, 10/11/2010 - 06:09 #3
Mike, I can and will blame Syfy if they cancel either show. The move to Tuesdays during primetime in the fall was completely boneheaded.
by seenmuch | Tue, 10/12/2010 - 13:09 #4
Ditto , this is the same crapo CBS pulled with Jerico to kill it off after they were forced to bring it back . The entire SyFy lineup seems to geared twords doing away with scifi altogether and alienating viewers like me . I watch Spike for StarTrekVoyager , USA for Burn Notice along with other channel hits & BBC America for Dr WHo & TopGear now more than I do SyFy . SyFy seems to be filled with nothing but reality crap now and has almost stopped showing scifi completely . Wrestling , ghost hunters , destination truth , scifi really ???????? Dumb ....
I 100 % believe that the move to Tuesday was a ploy to have a so called excuse to dump Caprica and SGU from their line up . I know I'm not the only SyFy fan that feels this way . Keep it up SyFY and I will stop watching your network completely . I truly hate most of crap on SyFy today , again I don't believe for a second I'm alone on this one ......
by Insider | Wed, 10/13/2010 - 06:30 #5
DVR is irrelevant. This is just the last PR attempt to get someone to view before they cancel them.
by mhinman | Thu, 10/14/2010 - 06:32 #6
DVR isn't irrelevant, just to note. While yes, it doesn't have the same play as live viewing, it DOES have play. It indicates the total POTENTIAL audience that a show might have, and who may turn in live under different circumstances, or might be willing to locate a show through alternative means (which could boost revenue streams there).
And I don't think moving it to Tuesday was any part of any dastardly plan. Syfy feels they can get more bang with Smackdown. That program airs Fridays, as it always has. Tuesday has been a good night for Syfy, as it's the home of "Warehouse 13" and "Eureka" -- the No. 1. and No. 2 scripted series for the network.
Of course, then again, those air in the summer. =P