Flashforward - Why the Ratings Drop?

Ratings for ABC's prime time television show Flashforward have been declining since the end of last year and in spite of its much anticipated return last Thursday, the numbers have shown no improvement in America. While Flashforward is doing brilliantly overseas, it is still struggling in the U.S.

Why?

There have been many theories about the reasons behind Flashforward's ratings drop. Theories from fans, critics and quite often from people who spend too much time saying it will never compare to Lost. Let's take a closer look at some of the biggest reasons cited for the drop.

One of the most obvious reasons for the Flashforward ratings drop is the three month hiatus. Although the ratings began to decline before the break, the huge gap in the middle of the first season has been an issue for some. There were also some changes in the return date. It kept being pushed further and further back to make way for the Winter Olympics and American Idol and many people got bored of waiting and lost interest altogether.

After countless time spent browsing the internet for reviews and opinions, it seems that there are many who think that Flashforward lacks focus and that the plot has dragged on certain storylines. There are also those who think the show has too many plotholes to make it worth watching.

Since Flashforward's comeback episode, Revelation Zero aired on Thursday night, opinions continue to vary. While there have been many favourable reviews, there have also been many showing little to no enthusiasm.

What can be done to save the show?

Simply put - viewers. Flashforward has an amazing concept (based on the novel by Robert.J. Sawyer). Imagine you are going about your daily routine as normal. Work, school, taking care of your family. Suddenly, you collapse and while you are unconscious you get a glimpse of your future. What do you do? Believe in it, trust it, shrug it off?

That is what the show is all about. Real characters in real situations, working to come to terms with what they did or didn't see.

Flashforward is science fiction but not completely impossible science fiction. It talks about real scientific concepts and things that could be possible if the right minds came together to make it happen. There are religious ideas, relationship dramas, mysteries and so much more. All of these things mixed together add up to compelling television.

Of course, there are negatives. Nothing is perfect. But any minor discrepancies, pacing issues, etc. are things that can be ironed out over time. None of the issues are even remotely big enough to distract from the brilliance of the plot.

If everyone who has written a bad review of Flashforward spent less time looking for problems and more time just enjoying, things would likely be a lot different. To those who still haven't watched Flashforward, give it a chance. Ignore the reviews and see for yourself. You never know, you might just become hooked!

Sources

Many, many reviews/forums/blogs