The SyFy network is backing “Caprica” despite low ratings and mixed reviews from BSG fans. According to the network, the “Battlestar Galactica” prequel spin-off series was not expected to have a strong start even though it has a built-in fan base to start. Mark Stern, the Executive Vice President of Original Programming talks about the network sticking with the show “for the long haul”:
“It’s not ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ it’s its own animal. And we definitely recognize that it’s going to find its audience and it’s going to grow its audience.”
The series premiere of “Caprica” last month only logged 1.6 million viewers which is low, but expected due to the fact that this pilot had already been on DVD since April 2009 and also available free online since December 2009. What’s worrisome is that ratings have not improved since the series premiere. The second and third episodes drew in about 1.4 million viewers a piece. The fourth episode that aired last week’s episode on the 19th against the Olympics saw another drop to just under a million viewers. Even though the overall number is still dropping, the 18-49 demographic is holding steady.
SyFy is not worried though. In fact, the network will not even be making any extra marketing efforts for the show. They are confident that the show will gain momentum with each episode and fans are excited about the March 5th episode in which James Marsters (“Buffy”, “Angel”) will guest star as the Soldiers of the One leader Barnabus Greeley.
Note that the show will be taking a mid-season break in March, but will return in the summer, mostly likely paired with another new series.
BSG fans, are you sticking “Caprica” out?
Watch “Caprica” on SyFy, Fridays at 9/8pm C.
[Commentary]
I do hope “Caprica” picks up. Though I was impressed with the second episode, the third and fourth eps have been paced too slowly, but I understand why that was. They are feeding us a lot of information about the different cultures of the people who live on Caprica and it’s fascinating to discover this pre-annihilation civilization, but the action in these recent eps is languid.
I, personally, am waiting for Spike’s episode. If they let Marsters do his thing, he will charm more audience members into watching the show.
[Source] TVSquad, TVByTheNumbers
