‘Cavemen’ and ‘Carpoolers’ on Indefinite Hiatus
If you’re a fan of ABC’s Tuesday-night comedy hour featuring the rookie sitcoms Cavemen and Carpoolers, you might become a tad miffed upon learning that the network placed both series on indefinite hiatus following last week’s November 13 broadcasts. The reason would be the ratings, of course, which have not been good at all.
There’s no official word yet on the ultimate, final fate of each show. Just suffice it to say that the poorly reviewed and watched Cavemen is likely on its last leg.
Carpoolers did a bit better among critics and TV watchers. Reviews and viewership were mediocre enough for the series to receive an order for three additional scripts back on October 23. Isn’t it weird how that sounds almost like ancient history given the current chaos of the writers strike?
As of now, there are no additional installments of either show scheduled for the remainder of 2007. Six episodes of both have aired to date, leaving seven each on the shelf.
Tags: ABC, Carpoolers, Cavemen, Fall 2007, hiatus, Sitcoms, situation-comedies, Television, tvRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Carpoolers, Cavemen, Programming
25 opinions for ‘Cavemen’ and ‘Carpoolers’ on Indefinite Hiatus
The Current State of TV Comedy: How Many Episodes Remain?
Nov 21, 2007 at 7:33 pm
[…] Carpoolers: SEVEN remain, but the series is on indefinite hiatus […]
Nella F
Nov 27, 2007 at 8:00 pm
WHY? I like Carpoolers.
Chandra
Nov 27, 2007 at 9:19 pm
It’s all about the ratings, Nella, as well as the fact that November Sweeps has been underway for nearly the entire month.
Since the Nielsen ratings for this important period determine advertising rates in the near future, networks like to beef their schedules up as much as possible. That means putting underperformers on the sidelines, if necessary.
Because of decisions like putting “Cavemen” and “Carpoolers” on hiatus, ABC is in a strong position to win Sweeps when it ends on November 28.
Also, “Carpoolers” received an infinitely better reception than “Cavemen,” so there’s a good chance the show might come back at some point.
Al
Nov 27, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Carpoolers is the only show I watch on ABC. Part of the problem that people have is that it is following Cavemen which is a stupid show. I think Cavemen is turning people away from Carpoolers.
Chandra
Nov 28, 2007 at 2:32 am
You make an excellent point, Al.
If “Carpoolers” were paired with a better quality sitcom–a la “How I Met Your Mother” and “The Big Bang Theory” on CBS, for instance–it would probably be doing much better ratings-wise.
The only problem is, ABC has so few sitcoms to begin with, there’s really no other male-oriented comedy in the network’s stable to fit the bill.
E
Nov 28, 2007 at 11:49 am
I agree, Carpoolers is hilarious and is hurt by the fact that it follows Cavemen (a truly awful show). Other hour long shows that start at the same time as Cavemen are taking the viewers.
Raina
Nov 30, 2007 at 4:43 am
Damn. I like Carpoolers. Especially Marmaduke. He’s hilarious.
kathy
Dec 1, 2007 at 3:59 am
I will defend Cavemen, it is well written, entertaining, funny and original. It’s the only show I’ve wanted to watch in a long long time. It should be given a fair chance. There have been alot of successful long running shows that started out with bad reviews from the critics. If there is one thing I’ve learned lately… it’s that there are alot of critics out there that write with a slanted pen and unfortunately, as a result, we could lose a really good show. There are too many people who are easily swayed and cannot think for themselves.
Duster
Dec 1, 2007 at 11:08 am
I like caveman. Cavemen like me?
Me long hair, go eat, yum yum.
I find it a entertaining show that isnt about scifi, mystery(Lost,4400,etc), perfect family, or other really boring “seen it before” shows.
Chandra
Dec 1, 2007 at 11:53 am
I’m not surprised that there are “Cavemen” fans out there. Almost five million people tuned in for the next-to-last last episode that aired. Yet, that was a drop from over six million the previous week. It’s the shrinking audience that’s a big problem and likely making ABC nervous.
As for “Carpoolers,” it also experienced a significant decrease the next-to-last last time it aired, falling from almost seven million viewers the previous week to just under 5.5 million. That 1.5 million drop is probably a major reason why ABC put it on hiatus, too, along with the fact that both shows continued to free-fall in the ratings the last time they aired, even if the decline was less drastic.
Mike
Dec 4, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I’m with Kathy, ‘Cavemen’ is a well-written and funny show. Problem is despite the cast, the dialogue is over the head of most brain-dead TV viewers. Heck, without laughtracks most wouldn’t know what is funny and what isn’t. How shows like ‘Friends’ can last for a decade and ‘Cavemen’ struggle is beyond me. I guess I over-estimated the average American intellect…
Jim
Dec 5, 2007 at 1:14 am
I think they looked stupid for the advertizments,
I never evan gave these shows a chance
Jim
Dec 5, 2007 at 1:16 am
I should of proof read my comments :)
Now I look like a caveman, oh wait, I’m being prejudgmental…..
nessa
Dec 5, 2007 at 11:59 pm
Cavemen needed time. Some of the later episodes were really funny. Yuppie cavemen in San Diego- hilarious!!! The first episode was not that great, it’s true, but I feel most people wanted the show to fail from the start because it was based on the Geico commercials. Seinfeld didn’t start well either. Boo on you ABC, i’ll be buying the DVD once it’s released.
Furhan
Dec 8, 2007 at 10:45 am
I honestly think ABC is retarded for stopping Cavemen. The show was picking up big time and they were really turning things around w/ their 3rd episode. If ur going to base an entire season of a show on just 3 or 4 handfuls of showings, then ur an idiot. The Office had a very rough, poor start and was heavily criticized and look, 4 seasons later, its getting awards and high praise. Cavemen could eventually get to that point. The show is finding its way (and audience) and will be great in time.
Rodney Sexton
Dec 11, 2007 at 8:43 pm
I hate CAVEMEN and I am glad it is off the airwaves!
Darrin Turmel
Dec 18, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Caveman was the only show I looked forward to watching. I hope it comes back. Great writing, as for Carpoolers I couldn’t get past the first 5 minutes.
Matt W.
Dec 27, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Cavemen had a really high stupid quotient - but those that gave it a chance were rewarded with a subtle witty show reminiscent of britcoms and HBO fare. A well written show with stupid costumes is worth far more than the typical unchallenging tripe we get from the Networks.
Chandra
Dec 27, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Well, here’s a piece of good news for Carpoolers fans at least. Still no word on Cavemen, though, unfortunately.
B.J.
Dec 28, 2007 at 4:42 pm
The only episode I did not see of Cavemen was the initial one. I thought the others had clever, excellent humor, in particular the Rock Vote episode. I certainly hope it is brought back.
Matt W.
Dec 28, 2007 at 6:06 pm
Best Caveman Quote:
“Oh Joel, these discrimination lawsuits are so frivolous.”
“Well, they’re not ALL frivolous…”
“Oh no, no body’s saying that.”
“You just said that.”
“Well you can take anything out of context.”
“This is the context.”
Rob S
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:13 pm
C’man ABC. Give Caveman another shot (or at least air the remaining seven episodes). It’s a pretty good show. I’ve even programmed it into my DVR.
C M
Jan 26, 2008 at 1:35 am
There is no doubt that Caveman was finding it’s groove. I mean, how can they think of canning shows after 6 shows????? Good lord, if you only judged new employees after 6 days of work nobody would be employed anymore. You have to give it at least a season to work the bugs out.
Frank
Feb 3, 2008 at 7:29 am
I hate these dumb network executives, who are supposed to be “experts” but somehow expect a show to be a hit after only a couple of airings.
Imagine if Seinfeld or Curb Your Enthusiasm had been canned because of their initial bad reviews.
I just wish some of these tv execs would have the balls to keep these shows on and wait for them to catch on. They only second guess themselves when they cancel a show which they ordered, knowing it is a good show.
BTW Nielson ratings are unaccurate & meaningless.
Caveboy
Feb 17, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I miss Cavemen. I thought the show was very witty and light-hearted. I enjoyed the dialogue and sarcasm from Nick. Hopefully it will come back!
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