The second-season finale of HBO‘s The Newsroom attracted 1.7 million viewers Sunday at 10 PM and 1.9 million viewers for the night. Last August, the series’ first-season finale clocked 2.3 million viewers with its initial telecast — a season high — and 2.8 milllion for the night. Last year’s finale followed the True Blood season ender (2.3 million). This past Sunday, Newsroom’s finale followed Boardwalk Empire (2.2 million). Though Newsroom star Jeff Daniels recently tweeted that the show had been renewed for a third season and HBO programming chief Michael Lombardo, at the TCA Summer Press Tour, told a couple hundred TV critics/bloggers that “the odds are excellent – we’re enormously happy with the show… I will be shocked if you would not be hearing about a renewal soon. The numbers this season are surpassing last season” — HBO’s official position until further notice is: “We are excited about proceeding to a Season 3 and are continuing our conversations with Aaron about schedules.”
HBO’s ‘The Newsroom’ Down In Season Finale
By LISA DE MORAES, TV Columnist | Tuesday September 17, 2013 @ 8:09am PDTTags: HBO, Jeff Daniels, The Newsroom, TV Ratings
This article was printed from http://www.deadline.com/2013/09/hbos-the-newsroom-down-in-season-finale/
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It’s just not a good show. It has mediocre numbers and gets little love at awards season. It has almost zero buzz. Aaron’s great, but he created a turkey. All involved should move on.
Its not a turkey. But is isn’t a hit. It is a middling show. There is no way to make money off of this. Let it go.
Interesting assessment. Sorkin’s work here somehow disappoints you and your answer to this dilemma is that everyone concerned should pack it in and move on. I don’t like cauliflower, but it’s fine with me if others find it available among the other produce in the supermarket.
not a good show says you.
I have watched every episode for the two years The Newsroom has been on the air. What I like most about it is the way in which relationships are emphasized. I enjoy politics but have no problem with the fact that they are so one sided on this show. (I am a Republican) I hope it is renewed and the characters given a chance to grow. I especially liked the last episode and the directions so many people seemed to be going.
Is it likely that, in “moving on”, we can expect a better show to just show up and take it’s place? Nope.
America needs good news and this is it. Now read that again.
Well written but dialog is way to long. Not everyone has patience for Sorkin’s schticks.
Not everyone can spell “too”, it would appear…
I know only one person who watches – and enjoys – the show.
My folks just got HBO, and my mother asked me about this show. I told her that I tried watching the pilot, and it was awful, so “don’t bother wasting your time”.
Then you missed a great series.
I’m with you Karen. This show is wonderful… but you have to be prepared to pay attention and listen. There is a lot of dialogue. Smart, quick, amazing dialogue. All the actors are great. Jane Fonda – to die for!!
I love the show. I almost always tape it so that I can watch some of it over again because the dialogue is so meaty. Unlike others commenting, I like the dialogue. That said, even though I loved the happy ending to the season, I was a trifle disappointed by the fact that the men all seem to be knights in shining armor. The characterization of Jim is just plain silly. He provides support and succor to all the women he has hurt? Oh, right. Don has bought Sloan’s book. Will has saved the engagement ring and comes to his senses and proposes to the so very luck Mac. And Reese does the right thing. And hovering over everybody is Charlie, the saint.
I love the show…..although I have to be prepared and in the right mood to absorb the pace. Jeff Daniels is brilliant as Will….he grounds the show whenever the camera is on him. But I can also understand that ‘Newsroom’ lacks the essence and depth that made ‘The Wire’ so memorable.
Aaron needs to cede control or share control with other writers, which he hates to do. Otherwise, enough. He’s really not that interesting. His world is extremely white and self satisfied. Like him. That world is too boring. Minorities aren’t allowed to play in that world unless they remind white people of THEIR nobleness.
Women either. Alison Pill’s character ruined the show for me.
I actually know someone who, in Biafra, saw his students being massacred. My friend returned to the US and had a period of utter madness. What about Maggie seems so wrong to you?
“…extremely white and self satisfied… Minorities aren’t allowed to play in that world unless they remind white people of THEIR nobleness.”
You’re saying that THE NEWSROOM isn’t PC enough for you?!
Dear God…
Thought the show really grew creatively this year. I hope it’s renewed.
It’s down because it sucked this season. What a waste of talent.
I hated the first season and almost didn’t give the second season a chance. I’m glad I did. It was a much better this season… Well, with the exception of the two-part finale.
I would be fine if the show died and made room for something new.
I actually love the show. Sorkin continues to deliver intelligent and entertaining materials. Really looking forward to a third season.
I AGREE——EXCELLENT CASTING—–LOVE THE STORY——SORKIN IS A GENIUS
It’s a good show, it just is politically charged meaning you’ll have to settle with losing some demographics. It’s hilarious since that’s the whole plot of the actual show.
This is one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It’s both entertaining and educational. The topics covered have been the diving board for many conversations (and actual research) in my home…and with 2 college students, I find that positive. Those conversations have been about journalism, current events and ethics. We watch with an open mind, use closed captioning to follow the amazing dialogue, watch each episode several times and will be SOOOO disappointed if there’s no season 3. Great job to cast and crew!!!
great show and vaguely realistic. bringing the lawyers in this season made for story lines, but they would have been in on front end of any story of that magnitude. It’s been fun watching with my girlfriend with 20+ years experience in television news from on screen to the role of Mac at a top 4 market network station
And what does she think of the show?
Does it compare?
Renewed? I am stunned.
Newsroom has been my first Sorkin show. His anger is so palpable, it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Some of the characters are well-formed and believable (Jim, Don, Mack). Others (Charlie, Maggie, Neal, Hallie) are cartoonish. I’m sorry that Sam’s career is winding down on such an embarrassing note.
ZThe greatest written show since the “Sopranos”…the actors are brilliant….shame if it is not renewed….
What? Are we all talking about the same show? Newsroom is more intelligently written than 99% of the pap on TV. Granted, that’s not a high standard, but still. How many other shows require a second viewing just to catch the full meaning and connection of dialogue this fast-paced? And accurate, by the way. We still lead the world in number of citizens incarcerated per capita, the number of ppl who believe in angels and still have a defense budget that exceeds the next 15 countries combined. If that doesn’t piss you off, well, keep on believing. The angels will surely bail us out.
I agree with this guy. If nothing else, I find the actors and actresses to be very good on this show, which makes it really watchable.
Best written hbo series & cast on tv! I loved both seasons & can’t wait for season iii! Aaron sorkin is a brilliant writer! Keep it going!
My husband and myself find this show profound and exciting! It is the mental stimulant that this country truly needs…to think, to not be oriented and guided by a single party,but to have an individual thought process which guides you to what is right! Huge fans!
Newsroom is a entertaining and intelligent show. I pride myself on being a good judge of shows and it surprises me that people think this should be canceled, but a show like true blood shouldn’t? I am a fan of fantasy, but I am also a fan of good acting.
This show is FANTASTIC!!!!! I love the dialogue, the pace, EVERY Character, and the NEWS that’s reported. The only problem with this show is that it is not a show for the mass American Audience….evident by the comments here, what DOES get top rating and “buzz” (Honey BOO, Jersey Shore, Real housewives….; etc. ). This show is for those that want MORE out of a TV program. Something that’s entertaining AND exercises our brains. I’ll be honest, if you’re not into the news or politics, you won’t understand or like the show….Period. By the way…there are African Americans (Black People) that like the show; I happen to be one of them! What’s funny about the race card playing in the comments above is……the show has touched on that subject several times….subtly and directly….especially in reference to the President. I only wish there was a REAL news show like this now. One that decided to educate the viewers and not try to boost ratings or viewing numbers!
It’s a shame that people aren’t embracing this series more. It just goes to show you how reality tv has ruined the thinking minds of so many. Aaron Sorkin is my favorite writer and he writes for smart people who can keep up with a fast- moving story. HBO should realize that the 2+ million tuning in are looking for top shelf acting, writing, directing and are willing to pay a premium for it. Thanks Aaron, cast and crew for making Sunday so good!
Without question the best show on TV and the season finale was brilliant and heartwarming. I saw Sorkin’s interview with Dan Rather on AXS TV last night, super impressive. The guy is so down to earth and I loved the story about how as a kid he just loved the sound of smart people having fast, intelligent conversations.
I can think of any number of shows that grew into great television if the characters are allowed to grow and mature. Law and Order,Seinfield, the Closer etc. I don’t know or care why Sorkin excites such animosity in many criitics. I think many of them need a hug or a chance to do their own show since they could do much better.
For me it is a counterpoint to the reality show , bizarre (True Blook – really – vampire colonies in Lousiana and the endless peroccuopation of TV with lionizing criminals ( Boardwalk Empire ). This is a show with good to great moments but inconsistency is a problem. If it cant pay for itself and has a decent trial then it should go but 18 episodes for a an actual dramatic series. I am one subscriber that will drop HBO if the show doesn’t get at least one more season. Thank you for the opportunity to share my views.
Likewise.
This show is the only reason I have HBO (and with my provider its not cheap). That being said, this show is not for everyone. Personally I cant stand Duck Dynasty, Honey Boo Boo, or really any of the reality crap, am entirely sick of “Cop Dramas” and grew out of the whole Vampire thing long ago. I don’t however wish those shows ill will, I just simply change the channel. So what if there are no bombs or explosions or mobsters or monsters or zombies? I think its intelligent , intense at times and gripping TV with out all the B.S.
Sometimes its nice not to be treated like an idiot by my TV.
I love this show and hope it is renewed.
Sorry about the grammar and typo errors. Just waking up.
The best show on TV, all around acting, writing. Can’t wait for Season 3, Season 2 was too short!