Season 8 of "House" is now roughly half over and resting during its usual fall break until January 23, 2012. This season came with many changes, including the loss of a primary character, Dr. Lisa Cuddy. As the show ages more and more rumors are twisting about the internet world as to whether the show has the gusto to snag a Season 9 renewal. Ultimately, if Hugh Laurie is open to another season-- which he just may not be-ratings are the determinate when it comes to which shows are canceled and which aren't. The question then becomes, how's "House" doing in the ratings?
"House" playing the middle man:
Unfortunately, "House" has indeed seen a continued drop in ratings as its seasons progress. There was hope the forced complete overhaul of the cast would provide enough fresh blood to revive the aging shows popularity, but in the all-important 18-24 demographic "House" is sitting smack in the middle of most ranking lists. However, the ratings are still within the range that historically gain a show a renewal, they simply aren't as high as they have been in the past. So, this drop doesn't guarantee a death sentence for the series.
How has Season 8 measured up to Season 7 in the ratings?
Many viewers suggested that the short-lived union and Cuddy and House was what shot-down "House" rankings in the first place. Being that in Season 8 Cuddy is long gone, some expected the ratings to rise again. On a week-to-week basis, early Season 8 ratings have had a teeter-totter effect, sometimes doing quite well, other times not so much. Overall, in Season 7 "House" averaged about 10 million viewers each episode. In Season 8, the current average is about 8 million. Even the season premiere was down 7% from last season. The good news is that the average viewers each week were beginning to remain relatively stable and even climb very slowly with the closing episodes before the fall break. It's possible that people are just beginning to watch the show again, and "House" may see an increase in the tail-end ratings of Season 8.
Will "House" be renewed for a ninth season?
The ratings, while down from previous seasons, actually suggest the show has a relatively high chance of renewal based on previous data as far as what gets a show canceled and what doesn't. For now at least, unless anymore primary characters decide to not sign a renewal contract, "House" appears to be safe for another season.
Do you think "House" will be canceled?
More from the contributor:
Will Hugh Laurie Sign-On for Season 9 of "House"?
Is "House" Better Without Cuddy?
