NBC picks up 'Parenthood' for next season

NBC is bringing its freshman drama "Parenthood" back for a second season.

The move is not a total surprise. After a somewhat erratic start, "Parenthood" has settled into its Tuesday 10 p.m. slot and is averaging almost 8 million viewers and a 3.2 rating in the adults 18-49 demographic. A ratings point in that demographic equals 1.3 million viewers.

Over the last several weeks, "Parenthood" has been rivaling CBS' "The Good Wife" in the 18-49 demographic. The show, which premiered after the Olympics, had to endure a tough start behind the scenes. Originally scheduled for last fall, it was pushed to mid-season because of the loss of original cast member Maura Tierney, who filmed the pilot but then left the show because of an illness. She was replaced by Lauren Graham.

NBC reached back to one of its old measurements of success -- an upscale audience -- in explaining its decision to bring back "Parenthood." The network said the show has one of the highest concentrations of homes with incomes of over $100,000 in the adults 18-49 demographic. NBC used to tout having a rich audience back in its heyday but as of late had steered clear in part because so many of its shows, such as "The Biggest Loser" and "Minute to Win It" don't do as well in high income homes.

It seems unlikely that NBC will move "Parenthood" out of its current home. The network still has to decide if it will bring back "Chuck" next season, as well as "Law & Order." NBC is working on yet another spin-off of "Law & Order," this one set in Los Angeles.

-- Joe Flint 

Related: NBC's "Parenthood" starts to make case for itself.

Comments

[TJackson]

I am SOOOOO HAPPPY this show is coming back for a second season!!! I found this show after the Olympics. I love this show - it has a very talented cast, the characters are compelling and the writing is great. I don't watch much TV, but I don't miss this show.

[marilyn stahl]

thank goodness for on demand.....my two favorite shows....good wife and parenthood....are on at the same time.....so i watch good wife and than the next day i can catch parenthood on ON demand.....thank you for a great meaty interesting show....parenthood will go on forever....keep those good story lines coming

[CANDACEKAY]

Parenthood is the typical "white middle class people with problems" show- CHUCK is so much fun, full of adventure, action, and smart ass funny very imaginative.....I vote for CHUCK ALL THE WAY!

[DJohnson]

Great show. We love it......so happy it's coming back. The cast and stories are superb.

[Danielle]

I love Parenthood. Great cast, great show.

[Bill]

"Parenthood" is definitely a program that reflects Ron Howard's wholesome TV history (starting way back in Mayberry). It is refreshing to watch a show of a somewhat real family as opposed to "reality TV". Great job NBC!

[Ann Wood]

Love this show!!! The best I've seen in years.

[Rose Dutton]

I love Parenthood...Watched every episode last season and couldn't wait for this season to start..

[Traci]

Parenthood is the best show! I enjoy my free time at night watching tv. I've never been this excited for a tv show before. The cast is amazing, I really look forward to Tuesdays nights! I can not wait for this show to come back

[Heather Cliff]

I fell in love with this series!! It hit so close to home. I am so happy to hear that it isnt canceled!! It seems the good quality shows always end up getting canceled.. It would have been disappointing...

[Valerie]

what is going on with Parenthood? Why did they have to mess with Jasmine And Cosby's relationship? Are they afraid to allow an interracial couple to enjoy happiness? Jasmine and Cosby made a great modern couple to watch.I hope this doesn't mean we will see less of Joy Bryant who plays Jasmine.I really enjoyed the dynamics of the relationship of Jasmine and Cosby. I hope the writers repair JasCos relationship. ireally enjoy this show. I hope the writers don't mess it up. Can somebody please ask Oprah to produce this show?

[Georgetta]

I LOVE this show! I am extremely happy to have it renewed and I'm not even sure why it was not an automatic renewal. There are so many shows on television for the last year or two that are horrible.

I even stopped watching television entirely until Parenthood came on and then came Harry's Law. Other than Nascar Racing, I do NOT watch television programming at all. Seriously, my tv is off all other times but for those three programs.

Please KEEP renewing Parenthood and Harry's Law. Otherwise, I will not even turn on my television and will have no reason to own the five that I cuarrnty have (tv's).

Thank you for doing the smart thing and keeping this wonderful show NBCA!