Abbott Elementary: ABC’s Lowest Rated Scripted Series and the Frustration Behind It

The ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary has all the ingredients for a major success story, yet its ratings during season 4 have not aligned with this potential. Launched in 2021, the show made an impressive entrance, striking a chord with critics who awarded its inaugural season a remarkable 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While its initial viewership of 2.88 million grew to a peak of 3.45 million during season 1, engagement remained modest throughout season 2, averaging between 2.5 to 3 million viewers.

In season 3, the series experienced a notable boost, particularly with episode 6, “Willard R. Abbott,” which attracted 6.9 million viewers after a post-Oscars airing. Despite maintaining relevance, the average viewership for most of the season hovered closer to the 2 million mark. Although the standout Christmas special received critical acclaim, it didn’t remedy the downturn in viewer numbers for season 4. The third episode of this season, “Class Pet,” saw ratings plunge to just 1.91 million, followed by “Costume Contest,” which barely edged lower at 1.89 million viewers.

Abbott Elementary: The Lowest-Rated Scripted Show on ABC for 2024-2025

Stellar Reviews Yet Lackluster Ratings for Abbott Elementary

Regrettably, Abbott Elementary’s decline is starkly evident when juxtaposed with ABC’s other scripted series. As indicated by TVLine, the new drama High Potential drew in 6.6 million viewers, making it the second most-watched new show on TV. Following closely, 9-1-1 attracted 6.5 million viewers, while Doctor Odyssey surpassed Grey’s Anatomy with 5 million viewers compared to the veteran show’s 4 million. In stark contrast, Abbott Elementary now stands as the least-watched scripted series on the network with an average of 3.3 million viewers this season.

Scripted ABC Series (2024/2025 Season)	Total Viewership
High Potential	6.6 million
9-1-1	6.5 million
Doctor Odyssey	5 million
Grey’s Anatomy	4 million
Abbott Elementary	3.3 million

This performance is particularly troubling when considering the legacy of Grey’s Anatomy, which has been on-air for 21 seasons. Despite clinging to its viewership, Abbott Elementary’s earlier debut season did not translate into sustained attention, even with the allure of celebrity cameos failing to attract new audiences.

Why Abbott Elementary Season 4’s Ratings Don’t Reflect Its Quality

Season 4: An Upward Trajectory from Previous Successes

Despite its ratings challenges, Abbott Elementary season 4 has successfully introduced several changes that enhance its narrative depth. The long-anticipated relationship between Janine and Gregory officially unfolds in the season 4 premiere, allowing for character exploration, particularly concerning Melissa and Principal Ava. In season 4, Ava’s evolving role as a more competent yet humorous principal has captivated audiences further.

The late-night timeslot assigned to Abbott Elementary seems to play a critical role in the declining viewership. Scheduled for 9:30 PM, a time slot considered too late for a sitcom, contrasts starkly with the earlier airing times of successful shows like Modern Family, which thrived at 9 PM across its eleven seasons.

Advocating for More Viewers for Abbott Elementary

Critical Acclaim of Abbott Elementary Indicates It Deserves More Recognition

Given its esteemed reputation among critics, there is no justification for Abbott Elementary season 4 to struggle with ratings. The challenges may stem from its late timeslot or insufficient promotional efforts. It is crucial for the network to take swift action to ensure that Abbott Elementary receives enhanced promotion and more chances to attract a wider audience. Returning the show to its original 9 PM airing could be an effective first step in revitalizing its viewership.

Interestingly, after a season 3 filled with guest appearances from high-profile celebrities like Bradley Cooper and Kevin Hart, the creators aimed to dial down on such star-studded features in season 4. However, reintegrating celebrity cameos might rekindle interest in Abbott Elementary and draw in the viewers it deserves, as long as it doesn’t overshadow the show’s core storytelling.

Sources: Rotten Tomatoes,
TVLine

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