Is One Tree Hill really being cancelled after seven years of loyal service? Here are the pro's and con's laid out for The CW to decide...
It's a rock to build on!
Pro: One Tree Hill has been steady in the ratings for seven years, three of which are for the youngster network. Averaging 2+ million viewers every week, the show is one of the top rated on the network.
Con: 2+ is all it's ever going to get. Let's face it, there's a loyal group of fans tuning in every week and the big crowd isn't going to catch up on 148 episodes worth of story.
It's commercial gold!
Pro: Last fall Advertising Age came up with the costs for a 30 second commercial during prime time shows, and combined with Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill was good for $55,636 for every commercial. Comparison; that's about $20,000 more than The Vampire Diaries, Supernatural or Smallville.
Con: That was last fall. Now the show has been combined with Life UneXpected, and won't be with it's previous component until April. Exactly how much does The CW look at these numbers
It's new and fresh!
Pro: After it's first year on The CW, OTH made history by skipping the deadly college years and dive right into adult life with it's characters. It didn't do much for the buzz, the quality or viewers, but it kept the show fresh. With two of the show's main stars leaving for good (and another four being phased out), last year, the show added new characters and is far from the show it once was. If anything, Schwan & co have done a terrific job at keeping a seven year old show fresh and new.
Con: The re inventions did nothing else. No significant new audience joined to see these new formats, if anything, some of the most loyal fans stayed away. The CW has proved many, many times to choose new shows over old formats.
It's internationally recognized!
Pro: Any show that runs seven seasons is bound to be recognized over the world. And especially in Europe, One Tree Hill has made quit a name for itself. Airing in 42 countries worldwide, and topping the DVD charts over hits like Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy, this show concurred the hearts of many, many others beside the 3 million fans in the US.
Con: So did Heroes, which is on the bubble right now.
It's one of a kind!
Pro: There's nothing like it on television. One Tree Hill is soapy as it can be, basically a musical what with all the characters being pop stars and a soundtrack covering almost the entire series run. It's also filmed in Wilmington, outside the craze of Hollywood or New York. It's a unique little show that could, and it's loved as well as hated for it.
Con: The CW doesn't care. Really, it doesn't care about unique qualities. Everwood, Veronica Mars and a whole lot of others agree.
Conclusion:
The CW is infamous for it's shocking and unexpected decisions. Boss Dawn Ostroff has shown her affection for the show, but is obviously more invested in Smallville and Supernatural. Which begs the question why OTH has to be any different. With still some open slots left on the schedule, it's not necessary to cancel, which is why this fan is not all too worried. But then again, nothing ever does make sense The CW does. And so this is as on the bubble as the show has ever been. My last words: We have come this far, why bother ending it now?
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