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Was it right to axe 'Primeval'?
Published Thursday, Jun 18 2009, 10:39 BST | By Dan French and Neil Wilkes | 49 comments
So, last week two weeks ago we asked you what you thought of the Desperate Housewives season five finale. Or more specifically, who you thought Mike married.
Of the thousands of you that voted, it seems that a huge proportion are Mike/Susan supporters, with the majority (69.9%) betting on a happy reunion. 21.3% thought Mr. Delfino had married his fiancée Katherine, and 8.8% of you thought it was someone else entirely!
We now face an agonising wait until we find out the identity of Mike's bride, but in the absence of last week's poll, we caught up with Kyle MacLachlan - aka Orson Hodge - to find out who he thought the lucky lady was in the finale. Click here to see what he has to say.
This week we're canvassing opinion on ITV's surprise decision to axe Primeval after three series.
It's true that the show was far from a monster hit for the broadcaster but it did do reasonably well in the ratings, with around 5 million viewers tuning in every Saturday night. It's also found fans all around the world - and both a big screen version and a US-based spinoff are in the works.
On the flip side, the CGI-heavy nature of the show made it expensive to make - and at a time when ITV is seeking to massively reduce costs, the odds of a renewal were not in Primeval's favour.
But do you think the show had run its course anyway? Will you survive without a fourth series? Vote below and sound off with actual words in the usual place.
Check back in next Wednesday for the result.
Of the thousands of you that voted, it seems that a huge proportion are Mike/Susan supporters, with the majority (69.9%) betting on a happy reunion. 21.3% thought Mr. Delfino had married his fiancée Katherine, and 8.8% of you thought it was someone else entirely!
We now face an agonising wait until we find out the identity of Mike's bride, but in the absence of last week's poll, we caught up with Kyle MacLachlan - aka Orson Hodge - to find out who he thought the lucky lady was in the finale. Click here to see what he has to say.
This week we're canvassing opinion on ITV's surprise decision to axe Primeval after three series.
It's true that the show was far from a monster hit for the broadcaster but it did do reasonably well in the ratings, with around 5 million viewers tuning in every Saturday night. It's also found fans all around the world - and both a big screen version and a US-based spinoff are in the works.
On the flip side, the CGI-heavy nature of the show made it expensive to make - and at a time when ITV is seeking to massively reduce costs, the odds of a renewal were not in Primeval's favour.
But do you think the show had run its course anyway? Will you survive without a fourth series? Vote below and sound off with actual words in the usual place.
Check back in next Wednesday for the result.
Your Views
49 Comments
Your Responses
Jason, on July 2nd, 2009
It sucks that ITV cancelled Primeval, but I'm optimistic. The BBC might pick it up sooner or later; BBC Worldwide manages the distribution rights, and the series has become a critically aclaimed (if not always widely viewed) hit on BBC America. The creators have even said themselves that Primeval was originally supposed to be aired on BBC, which backed out of it in favor of Doctor Who. So they might be a slim chance that it could come back... Either way, Primeval's execution further shows the dumbing down of ITV1. Ever since they axed their wildlife programming, they been going deeper and deeper into hell's gate. Wag of my finger!!!
It sucks that ITV cancelled Primeval, but I'm optimistic. The BBC might pick it up sooner or later; BBC Worldwide manages the distribution rights, and the series has become a critically aclaimed (if not always widely viewed) hit on BBC America. The creators have even said themselves that Primeval was originally supposed to be aired on BBC, which backed out of it in favor of Doctor Who. So they might be a slim chance that it could come back... Either way, Primeval's execution further shows the dumbing down of ITV1. Ever since they axed their wildlife programming, they been going deeper and deeper into hell's gate. Wag of my finger!!!
Douglas Varney, Brighton , on July 2nd, 2009
ITV really should have axed "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" instead or drop it from the prime-time slot. Primeval wasn't in anyway perfect but it provided fun family and international marketing. It's now going to be a Hollywood film. Primeval was a fun show and perfect for Saturday night. ITV have got financial problems but if they are going rely on things like Beat the Star, All Star Mr & Mrs and Millionaire for Saturday Night Peaktime, they might as well give up! The BBC on Saturdays do produce a fair amount of tat like Totally Saturday but BBC always produces some great family series like Doctor Who, Merlin and Robin Hood (althought that series has run its course now). I only hope the BBC picks this up. ITV, you have no more existance to me or my fellow viewers until X-Factor returns this autumn and that can only be strechted so far. And please don't axe Harry Hill, you now only great Saturday programme althought I hope he joins the Beeb to do a revival of the Generation Game and take the Burp with him. But hey-hoy, you won't listen. Go back to what you do best. Churn out reality TV garbage and not-start gameshows tossing out thousand of pounds. (PS: Britain's Got Talent has probably peacked by the way).
ITV really should have axed "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" instead or drop it from the prime-time slot. Primeval wasn't in anyway perfect but it provided fun family and international marketing. It's now going to be a Hollywood film. Primeval was a fun show and perfect for Saturday night. ITV have got financial problems but if they are going rely on things like Beat the Star, All Star Mr & Mrs and Millionaire for Saturday Night Peaktime, they might as well give up! The BBC on Saturdays do produce a fair amount of tat like Totally Saturday but BBC always produces some great family series like Doctor Who, Merlin and Robin Hood (althought that series has run its course now). I only hope the BBC picks this up. ITV, you have no more existance to me or my fellow viewers until X-Factor returns this autumn and that can only be strechted so far. And please don't axe Harry Hill, you now only great Saturday programme althought I hope he joins the Beeb to do a revival of the Generation Game and take the Burp with him. But hey-hoy, you won't listen. Go back to what you do best. Churn out reality TV garbage and not-start gameshows tossing out thousand of pounds. (PS: Britain's Got Talent has probably peacked by the way).
Robert Gotch, on July 2nd, 2009
I think it is a stupid idea to cancel the Primeval.Danny's stuck in the Pliocene and Abby and Connor are still in a tree in the Cretaceous and what about the Anomalies.I really,really like,I mean love Primeval and the legacy of Primeval should live on.Think about all the fans who watch it.
I think it is a stupid idea to cancel the Primeval.Danny's stuck in the Pliocene and Abby and Connor are still in a tree in the Cretaceous and what about the Anomalies.I really,really like,I mean love Primeval and the legacy of Primeval should live on.Think about all the fans who watch it.
Stevie, on June 24th, 2009
Although season three was a totally and utter mistake, simple because of how good season 1 & 2 were it should of gotten a chance to redeem itself instead of finsihing on a terrible episode and an even worse season.
Although season three was a totally and utter mistake, simple because of how good season 1 & 2 were it should of gotten a chance to redeem itself instead of finsihing on a terrible episode and an even worse season.
Sarah, Yorkshire, on June 24th, 2009
My Autistic son is absolutly gutted that Primeval has been taken off screen ( while the action figures were selling like hot cakes and still are )-we loved to watch it all together on a sat evening-what else is there now ? Mr Blobby has gone-no more Noels house party and wait till i get you home-just "all star mr and mrs "-what is there for children and families to watch on a saturday night. sarah
My Autistic son is absolutly gutted that Primeval has been taken off screen ( while the action figures were selling like hot cakes and still are )-we loved to watch it all together on a sat evening-what else is there now ? Mr Blobby has gone-no more Noels house party and wait till i get you home-just "all star mr and mrs "-what is there for children and families to watch on a saturday night. sarah
Rachel, Nottinghamshire, on June 23rd, 2009
I think it is a stupid idea. I really look forward to watching it on a saturday night and think it is such a great programme. It why do ITV cancel all the good programmes? I hope another channel picks it up. I am gutted.
I think it is a stupid idea. I really look forward to watching it on a saturday night and think it is such a great programme. It why do ITV cancel all the good programmes? I hope another channel picks it up. I am gutted.
DR Q, Douglas, Isle of Man, on June 22nd, 2009
Does anyone know of a site where we may organise a petition in order to lodge our complaints directly to ITV?
Does anyone know of a site where we may organise a petition in order to lodge our complaints directly to ITV?
Gerri Fay, Ireland, on June 21st, 2009
DO NOT AXE PRIMEVAL. It is one of the best programmes on tv. Every series was better than the last. There isn't anything else worth watching on ITV.
DO NOT AXE PRIMEVAL. It is one of the best programmes on tv. Every series was better than the last. There isn't anything else worth watching on ITV.
DR Quine, Douglas, Isle of Man, on June 21st, 2009
No they are not correct to cancel this show. It has been getting steadily better week by week. I have watched the series from the first episode and bought all three of the DVD's. Now they have the team split over three time lines in desperate trouble, they have left so many loose ends and now out of the blue they say they are not making a fourth series. I am completely peed off. The very least they could do is make a special just to tidy it up and give us a proper ending.
No they are not correct to cancel this show. It has been getting steadily better week by week. I have watched the series from the first episode and bought all three of the DVD's. Now they have the team split over three time lines in desperate trouble, they have left so many loose ends and now out of the blue they say they are not making a fourth series. I am completely peed off. The very least they could do is make a special just to tidy it up and give us a proper ending.
Heather, Edinbrugh, on June 21st, 2009
Are they really not going to make a forth series?! They cant do that I love primevil (especially the character Connor!) and will so die if it doesnt come back, especially with that stupid cliff hanger that happened at the end of the last episode. I'm dieing to know the fate of the characters, please dont let it be true, they've gotta make a fourth series!!!
Are they really not going to make a forth series?! They cant do that I love primevil (especially the character Connor!) and will so die if it doesnt come back, especially with that stupid cliff hanger that happened at the end of the last episode. I'm dieing to know the fate of the characters, please dont let it be true, they've gotta make a fourth series!!!
danny. grantham, on June 20th, 2009
itv r trying to make a point, they've had their wages slashed..so their showing us..look what happens when we work for less, were gonna show u crap tv until the government gives us more money..axing the only popular show they have outside of the reality shows. it cost more that 10Mil to Show X Factor ..they pay each Judge about that much for sitting their while one acts a cocky moron, one's an arse kisser, ones face doesnt move and the other cries ..all the time!! yet theyll poor money into that fluff then actual entertainment. and all this comes from a decision from a man that has to stand down this year for making poor DECISIONS! y r people so deffiecient! give us Primeval back...or please BBC Come save Us!!
itv r trying to make a point, they've had their wages slashed..so their showing us..look what happens when we work for less, were gonna show u crap tv until the government gives us more money..axing the only popular show they have outside of the reality shows. it cost more that 10Mil to Show X Factor ..they pay each Judge about that much for sitting their while one acts a cocky moron, one's an arse kisser, ones face doesnt move and the other cries ..all the time!! yet theyll poor money into that fluff then actual entertainment. and all this comes from a decision from a man that has to stand down this year for making poor DECISIONS! y r people so deffiecient! give us Primeval back...or please BBC Come save Us!!
Matt, on June 20th, 2009
Yes it was crap!
Yes it was crap!
karen & abigail - southampton, on June 20th, 2009
It is disgusting that another family program has been axed. Our children are expected to watch nothing but game shows or shows with phone votes not to mention all of the waste of time reality shows. Where has good family viewing gone. My daughter is gutted. BRING IT BACK
It is disgusting that another family program has been axed. Our children are expected to watch nothing but game shows or shows with phone votes not to mention all of the waste of time reality shows. Where has good family viewing gone. My daughter is gutted. BRING IT BACK
JULIE, SANTA PONSA, on June 20th, 2009
BRING IT BACK NOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!! I MISS IT ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :( NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
BRING IT BACK NOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!! I MISS IT ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :( NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
TONY, COUNTY DURHAM, on June 20th, 2009
This is just typical of ITV1. They have a hit series, cancel it and leave all viewers up in the air. It just shows the utter contempt they have for their viewers. Who on earth was the idiot responsible for this? Send them through an anomaly!
This is just typical of ITV1. They have a hit series, cancel it and leave all viewers up in the air. It just shows the utter contempt they have for their viewers. Who on earth was the idiot responsible for this? Send them through an anomaly!
Aaron, Cornwall, on June 20th, 2009
I always watched Primeval in the hope that it would become more than just a monster show. I loved the mythology of it and thought that the writers should have explored that more, which they were starting to with series 3. However, bringing Danny in was a huge mistake because of his "action man" attitude. Killing Cutter made it seem as though anyone of these characters could die at any moment, but then Danny came in and completely contradicted this. Cutter tended to run if being chased by a dinosaur, Danny essentially just swings in on his rope and wrestles with it, I mean come on. After Cutter died the writers seemed to just forget about character development. I found that I didn't give a shit about any of the characters because there was no threat of life and death. I only wish it had been made by the BBC because then it would have kicked ass, as their writer's are way better. But since it wasn't, I'm kind of glad it's finished.
I always watched Primeval in the hope that it would become more than just a monster show. I loved the mythology of it and thought that the writers should have explored that more, which they were starting to with series 3. However, bringing Danny in was a huge mistake because of his "action man" attitude. Killing Cutter made it seem as though anyone of these characters could die at any moment, but then Danny came in and completely contradicted this. Cutter tended to run if being chased by a dinosaur, Danny essentially just swings in on his rope and wrestles with it, I mean come on. After Cutter died the writers seemed to just forget about character development. I found that I didn't give a shit about any of the characters because there was no threat of life and death. I only wish it had been made by the BBC because then it would have kicked ass, as their writer's are way better. But since it wasn't, I'm kind of glad it's finished.
Latoyah Egerton, on June 20th, 2009
It really was awefull!!!!
It really was awefull!!!!
James, on June 19th, 2009
Leaving the show at that point makes the previous 3 seasons absoloutly pointless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Leaving the show at that point makes the previous 3 seasons absoloutly pointless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob, on June 19th, 2009
Why Why Why Why Why?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope they see the error of their ways sooner rather later.
Why Why Why Why Why?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope they see the error of their ways sooner rather later.
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I feel really cheated about Primeval being cancelled esp with the cliffhanger... I have even wrote to ITV telling them what I think of them cancelling the show... but suprise suprise they haven't answered. I have been all over the web and all I have found are fans who are upset that the show has been cancelled no one thinks ths is a good idea. All it proves is that ITV bosses are not interested in what their veiwers think.