ABC's 'Of Kings And Prophets' Fails To Draw Ratings In Premiere

Executives at ABC (Walt Disney Co DIS) quickly became aware the writing was on the wall for the network's "Of Kings And Prophets" as early as last summer when the series was delayed for retooling.

Tuesday night, the revamped version had its series premiere and the numbers were anything but heavenly. The series was sampled by just 3.3 million viewers and drew a 18–49 demo rating of 0.8.

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Any series that can't even muster a 1.0 to start is likely on borrowed time, especially given previously timeslot inhabitant "Wicked City" bowed to a 0.9 rated and was quickly cancelled not long after.

Tuesdays at 10 p.m. have long been a sore spot for ABC. Last year, the network ran rookie "Forever" in that slot, but cancelled it when its season finale slipped to 4 million viewers and 1.1 rating. "Prophets" flop rubs even more salt in the wounds considering two years ago, cult favorite "Body Of Proof" was cancelled despite pulling 7.6 million viewers and 1.2 rating in the same time period.

Originally slated to air on Sunday nights, ABC decided "Prophets" needed more time and instead switched rookie "Quantico" into that slot. The CIA thriller has since enjoyed a breakout run and recently became the only rookie series to score an early renewal for a second season.