Heroes

Heroes began its second season slightly below expectations considering the global level of hype over the show.  Keeping things in perspective, Heroes definitely has its coasting numbers at around 12 million viewers, but with the hoopla spraying all over the show it is a bit surprising that it did not secure numbers in line with NBC's new science fiction entry, Bionic Woman.





One possible explanation for Heroes' reduced numbers is the fact that the shows target demo, young men between the age of 18 and 34, where standing in line at Walmarts around the country for their chance to buy the newly minted Halo 3.

The video game consumer market is very much the same bunch of consumers that would be expected to be glued to their TV sets awaiting Heroes' triumphant return.   Thankfully for them, most of them have Tivo and there is only one chance at getting Halo on opening day.  Heroes brand wranglers identifies this market so readily that the UbiSoft game based on the series has been put on the fast track.

Halo 3 sold over $170m worth of units in the first 24 hours, many of them to lines of fans who had been waiting all day for the games midnight debut.  Every one of them a potential Heroes fan. The DVR numbers have not gone public for Heroes just yet, but it is safe to assume there was some kind of impact on Heroes viewer ship since the markets are parallel in their range of interests.  

The true impact of the Halo 3 release can be gauged by next weeks numbers when Heroes returns with its second episode of the season, “Lizards.”  If the Halo effect had impact, the numbers should be considerably up.  If not, then the lingering disappointment over the rush to resolution in Heroes first season finale may have to be re-examined.

- Jon Lachonis, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of NBC)