NBC’s ‘Constantine’ Ratings Spike 28%, But Things Could Be Better

NBC’s Constantine has gone from hyped genre TV train to a little engine that just maybe can. The excitement from this past summer, as I’ve written before, has kind of vanished, but there’s a renewed vigor amongst fans on social media to keep the show going after cancellation seemed like a possibility just a few short weeks ago. Executive producer Daniel Cerone tweeted this early this afternoon:

Numbers just in. 1.1 last night in 18-49, our demo. 28% climb. A bloody huge bump. We have YOU to thank. Score 1 for true fans. #Constantine

— Daniel Cerone (@DanielVCerone) November 22, 2014

I’m not sure just how good exactly a 1.1 is, but because it’s Fridays nights I’m sure the rules are a little different. Ratings, ultimately, are a totally archaic and old-school perspective on television and if I had the power I’d do away with them completely. It’s unfair that a small portion of the TV viewing audience dictates what everyone else gets to see. But because that’s how the game is still played, we have to live with it for now.

While the ratings have spiked, there is still a way to go. The numbers could be better, and the show’s quality — while improving — is still erratic and both the storytelling and the filmmaking are kind of messy. It’s a fun show for sure, but stacked against fellow DC series like The Flash and it pales in comparison.

But congratulations are in order to the cast and crew of Constantine for finally being able to etch out their audience and stay in the fight. As you know, I’m a total supporter for the show (as a lover of Power Rangers for two decades, I always root for potential, and Constantine has that in spades). If you haven’t watched it yet now is the time to dive in. Last night’s episode, “Danse Vaudou,” sees the return of Papa Midnite and is easily the best episode of the season so far. That’s kind of a dubious statement since it is only just the fifth episode, but if the upward trajectory in quality that the show-makers have demonstrated continues, we’re bound to be in for a hell of a ride. I can’t wait for next week.

It demands repeating: Constantine has the entire occult corner of the DC Universe covered. While The Flash and Arrow take on superheroes and super beings, Constantine‘s territory is the supernatural. Should the show thrive, we’re going to see characters like Swamp Thing and Zatanna. Without spoiling, we were introduced to Jim Corrigan (played by Emmett Scanlan), and the producers have made it pretty clear that he will be The Spectre eventually.

I reiterate that I am not paid or sponsored in any way by NBC Universal, DC Comics, or anybody involved with the production of Constantine. I’m just a fan who wants good television to stay on the air. You can watch Constantine on NBC, Friday nights at 10 PM EST. Set your DVR or something. Remember, even Arrow was kind of bad at first.