Math-Based Crime Drama ‘Numbers’ Could Not Compute its Way to Success
A Unique Premise and Strong Start
Dabbling in criminal psyches is common for many drama series. Then came “Numbers” (stylized as Numb3rs), where solving crimes hinged on mathematical equations. The brainchild of Ridley Scott and his late brother, Tony Scott, this CBS drama debuted in 2005. It starred David Krumholtz as Charlie Eppes, a mathematical wunderkind aiding his FBI agent brother, Don, played by Rob Morrow. Together, they unraveled cases that stumped the bureau.
“Numbers” had a blazing start, particularly during its first two seasons, claiming victory for CBS on Friday nights. However, like a mathematical approach, the show’s acclaim fizzled out algorithmically. It did a final lap for a truncated Season 6 before signing off for good. A definite ‘proof’ that the numbers didn’t stack up right.
Inspirations and Family Dynamics
“Numbers” borrowed inspiration from Bill Nye, the Science Guy, as admitted by creators Nicolas Falacci and Cheryl Heuton. They envisioned “Numbers” to ignite interest in math and science. In its first episode, Charlie uses math to help Don catch a serial killer responsible for 13 unsolved murders. It was a triumph of equations over human intuition.
The show also explored the dynamics between the Eppes brothers and their father, Alan, played by Judd Hirsch. Despite disagreements, their bond kept them from becoming fractions of a family.
Ratings Highs and Lows
CBS was all in for “Numbers” from the start in 2005. After the AFC Championship Game that year, the network gave it a Sunday slot. A solid crowd of 44.3 million tuned in for the match, and a fourth stayed for the pilot episode of “Numbers”. With an average viewership of nearly 12.56 million per episode, the network replayed it until Season 2 began.
However, the stride of the series began to falter. The competitive television world, a writers’ guild strike, and the growing popularity of DVRs dented the show’s ratings. Despite briefly bouncing back, the numbers did not add up as before for “Numbers”.
Attempts at Revival and Legacy
Undeterred by the series’ cancellation, Krumholtz earnestly tried for a reboot. Although his attempts bore no fruit, it showed his determination for equations. He has now joined the cast of “Law & Order: SVU” after starring in the Oscar-winning film, “Oppenheimer”.
Despite “Numbers” being pulled off CBS’ Friday night roster, it held its ground in the cutthroat world of television dramas for a respectable run. The show demonstrated that not all crime series are clones and that math can bring thrill and suspense. A reboot is unnecessary for vindication of its uniqueness. Numbers may come and go, but the respect for the series will always ‘add up’.
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Image credit: collider.com
