Before “Grey’s Anatomy” dominated Thursday night television, there was another medical show that reigned for years: “ER.” This Thursday, “ER,” the second-longest-running drama behind “Law and Order,” will air its 300th episode. However, the prime time drama may be celebrating its last episode marker as well, with rumors that the show is slated to end.
Click to watch the trailer for the 300th episode
Started in 1994, the show was originally based on a novel by Michael Crichton, the writer of “Jurassic Park.” The show was originally going to be a movie directed by Steven Spielberg. When Spielberg went to direct “Jurassic Park,” the show was handed over to NBC where Spielberg remained a producer. Since then, it has yet to move from its Thursday night time slot. Although the time slot has remained the same, the cast hasn’t. Originally the show included Anthony Edwards, George Clooney and Sherry Stringfield. The show, much like “Grey’s Anatomy,” featured heart-pounding medical situations mixed with the romantic drama of the dreamy cast members. When Clooney left the show in 1995 to pursue his movie career, the show held on to the top ratings for a few more years.
One of the main causes for the ratings decline of “ER” was NBC’s loss of the Thursday night market. Shows such as “Friends” and “Seinfeld” dominated Thursday night television on NBC, providing a great leftover audience for “ER,” which followed them with its 10 p.m. time slot. Audiences began to shift to other television dramas including “CSI” and “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2005, losing even more “ER” viewers.
“ER” has tried to rebound by adding new cast members like John Stamos for it’s 13th season, but there seems to be no saving it. Earlier this season the longest running cast member Laura Innes, who started on season two, left the show.
Click to see John Stamos and Maura Tiereny talk about the 300th episode
With none of the original cast members, it makes one wonder why NBC didn’t just give the show a new name. Then, maybe people wouldn’t be asking, “Is that show still on the air?” At this point, the show has transformed so much that it is hard to believe that “ER” was once the top-rated show on television.
With 13 seasons under its belt, many think it is time to say goodbye to “ER.” Recently, MSNBC rated “ER” one of the five shows that should be cancelled, along with “Survivor,” “24” and “The Simpsons.” At this point, not even a team of doctors could save this medical drama.
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