The new procedural drama TV series on CBS, “Bull,” is doing well in terms of viewership ratings during the first nine episodes of its debut season following its official premiere on September 20, 2016.
“Bull” has gone on a winter hiatus after airing its ninth and winter finale episode on December 13, 2016. CBS has yet to announce when “Bull” will return to the air for the second half of its 22-episode Season 1 full order.
Because of the absence of an official air date for the second half of “Bull” Season 1, there have been rumors that the TV series has already been canceled especially coming on the heels of negative reviews that critics gave the show. However, after a close look at how well the show fared in the ratings, it seems that “Bull” will continue with its run.
According to TV Series Finale, “Bull” got a respectable 1.64 rating for the most sought-after viewer demographics of between 18 to 49 years old. However, it has been keenly noted by critics that the show’s ratings on the same demographics have been on a decline from its debut episode up to episode 9.
The first episode of “Bull” Season 1 had the highest rating of 2.21 while the ninth episode only had 1.44 rating.
But what is impressive is the average 12.45 million viewers it got for all its nine episodes, which would be more than enough for CBS to justify not only its decision to make the full episode order for Season 1 but perhaps renew the TV series for at least one more season.
Despite its excellent ratings, “Bull” got a beating from the critics, who mostly churned out negative reviews to the new CBS drama. In fact, Rotten Tomatoes has given the TV series a score of only 24% with an average rating of 4 out of 10 based on 21 reviews.
Critics noted that Michael Weatherly’s performance in “Bull” is top-notch but not enough to save the show that relies too heavily on a well-worn series of legal show tropes and an off-putting premise.
Metacritic also gave the show a 43 out of 100 based on reviews from 11 critics, indicating a mixed or average reviews.
Drawing inspiration from Doctor Phil
“Bull” revolves around the brash and charming Doctor Jason Bull, played by Michael Weatherly, who combines psychology, human intuition, and high-tech data to learn what makes jurors, attorneys, witnesses, and the accused tick.
After playing second fiddle to Mark Harmon on “NCIS” for 13 seasons, Michael Weatherly is now coming into his own in “Bull.”
He is drawing able support from his team members that include Freddy Rodriguez, Geneva Carr, Jaime Lee Kirchner, Annabelle Attanasio, and Christopher Jackson.
“Bull” is actually inspired by the early career of the now very popular Doctor Phil McGraw, who has practically become a household name. Interestingly, there is an uncanny resemblance between the real Doctor Phil and actor Michael Weatherly, which is why he was chosen for the role, critics note.
A copy of a copy of a copy
A little too much of a copy of a copy of a copy, “Bull” is a drama inspired by Dr. Phil McGraw’s jury consulting youth, instead set in the present and featuring a main character whose resemblance to Dr. Phil is limited to a basic sharing of organs or orifices, points out The Hollywood Reporter.
In the pilot episode, Dr. Bull is shown running Trial Analysis Corporation, a company which employs a team of experts to help out-think the justice system, utilizing the highest of technology to eliminate all chance when it comes to things like jury selection, witness preparation, and case presentation.
Benny, played by Freddy Rodriguez, is a defense attorney who specializes in elaborate mock trials and making fun of Dr. Bull for having been married to his sister.