Update to Summer 2012 drama ratings ranking - 14 July 12

With the exception of Kuro no Onna Kyoushi and Soumatou Kabushikigaisha, the summer dramas have already aired their first episodes:

1) Kyoto Chiken no Onna 16.0%

2) Ghost Mama Sousasen 15.2%
3) GTO 15.1%
4) Summer Rescue 14.7%
5) Rich Man, Poor Woman 13.9%
6) Iryu Sousa 13.3%
7) Keishichou Sousa Ikka 9 Kakari 13.0%
8) Tokkan / Beautiful Rain 12.9%
9) Iki mo dekinai natsu 12.1%
10) Higashino Keigo Mysteries 11.3%
11) Beginners 8.50%
12) Naniwa Shounen Tanteidan 7.8%
13) Boys On The Run 7.5%
14) Omoni Naitemasu 6.6%
15) VISION Koroshi ga mieru onna 4.1%

Unfortunately, for most of the dramas, their 2nd episodes didn't turn out as well i.e. Naniwa Shounen Tanteidan 6.0%, Higashino Keigo Mysteries 7.8%, Tokkan 10.8%, Keishichou 9 Kakari 9.9% and VISION 3.0%! The prevalent trend we are seeing these days is that single-digit ratings are no longer as rare as in the past and that staying afloat the 10% line is more critical than aiming for above 15% ratings which a drama needs to qualify as a hit. It's a sorry state of things which will most likely get most when the Olympic broadcasts start. Frankly speaking, the ratings aren't a true reflection of how popular or well-received a drama is especially with more people recording their shows to watch at a later time or resorting to online streaming. The thing is, there really isn't any ratings system or survey method to derive the actual reach of a drama so TV ratings become the key indicator despite its flaws. It's rather sad to see some dramas being totally written off because they did badly in the first broadcasts of the episodes but may actually score well in critical reviews, rerun ratings or rate of recordings.

In a sense, WOWOW dramas are luckier because they don't get scrutinised like their competition and being subscriber-paid TV, they probably have a certain degree of flexibility when it comes to censorship and sponsorship issues. In recent years, their brand name is well-established enough to draw quality actors and crew who openly heap praises on WOWOW productions. I wouldn't go to the extent of saying that every WOWOW drama is fantastic but I do like some of those which I've watched because of WOWOW's willingness to delve deep into the issues (sometimes controversial) and an unique and interesting combinations of actors to lift the story to greater heights. NHK dramas are also getting better and being relatively short, it doesn't drag on forever especially when the story is not appealing.