According to Zap2It, the ratings for the Better Call Saul’s latest episode set a record low for the series. “Witness’s” one-and-a-half million viewers netted a 0.5 rating, two-tenths lower than season three’s premiere. However, I have a theory as to why the ratings have been so low.

Better Call Saul’s Delayed Start the Problem?

Mike Ehrmantraut (Jonathan Banks) in Episode 2 Photo by Michele K. Short/Sony Pictures Television/AMC

Season’s one and two of Better Call Saul premiered in mid-February. Perhaps the fact that season three was delayed until April 10th has led to this decrease in ratings. The biggest impact of the delay was on Better Call Saul’s competition. Instead of airing during the post-Super Bowl lull of professional sports, Better Call Saul has had to go up against Major League Baseball and the NBA Playoffs. Both of these are sure to have robbed some of the show’s audience. Additionally, the competition has included a head-to-head match up with Bates Motel’s final season. Viewers who are fans of both programs will likely prioritize the final episodes of a series over Better Call Saul’s early season three episodes.

Fortunately, Bates Motel’s fifth and final season will conclude this upcoming Monday, potentially giving Better Call Saul a boost in future weeks. However, the NBA Playoffs figure to be a factor the entire season. Because of this, Better Call Saul likely won’t match its numbers from season two.

As I noted last week, ratings shouldn’t incite panic over a potential cancellation. After Breaking Bad, I’m sure AMC will allow Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould to carry out their vision as long as they see fit. News regarding a season four renewal should come after season three’s fifth or sixth episode.

Chuck McGill (Michael McKean) and Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk) in Episode 2 Photo by Michele K. Short/Sony Pictures Television/AMC

Better Call Saul will return Monday with “Sunk Costs” at 10/9c on AMC. Check in with us throughout the weekend for the latest news and opinions on all things Saul!