The unintelligent and unpleasant new TV series Cavemen (ABC), Carpoolers (ABC), and Cane (CBS) all lost ground in the ratings this week, with Cavemen down by about 25 percent below the previous week and Carpoolers falling 20 percent. The CBS drama Cane lost another 8 percent over the previous week, for a total drop of 23 percent from its premiere three weeks ago.

Also falling was the already low-rated CW series Reaper. Despite its producers’ attempt to put a cheerful, somewhat comic demeanor on the drama series, Reaper has been unable to overcome the disturbing premise of the central character’s soul having been sold to the devil.

All told, the week’s ratings provide further evidence that audiences are not looking for dark, disturbing programs and are in fact actively avoiding them.