| Person of Interest | |
|---|---|
| Season 1 | |
 Home media cover art | |
| Starring | |
| No. of episodes | 23 |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBS |
| Original release | September 22, 2011 – May 17, 2012 |
| Season chronology | |
The first season of the American television series Person of Interest premiered on September 22, 2011, and ended on May 17, 2012. The season is produced by Kilter Films, Bad Robot, and Warner Bros. Television, with Jonathan Nolan, Greg Plageman, J. J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk serving as executive producers and Plageman serving as showrunner.
The series was ordered to series in May 2011 and stars Jim Caviezel, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Chapman, and Michael Emerson. The series revolves around a mysterious reclusive billionaire computer programmer, Harold Finch, who has developed a computer program for the federal government known as "the Machine" that is capable of collating all sources of information to predict terrorist acts and to identify people planning them. The Machine also identifies perpetrators and victims of other premeditated deadly crimes; however, because the government considers these "irrelevant", Finch programs the Machine to delete this information each night and programs the Machine to notify him secretly of the "irrelevant" numbers. Finch recruits John Reese, a former Green Beret and CIA agent, now presumed dead – to investigate the people identified by the numbers the Machine has provided, and to act accordingly.
The season premiered with a 13-episode order before being given a 9-episode back-order in October 2011.[1] In March 2012, one more episode was ordered, bringing its total to 23 episodes.[2] The series premiere garnered 13.33 million viewers with a 3.1/8 ratings share in the 18–49 demographics, winning its time slot. The season ended with an average of 14.34 million viewers, ranking as the 13th most watched series of the season.[3] The season initially received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its potential while some criticized its characterization and lack of character development. Reception grew more positive as the season went on, with critics highlighting the exploration of mass surveillance and repercussions of its actions, with the season finale particularly receiving acclaim. In March 2012, CBS renewed the series for a second season.[4]
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 25, 2011). "It's Official: CBS Gives Full-Season Orders To 'Person Of Interest' And 'Unforgettable'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
- ^ "CBS Gives Extra Episode to "Person of Interest"". The Futon Critic. March 26, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2021.
- ^ Gorman, Bill (May 13, 2012). "Complete List Of 2011–12 Season TV Show Viewership: 'Sunday Night Football' Tops, Followed By 'American Idol,' 'NCIS' & 'Dancing With The Stars'". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on May 30, 2012. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
- ^ de Moraes, Lisa (March 14, 2012). "CBS picking up most of its primetime slate for next season". The Washington Post. Retrieved March 14, 2012.