[MarsHottentot]

There may be a scale of acceptable ratings vs merch sales where there's a balance that keeps everything profitable. If that line isn't met, the show isn't renewed. For instance, word is my beloved Ryukendo had terrible ratings, but healthy merch sales. The show finished the season, but didn't come back for another. I'd say that, if true, that kind of calls the "ratings don't matter" meme into question.