I don't see why people are surprised at the poor ratings. After all, it IS Fox....their track record of producing television that bombs is pretty unmatched:
'The Chevy Chase Show' (1993)
One of the worst hype-to-return ratios in modern TV history belongs to this ill-conceived, poorly received late-night venture that lasted for only five weeks in the fall of 1993. Cover-your-eyes bad.
'Pauly' (1997)
Someone at FOX apparently decided that in 1997 -- after "Jury Duty" and "Bio-Dome" -- that it was a good idea to give Pauly Shore his own sitcom. The viewers thought differently.
'Who Wants to Marry a Multi-Millionaire?' (2000)
Aside from being an affront to feminism, good taste, and the notion that love should be a part of marriage, this one-off special at the dawn of the reality TV era hit several other lows: Groom Rick Rockwell wasn't even a mono-millionaire, let alone a multi-millionaire. There was also the domestic-violence allegation against him that somehow didn't come up in the background check. Bride Darva Conger would later say she and Rockwell never consummated their marriage, which was annulled. She went on to pose for Playboy.
'Married by America' (2003)
Five single people allowed the viewing public to pick their future spouses for them, then had their relationships judged by "experts" who booted one couple each week until the final two could decide on their own whether they wanted to get hitched. Shocking exactly zero people, neither couple chose to stay together.
'The Littlest Groom' (2004)
FOX's alternative programming division really had it out for "The Bachelor" in 2003 and '04, throwing up several dating shows with different hooks. The little people featured on this two-week special managed to keep their dignity intact, despite the silly framework the network put around them.
'Head Cases' (2005)
A buddy dramedy about two lawyers (Chris O'Donnell and Adam Goldberg) who've just been released from a mental institution and decide to open their own practice? What could possibly go wrong? Oh, right.