ON THE FENCE
These shows might not return next season
WE are about five weeks away from the major broadcast networks announcing their new fall schedules — which means judgment day for existing shows whose fates are still in limbo.
Many series have already been renewed, including, just last week, CBS’ “Criminal Minds,” whose future was in doubt after 12 seasons on the air. It’s a nervewracking time, though, for the people who work on those other so-called “bubble shows” — series with so-so ratings that the networks could drag along for another season or very easily drop without shocking anyone.
Here’s a look at which shows are in danger of getting the cut come May.
ABC
“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” We know Disney loves Marvel, but with numbers like these (3.6 million viewers for its last episode), it would keep some super-heroics to keep this drama on the air much longer. “American Crime” The low-rated anthology series (only 1.7 million viewers watched Sunday night, though it gains audience with DVR viewership factored in) is ironically the network’s only prestige drama — regularly racking up Emmy nods, including back-to-back awards for star Regina King. So if creator John Ridley wants to do a fourth season, the network likely will let him (despite the ratings). “Quantico” Moving this series to Sunday nights in Season 2 did not improve its performance with a confusing storyline that has turned viewers off. Priyanka Chopra is a star, but with only 4 million viewers tuning into her latest episode, it may be time for “Quantico” to sign off.
FOX
“The Exorcist” This 10-episode sequel to the 1973 film premiered with great fanfare but soon fizzled (its finale drew 3.1 million viewers in seven days). Still, Friday-night shows have lower standards of success, and networks are known to keep lesser-watched genre fare on that night for years (see NBC’s “Grimm”). “Pitch” The female-driven baseball drama struck out in its initial 10-episode run in the fall on Thursdays, airing against ABC’s Shonda Rhimes-heavy lineup and NFL “Thursday Night Football.” But Fox execs were high on the show and could opt to give it an extra inning (perhaps in a new timeslot). “Rosewood” Ratings for the Morris Chesnut procedural have declined in its move to Thursdays for Season 2. Another move to Fridays at midseason indicated that the show was in further trouble. Don’t expect a renewal.
CBS
“Elementary” The modern-day Sherlock Holmes drama was not among the 18 early renewals CBS gave out last month — not a promising sign. The witty detective may soon be closing up shop. “The Great Indoors” Joel McHale’s freshman series has the unhappy distinction of being the network’s only new com- edy not yet renewed for a second season. Still, ratings have been strong (about 7 million viewers per episode), so CBS could toss this one a last-minute lifeline. “2 Broke Girls” That CBS did not include this icky sitcom, now in its sixth season, among its March renewals, speaks volumes — but with a proven track record and a syndication deal, the “Girls” may squeak by for another year of bad jokes.
NBC
“The Blacklist” and “Blindspot” The James Spader drama has lost its spooky edge, judging by its dwindling viewership (4.9 million for its last new episode), while the breathless woman-with-a-tattoo action series (which drew 4.3 million viewers) is pacing slightly behind. Expect NBC to keep only one of them. Edge: “Blacklist.” “Timeless” Without any star power or awards interest, there’s not much reason for the network to invite this time-traveling drama back for another season, especially with soft numbers.