Weekly Roundup: Ratings results and status updates on all the currently airing sci fi & fantasy shows as well as those still awaiting word on their fates. For the latest ratings updates throughout the week, be sure to follow the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site
Ratings Results of Interest: On Sunday, HBO’s Watchmen improved to a 0.33 rating based on same-day viewing in the 18-49 demographic with 934K total viewers. That’s the highest same-day ratings the series has posted in its first season, and it has continued to see strong gains in delayed and digital viewing. The finale wrapped up most of the show’s storylines, so this one could be one-and-done without leaving the audience hanging. But if HBO wants more of the show, the viewership numbers support bringing it back for a second season.
The Crisis on Infinite Earths cross-over continued to draw strong ratings in its second and third parts last week. The Batwoman episode that aired on Monday pulled a 0.6 rating with 1.7 million total viewers, and the continuation on The Flash matched those numbers on Tuesday. Black Lightning also got a boost on Monday with a Crisis-related episode as it improved to a 0.3 rating with 896K total viewers.
>Keep up with all the currently airing sci fi and fantasy shows with our Weekly Listings
On Friday, Syfy’s Van Helsing slipped to a 0.5 rating with 211K total viewers as its future continues to look bleak. On Thursday, Supernatural and Legacies continued to perform well for the fifth place network with each pulling in a 0.3 rating. On Wednesday, The CW’s Nancy Drew slipped to a 0.1 rating with 736K total viewers, and that show’s status may need to be reassessed if it does not improve after returning from hiatus.
On Tuesday, The Purge held at a 0.24 rating with 602K total viewers and it may be doing just enough to get a third season renewal, especially when you factor in delayed viewing (which the cable networks pay more attention to). Over on ABC Emergence remained at a 0.4 rating with 2.7 million total viewers. That one continues to do well in delayed viewing, but the Big Four broadcasts do not weight those stats as heavily (despite what they might say), since they are dependant on ad revenue driven by the same-day viewing.
Most of the other sci fi and fantasy entries were on hiatus or remained mostly steady with the prior week, and you can see the full ratings results for the week at this link, Be sure to follow the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site for the latest results and breaking news and to join the #CancelledSciFiArmy as we fight to save our sci fi shows. For more info on what the ratings mean and how I use them to gauge the status of a show, check our our Cancelled Sci Fi FAQ Page. Ratings Source: ShowBuzzDaily
Renewal and Cancellation Announcements: Coming as no surprise, CBS All Access has announced an early second season renewal for its upcoming series Star Trek Picard. That show focuses on an older Jean-Luc Picard with Patrick Stewart returning to the role he made famous. There has been much early buzz about the series, and it did receive tax credits for filming in California. Early renewals for highly-anticipated shows have become more common of late because that cuts down on the delay between seasons. This can give the show a jump on starting production for its second year which could potentially debut in early 2021.
Freshmen shows on the streaming services tend to have a high renewal rate, but not so with Netflix’s post-apocalyptic comedy Daybreak. Co-creator Aron Coleite has announced on Twitter that the show will not be returning for a second season. A specific reason was not given for the cancellation, but this series received little promotion and almost certainly failed to draw many viewers in the face of stiff competition from a glut of original programming.
Status Updates: The Purge May Hang On for Another Season
Below are the status updates for all the currently airing shows or those still awaiting word on their fate, including those on the streaming services. You can click through to the show pages to see week-over-week ratings results (where available) and find out more information about the series. You can see the status of all the currently airing and returning sci fi TV shows at our Cancellation Watch Page.
Currently Airing / Streaming:
Arrow (CW, Status – Final Season): Arrow wraps up with its eighth season, but The Flash, Supergirl, Batwoman, and more will pick up the torch for the Arrow-verse, and a possible female-led spin-off could be on the way next year.
Batwoman (CW, Status – Renewal Possible): The Fall numbers look good for this show and the network has picked up the Back 9 episodes for its first season as expected. It airs on The CW, aka the Happy Net because it prefers to renew rather than cancel shows (and it has adapted to the 21st century with its focus on digital viewing). Consider a second season a good bet for this show at this point.
Black Lightning (CW, Status – Renewal Possible): Over the past five-plus years, once a show has made it past its second season on The CW, it almost always sticks around for at least seventy episodes no matter the ratings. Black Lightning will reach that point right about the end of its fourth season, so expect this one to stick around at least one more year unless the network decides to shake things up.
Castle Rock (Hulu, Status – Renewal Possible): This show has been generally well-received thus far (it has a 90% Fresh Rating and 73% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes), and since it reboots itself each season, it could stick around for another year or more.
Charmed (CW, Status – Renewal Possible): The numbers are down a bit for this show because of its move to Fridays, but it should do well in digital viewing like it did last season (The CW pays more attention to those stats than the other broadcast networks). At this point, a third season definitely looks like a possibility.
Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (Netflix, Status – Renewal Possible): This show has been well-recieved thus far (currently holding an 86% Fresh Rating and 94% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes) and has a decent chance of returning for a second season if the creative team wish to continue the story.
Daybreak (Netflix, Status – Renewal Possible): As with any Netflix original series, this show has a decent chance of sticking around for a second season. But don’t expect an extended run because the streamer tends to cap off its shows around the third season.
Disenchantment (Netflix, Status – Renewed): This animated comedy has proven popular thus far and has already been renewed for a second season which will comprise two ten-episode runs (on some sites this is being refered to as Season 3 and 4).
Emergence (ABC, Status – On the Bubble): Apparently thirteen episodes was the max planned for this show in its first year, so additional eps will not come this season. But this one has not received a second year nod like Evil on CBS which was also planned for a 13-ep run. I have already moved Emergence to Bubble status which I discuss in more detail at this link, and it could be shifting to Cancellaton Likely soon.
Evil (CBS, Status – Renewed): The early renewal for this one was a bit of a surprise because its ratings have been moderate at best. But perhaps CBS is starting to pay less attention to the same day viewing stats these days.
The Expanse (Amazon, Status – Renewed): This show has moved to Amazon for its fourth season after getting cancelled by Syfy, and the streaming service has already given it a fifth season renewal. The streamers tend to only keep their originals going for three to four seasons, but if this show brings in enough subscribers, it might buck that trend.
The Flash (CW, Status – Renewal Likely): This show returned mostly even with where it was last Spring which is to be expected. It remains The CW’s top-rated series and will become the lead Arrow-verse show with Arrow ending this season. Expect a seventh year and possibly more from this one.
For All Mankind (Apple TV+, Status – Renewed): The early viewership for the new Apple TV+ streaming service is not strong, but could improve as more content is added. But the streamer renewed this show and several others in advance of their premieres, so at least one more season is on the way.
The Good Place (NBC, Status – Final Season): This show has returned with numbers down from last year, but we are pretty much seeing that across the board these days. It is in its final season, so it will at least get the chance to wrap up its storylines.
Harley Quinn (DCU, Status – Renewal Possible): As with the other streaming services, DC Universe does not reveal its viewership numbers. But Harley Quinn should prove popular based on the early buzz. And even if WarnerMedia decides to shut down the DCU platform, I would expect this one to move to the upcoming HBO Max service.
His Dark Materials (HBO, Status – Renewed): This show had a soft start for HBO, but as a joint production with the BBC its viewership in Britain factors in heavily as well. It has already been renewed for a second season, but the audience numbers may need to improve for it to stick around beyond that.
The I-Land (Netflix, Status – Renewal Possible): Early reactions to this show have not been good as it is currently at a 0% Fresh Rating and 27% Audience Score on Rotten Tomatoes. But Netflix did give this one more promotion than it usually does for one of its originals, so they may be more invested in the show and could keep it around for a second season.
Into the Dark (Hulu, Status – Renewed): This show continues to draw good buzz in its second season and Hulu could keep it around for another year or so.
Legacies (CW, Status – Renewal Likely): This show has returned even with last year’s numbers and is currently one of The CW’s better-performing shows. It should continue to do well in digital viewing like it did last season (The CW pays more attention to those stats than the other broadcast networks) and I am moving its status to Renewal Likely.
Mr Robot (USA, Status – Final Season): This show has returned down in its fourth season, which is what we are seeing for pretty much all shows these days. It did receive the final season renewal, though, so it will have the chance to wrap up its storylines.
Nancy Drew (CW, Status – Renewal Possible): The same-day numbers for this show are not great so far, but it will likely make up some of the slack with digital viewing (The CW pays more attention to those stats than the other broadcast networks). The network has picked up the Back 9 episodes for its first season and as a CW show it has a better than average chance for renewal.
Primal (Adult Swim, Status – Renewal Possible): This show’s numbers are decent for a cable series these days, especially one airing at midnight. Five more episodes are planned for the first season and will air in 2020. If the numbers remain where they are at, Adult Swim could bring this one back for a second season.
The Purge (USA, Status – Renewal Possible): This show’s numbers are down from last season, but it may be doing just enough to get it to a third season, especially when you factor in the delayed viewing. A Call to Action from fans on the social networks might give it a boost at it wraps up its second season.
Raising Dion (Netflix, Status – Renewal Possible): As with any Netflix original series, this show has a decent chance of sticking around for a second season. But don’t expect an extended run because the streamer tends to cap off its shows around the third season.
Riverdale (CW, Status – Renewal Likely): The numbers have slipped a bit after this show had a decent fourth season premiere, but it will likely make up the gap in digital viewing which its network pays attention to (unlike the other broadcasters). Plus, one more season gets it to a syndication friendly count of episodes, so expect at least a fifth year from this one if not more.
Runaways (Hulu, Status – Cancelled): This show will be ending with its third season, likely due to the behind the scenes shake-up with Marvel TV getting closed down. But the Disney+ streaming service still has plans for Marvel-related shows, so it is possible these characters could return at some point.
Servant (Apple TV+, Status – Renewed): The early viewership for the new Apple TV+ streaming service is not strong, but could improve as more content is added. But the streamer renewed this show and several others in advance of their premieres, so at least one more season is on the way.
See (Apple TV+, Status – Renewed): The early viewership for the new Apple TV+ streaming service is not strong, but could improve as more content is added. But the streamer renewed this show and several others in advance of their premieres, so at least one more season is on the way.
Star Wars Resistance (Disney, Status – Final Season): The fact that this series never drew much of an audience likely factors into why it is ending after only two seasons. Disney execs claimed that “this was a natural place to end the show with an epic finale” seeing as it leads into the The Rise of Skywalker which debuts in December. But if the ratings had been higher, I’m betting this one would have stuck around for another season or so.
Supergirl (CW, Status – Renewal Possible): This show’s numbers are down from its prior season average, but the network has indicated that they have no plans of ending any of the Arrow-verse shows beyond Arrow at this point. Consider a sixth season a good bet for this one at this point.
Supernatural (CW, Status – Final Season): After a record-busting fifteen-year run, this show will finally be coming to an end. But don’t be surprised if The CW has a spin-off from this one on the schedule for next season.
Titans (DCU, Status – Renewed): As with the other streaming services, DC Universe does not reveal its viewership numbers. But Titans has proven popular for the streamer thus far and has a decent chance of returning for a third season. Even if WarnerMedia decides to shut down the DCU platform, I would expect this one to move to the upcoming HBO Max service seeing as it has already been renewed for a third season.
Van Helsing (Syfy, Status – On the Bubble): The ratings are not great for this show so far in its fourth season, and I have moved it to Bubble status. The network tends to cap off its shows by the fourth or fifth season, so fans should probably rally for this one on the social nets if they want it stick around beyond the current year which I discuss in more length at this link.
The Walking Dead (AMC, Status – Renewed): Yes, this show is at series-low ratings levels, but it is still one of the top-rated scripted shows on television and it has made it past the point where same-day (or even delayed / digital) viewing numbers dictate its fate. It has already been renewed for an eleventh season, and expect more to follow. More on that at this link.
Watchmen (HBO, Status – Renewal Possible): While the same-day viewing numbers for this show remain soft, it is doing very well in delayed and digital viewing. Series creator Damon Lindelof has said the show could only run one season, but I wouldn’t be surprised if HBO were to greenlight a second year at this point.
Season Ended But Still Awaiting Renewal / Cancellation Decision:
Black Mirror (Netflix, Status – Renewal Possible): Netflix tends to end its originals around the three season mark, but this one may be able to hold on longer because the streaming service continues to roll out each new season as a major event.
Final Space (ADSW, Status – Renewal Possible): This show has switched to Adult Swim in its second season which worked out well seeing as its ratings improved by 30% from last year. A third season renewal seems like a good bet for this one.
Mars (NGC, Status – On the Bubble): This show’s same day viewing numbers were down notably in its second year, but it relies more heavily on its global viewership stats. I consider a third season possible, though Nat Geo may decide to wrap it up at that point.
Osmosis (Netflix, Status – Renewal Possible): Another new series on Netflix that has a decent chance of getting renewed for a second season because the streaming service tends to keep its originals around for two to three seasons.
The Rook (Starz, Status – On the Bubble): This show barely registered in the ratings during its first season and I have it at Bubble status. Its international viewership may have more influence on its fate, but it would probably be a good idea for fans to make a Call to Action on the social networks to bring it more attention.
Scream (VH1, Status – On the Bubble): This show actually posted decent numbers for its double-episode season premiere on Monday night, but saw those drop notably the next two nights. Considering the long delay between seasons and the fact that it was shifted to another network, these ratings will likely not encourage Viacom / VH1 to move forward with a fourth season. Fans may want to make a Call to Action on the social nets, though, to see if that can help.
SuperMansion (Crackle, Status – Renewal Possible): There has been no word on a fourth season of this show, but it has done well for Crackle so far and has also performed well in its encore run on Adult Swim. It released another special as recently as April 2019 and that might be its output for a while as the principals try to work in enough time in their schedules to produce more episodes.
The Terror (AMC, Status – On the Bubble): After proving to be a hit for AMC in its first season, this show returned with ratings down notably in its second year. It sure seems like this one should be headed to cancellation, but since it reboots itself each year, perhaps AMC will take a chance on a third season. Fans should make a Call to Action on the social networks to give it a boost.
Tidelands (Netflix, Status – On the Bubble): This Australian-made series arrived in December of last year with little fanfare and there has been no word on it since. Netflix does tend to give its shows at least two seasons, but at this point they may have decided to let the tide go back out.
Two Sentence Horror Stories (CW, Status – Renewal Possible): The debut numbers for this show were pretty low, but still not terrible for a Summer entry on The CW. It’s possible that this one could return for a second season on the fifth place network.
You can see the list of all of this season’s renewals and cancellations at this link.
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