The Exorcist

Status: Cancelled
Aired: 2016-17, Two Seasons Totaling 20 Episodes
Network: FOX
Starring: Alfonso Herrera, Ben Daniels, Geena Davis, Brianne Howey
Series Website: www.fox.com/the-exorcist/

Description: Widely regarded as the greatest horror movie ever made, “The Exorcist” broke box office records and terrified audiences around the world. Now, more than four decades after the Academy Award-nominated film, THE EXORCIST returns as a TV series. Directed by Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”), THE EXORCIST is a propulsive psychological thriller following two very different priests tackling one family’s case of horrifying demonic possession. FATHER TOMAS ORTEGA (Alfonso Herrera, “Sense8,” “The Chosen”) is the new face of the Catholic Church: progressive, ambitious and compassionate. He runs a small but loyal parish in the suburbs of Chicago. He has no idea that his quiet life is about to change forever. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, another priest finds himself locked in a life-and-death struggle with evil. FATHER MARCUS BRENNAN (Ben Daniels, “Flesh and Bone,” “House of Cards”) is a modern-day Templar Knight, an orphan raised since childhood by the Vatican to wage war against its enemies. Father Marcus is everything Father Tomas is not: relentless, abrasive and utterly consumed by his sacred mission. Caught in the middle is the RANCE family, members of Tomas’ parish. On the surface, they’re a normal, suburban family, but all is not as it seems in this household. The patriarch, HENRY RANCE (guest star Alan Ruck, “Spin City,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”), is slowly but surely losing his mind. Eldest daughter KATHERINE (Brianne Howey, SCREAM QUEENS) has become a recluse who refuses to leave her room. Her younger sister, CASEY (Hannah Kasulka, “The Fosters”), thinks she’s hearing strange noises coming from inside the walls. And mother ANGELA (Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Geena Davis, “Commander in Chief,” “Thelma & Louise”) has been plagued by recurring nightmares, each more frightening than the last. Angela believes there is something in the house, a demonic presence, growing stronger by the day. Desperate, she begs Father Tomas for help, unwittingly setting the naïve young priest on a collision course with Father Marcus. Separately, each faces an insurmountable task, but together they become the only hope against an evil force that has been mobilizing for centuries. FOX.com

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Why Was It Cancelled? This show started off with low ratings in its first season, and its renewal announcement after its first year came as a surprise to many. But when it returned in Fall 2017, its numbers slipped further and its chances for another surprise renewal diminished. It did have an active fanbase that came out in support on the social networks during Fall, but apparently the show’s long absence from the schedule (its second season was only ten episodes and wrapped in December) cooled their enthusiasm and I saw little in the way of support as the season end drew near. This show was well-regarded by fans and critics and probably would have played better on one of the cable channels or streaming services. It will almost certainly develop a cult following and be considering yet another great show that was cancelled too soon.

Season to Date (StD) Ratings Results:

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2016-17 Season Ratings Results:

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