We are right at the end of the second month of 2016 and things are coming into slightly better focus for the sci fi / fantasy shows currently airing. There have only been two official cancellations this season, though several more shows are heading in the direction. We should know the final fates of all the broadcast network shows by the Upfronts in May (more on that at this link), but in the mean time the Power Rankings give you a good guide as to where your favorite shows currently stand.
Biggest Movers: Jumping up in the rankings since the last set of Power Rankings was USA’s Colony due to its second season renewal. It beat the Network Executioner and doesn’t have to mix with the rabble again until it is back in play next year. Slipping down notably due to sliding and or fluctuating ratings are Supergirl, Limitless, and The 100. Also slipping was Into the Badlands because the lack of a renewal announcement is starting to make me nervous and also Legends of Tomorrow because that one may come back in a different (less expensive) team-up format next year. You can read more about each of these shows in their entries below. Most of the other movement in the rankings was incidental based on the movement of these and other shows.
New Entries: Both Syfy’s The Magicians and FOX’s Lucifer have now entered the rankings with the former already getting renewed and the latter looking decent at the moment.
Cancelled Shows: CBS cancelled Angel from Hell a couple of weeks ago, so it goes down below the list. Also, I am assuming at this point that Syfy’s Olympus has been cancelled (though there has been no official word), but maybe the Canadian Super Channel will decide to keep the show going.
Doomwatch: This category tracks shows that are currently in the Renewed Category but that head into their new seasons on thin ice because of their shaky performances in the prior season. The Leftovers, Agents of SHIELD, Sleepy Hollow, and The Last Man on Earth were all on the list before the Fall season began and that first one will end after its third year while the other three are all still struggling (though I am liking the chances of AoS better now). In the Fall Finale rankings, I had Person of Interest, 12 Monkeys, Agent Carter, and The 100 all as Doomwatch entries. The first two remain in that status as they still have not returned for their new seasons (and I have already moved PoI into the Likely to Get Cancelled category). Agent Carter returned at disastrously low levels and may not be able to beat the odds a second time. The 100 looked good with its first few episodes, but has since dropped off and is now back to Bubble status.
So now on to the rankings.
What the Rankings Measure: The shows on this list are ranked by those least likely to get cancelled to those most likely to get cancelled, and these rankings are all about gauging a show’s likelihood of beating the Network Executioner.
Shows Included: These rankings show all the active and returning sci fi / fantasy shows. Though, this is limited to ones whose renewal / cancellation decisions are more heavily influenced by their ratings in the U.S., so imports like Bitten, Orphan Black, and Doctor Who will not be included here. Also note that Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. entries will not be included here because the streaming services do not share their viewership numbers, making it hard to rank their shows. The shows that will be on the list will be those airing in the current season or those from prior seasons that will be returning at some point. New shows will typically not make it to the list until they have aired at least two episodes (because I have to have some numbers to gauge them by). Also, shows in their final season like Beauty and the Beast will typically not be included because they are already on their way out (that one is in the post-rankings section, though).
Categories: The list is broken into the following groups (descriptions found below and at this link): Unassailable, Renewed, Sure to Get Renewed, Likely to Get Renewed, Renewal Possible, On the Bubble, and Likely to Get Cancelled (though not all of those categories will be used each time). And then there are also the recently cancelled or ended shows at the bottom of the list.
Renewed Shows: Note that in most cases, renewed shows will be ranked above those that have yet to receive a renewal even if their renewal was iffy and/or they under-performed while airing. Basically, once a show has earned a renewal, then it has won the battle against cancellation (which is what these rankings are all about), at least until the next season starts. At that point its ranking will typically slip down as it joins the non-renewed rabble and re-enters the battle against the Network Executioner. Those shows in the Unassailable category are exempt from this though because they are performing well enough that they are almost guaranteed another season.
Additional Info: The number in parenthesis next to the show’s rank represents its prior position in the Power Rankings. This list will come out once per month, usually during the later half of the month. Note that there are a lot of sci fi / fantasy shows airing these days, so if I missed one or two go easy on me and just let me know in the comments so that I can make the proper adjustments. For more information on the rankings and some of the terms used below, go to this link.
February 2016 Sci Fi TV Power Rankings:
Unassailable: These are the shows that face no chance of cancellation (short of extenuating circumstances and/or an unprecedented ratings collapse) in their current/upcoming season and likely beyond that as well.
1 (1) The Walking Dead (AMC) Airing Status: Active, Airing 6th Season
Avg Rating: 6.7 Prior Season Rating: 7.4 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Strong Ratings
Cons: Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: Strong Social Net Presence
It returned down for its mid-season premiere, but it is still the top rated scripted show on all of television. There has been some grumbling about the writing during the first half of season, but we have seen that in past seasons as well. When you are on top, people are quick to find flaws. But I expect The Walking Dead to remain at the top of these rankings for several more years.
2 (2) Game of Thrones (HBO) Airing Status: Returning, 6th Season Airs Spring 2016
Avg Rating: 3.5 Prior Season Rating: 3.7 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Strong Ratings, YOY Ratings Incease
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: Pay Cable Series, Strong Social Net Presence
It will be interesting to see how the ratings slump impacts this show when it returns in April. I expect to see a drop in its numbers, but nothing major. And word is that they are looking at wrapping up the show around Season 8 (hey Mr. Martin, how about wrapping up the last couple of books as well), so momentum should easily carry it at least that far.
3 (3) The Flash (CW) Airing Status: Active, Airing 2nd Season
Avg Rating: 1.4 Prior Season Rating: 1.4 Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Consistent Ratings, Relative Ratings, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: Social Net Presence
Even though this show is currently airing and not officially renewed yet, it gets the privilege of not having to mix with the rabble because its ratings remain strong and it is in the Unassailable category. A renewal is all but guaranteed, and then that gets its to third season show status meaning that this one should just race right into a fourth year as well.
4 (4) Fear the Walking Dead (AMC) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 3.9 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Strong Ratings, Recognized Franchise
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: Strong Social Net Presence
It didn’t match the ratings of its parent show, but it was still the top rated non-sports shows on television during its six episode first season. And I believe that it has at least two more years in it before zombie rot will start to set in. It returns for its second season in April
5 (5) Arrow (CW) Airing Status: Active, Airing 2nd Season
Avg Rating: 1.0 Prior Season Rating: 1.0 Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Decent Ratings, Relative Ratings, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: Social Net Presence
While not quite as high as spin-off series The Flash, the numbers for Arrow have been rather strong (for a CW entry) in its fourth season. A fifth year is all but assured at this point with a sixth as a good bet as well as this one anchors the most popular superhero franchise on television at the moment.
6 (6) Teen Wolf (MTV) Airing Status: Active, Airing 5th Season
Avg Rating: 0.4 Prior Season Rating: 0.5 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings
Cons: Ratings Decline in Season, Ratings Decline YOY
Intangibles: Strong Social Net Presence
Its numbers are down this year and and hasn’t been registering as strong on the social networks either, so this show has definitely lost some of its luster. It has already been renewed for a sixth season which will get it to an episode count of between 90 and 100, decent for a syndication run. Whether they wrap it up at that point remains to be seen, and this one will move out of the Unassailable category after its current season ends.
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Renewed: These shows have received their renewal notice and even though they may have performed below some of the active, non-renewed shows, they have won the game against the Network Executioner for now and are considered safe until they start their upcoming seasons.
7 (7) The Last Ship (TNT) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd Season Airs Summer 2016
Avg Rating: 0.7 Prior Season Rating: 1.1 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Good Ratings
Cons: Ratings Declines YOY, High Production Costs
Intangibles: n/a
It performed well enough to get a third season and I was tempted to move it up to the unassailable category. But its ratings dropped in its second year (likely due to the current ratings slump environment) and it is an expensive show to produce. Still, I would put good odds on it cruising into a fourth year.
8 (8) American Horror Story (FX) Airing Status: Returning, 6th Season Airs Fall 2016
Avg Rating: 1.5 Prior Season Rating: 1.9 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings
Cons: Ratings Decline in Season, Ratings Decline YOY
Intangibles: Social Net Presence
This series definitely lost a lot of steam in its fifth season despite the stunt casting of Lady Gaga. It got the sixth season renewal nod, but it’s not impossible that will be its last or maybe it gets a final seventh season to tie all the storylines together (because the creators claim that are all linked somehow).
9 (9) Outlander (Starz) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.3 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings
Cons: Ratings Decline in Season
Intangibles: Pay Cable Series, Social Net Presence
This show slipped some during the second half of its first season, but it still did well enough for its network especially considering the current slump across the cable channels. If it holds steady in its second season then it should be okay.
10 (10) Star Wars Rebels (DXD) Airing Status: Active, Airing 2nd Season
Avg Rating: 0.1 Prior Season Rating: 0.1 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Recognized Franchise
Cons: Low Ratings in 18-49 Demo
Intangibles: n/a
The third season renewal came as expected. It may not generate as many episodes as Star Wars: The Clone Wars did (over 120 for that one) because that’s just not the way animated shows typically roll these days. But it has at least a few more years in it.
11 (42) Colony (USA) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 0.4 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Recognized Star
It got the renewal nod despite somewhat moderate ratings. Likely the show has international financing backing it to a degree and maybe that will help carry it along for a few years.
12 (11) Humans (AMC) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs Spring 2016
Avg Rating: 0.4 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, International Partnership, Moderate Production Costs
Cons: Mediocre Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
This show definitely did not deliver The Walking Dead sized ratings (they air on the same network), but it apparently did well enough to get renewed. AMC is partners with the British Channel 4 on the series and it has performed quite well over there. It is also a relatively inexpensive show to produce, so it could stick around for a few more seasons.
13 (12) Guardians of the Galaxy (DXD) Airing Status: Returning, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 0.1 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Recognized Franchise
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: n/a
Like Star Wars: Rebels, this show lives on its merchandising as much as its ratings and I’m betting it has at least a couple more seasons in it.
14 (13) The Librarians (TNT) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd Season Airs Fall 2016
Avg Rating: 0.5 Prior Season Rating: 0.9 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings
Cons: Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: Recognized Franchise
The third season renewal for this show came as no surprise even though its ratings were down year over year. It still did well enough against stiff competition on Sundays (The Walking Dead and NFL Football) and I believe it will remain a staple for TNT at the holiday time each year (and we want Bruce Campbell back as Santa).
15 (14) Ash vs Evil Dead (Starz) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs Fall 2016
Avg Rating: 0.2 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Recognized Franchise
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: Pay Cable Series
It didn’t count as a breakout hit for Starz, but it brought plenty of buzz and and was well received by fans and critics. Plus, I’m betting its not an expensive series to produce (Raimi and co. know how to work on the cheap when necessary), so I see another couple of seasons at least from this one.
16 (15) Dark Matter (Syfy) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.2 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, International Partnership
Cons: Mediocre Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: DVR Gains, International Financing?
The renewal for this show did not come as a big surprise despite its low ratings because Syfy partners with the Canadian Space Channel and I hear that Dark Matter has performed quite well up north. And the current arrangement might be enough to keep this show around for a few more years.
17 (16) Killjoys (Syfy) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.2 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, International Partnership
Cons: Mediocre Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: International Financing?
The ratings for this show were even lower than Syfy’s other Summer space show Dark Matter, but the network has the same partnership on Killjoys with the Canadian Space Channel. So that should help both shows stick around for a few years at least.
18 (17) Penny Dreadful (SHOW) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.2 Prior Season Rating: 0.3 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Low Ratings Expectations?
Cons: Low Ratings, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: Pay Cable Series, International Financing?
This one didn’t build its audience from its first season like I was thinking Showtime would want. But it has developed some decent buzz from fans and critics and apparently the network believed in it enough to give it a third season renewal. It may have international financing backing it as well.
19 (18) Wayward Pines (FOX) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 1.1 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: n/a
FOX referred to this as a “huge hit” for the Summer 2015 season, but they sure took their time announcing its second season renewal. Perhaps that’s because they were trying to work out things around M. Night Shyamalan’s schedule. Or perhaps because the ratings were truly only decent for a Summer series and they were trying to decide if it was worth it to bring the show back for a second round. It did get the nod, though, so we will see how it does when it returns.
20 (19) From Dusk Till Dawn (El Rey) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.1 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Low Ratings Expectations?
Cons: Low Ratings
Intangibles: Recognized Franchise
The third season renewal for this one came as no surprise because the fledgling El Rey network is looking less at the ratings and more and establishing its brand. And this one fits right in with where that cabler is going.
21 (20) The Strain (FX) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd Season Airs Summer 2016
Avg Rating: 0.6 Prior Season Rating: 1.0 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Well Known Creator?
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: n/a
This show got the third year renewal nod, but its numbers were definitely down from its first season. That can be chalked up in part to the ratings slump hitting the cable channels this past Summer, but it will at least need to hold steady when it returns if it wants a fourth season.
22 (21) Scream (MTV) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.3 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Recognized Franchise
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
The renewal for this show was not a sure thing as it slipped into the “ratings noise” level that we are seeing from many of the cable shows these days. But apparently it did well enough with MTV’s target younger demographic and they decided to stick with it for another season.
23 (22) Salem (WGN) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.1 Prior Season Rating: 0.1 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Low Ratings Expectations?
Cons: Low Ratings
Intangibles: International Financing?
This was another, low-flying, “ratings noise” show that managed to win the game and get another season. It apparently has international financing backing it, but at some point you would think its network would want more people tuning in on a weekly basis to the live broadcasts.
24 (23) Z Nation (Syfy) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd Season Airs Fall 2016
Avg Rating: 0.3 Prior Season Rating: 0.5 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings, Low Production Costs, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Delinces in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: n/a
This one got the third season renewal, but it definitely does not count as a strong contender for Syfy at the moment. It is an inexpensive show produce because it comes from The Asylum, so maybe these ratings are enough to keep it afloat for another year or so.
25 (n/a) The Magicians (Syfy) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 0.3 Prior Season Rating: 0.5 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Online Viewership? Recognized Franchise?
This series started out in January performing quite well for a Syfy series, but its numbers have since slipped. Still, it got the renewal nod which was no surprise because this network appears to be giving almost all of its shows at least two seasons to prove themselves these days. This one has also been getting some good buzz, so maybe that will help it build its audience.
26 (24) The Expanse (Syfy) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs Fall 2016
Avg Rating: 0.2 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Recognized Franchise
Cons: Low Ratings
Intangibles: Online Viewership? International Financing?
The second season renewal for this show, despite low numbers for linear viewing, was not a huge surprise because it is a high profile series and Syfy has been giving almost all of its shows two seasons of late to prove themselves. They also did a heavy push for digital viewing on this one and claimed those numbers were very good. It delivers the epic space show that genre fans have been clamoring for, so hopefully it will continue to build its audience and manage to stick around for several more seasons.
27 (25) Zoo (CBS) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs Summer 2016
Avg Rating: 1.1 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Moderate
Pros: Renewed, Decent Debut Ratings, Netflix Partnership
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
It got the second season renewal, but it didn’t count as a strong ratings contender this last Summer. It needs to at least hold steady next year else it will join recently cancelled Extant as another CBS Summer two-seasons-and-out entry.
28 (26) Scream Queens (FOX) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs Fall 2016
Avg Rating: 1.1 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Mediocre Debut Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
I believe there are two reasons this low-rated show got renewed for a second season. One, FOX didn’t want to count its Fall schedule as a complete disaster and this one at least showed some life with the younger 18 to 34 demographic and attracted attention on the social networks. Two, I believe they plan on tacking it onto the American Horror Story syndication package since the network owns both shows (and they come from the same creative team). Don’t expect much more beyond the second season of Scream Queens, though, if its numbers stay low.
29 (27) Stitchers (ABC Family) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.3 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed
Cons: Moderate Debut Ratings, Ratings Decline in Season, Mediocre Ratings
Intangibles: International Financing?
Yet another “ratings noise” show that earned a renewal which was a bit surprising considering it regularly lost over half the audience of its lead-in (though arguably it’s not the best pairing with Pretty Little Liars). But apparently ABC Family (now Freeform) liked Stitchers enough to keep it around for another season, so we will see how long it can hang in there.
*DOOMWATCH* 30 (28) 12 Monkeys (Syfy) Airing Status: Returning, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.2 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: Renewed, Recognized Franchise
Cons: Low Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: International Financing?
This show barely registered in the ratings during its first season and I believe the only reason it is coming back is that Syfy has given almost all of its shows two seasons to prove themselves the last few years. It has developed some decent buzz, but unless that translates into increased ratings (or significant digital viewing), I believe this one will follow in the same path as other recent Syfy two-season-and-out shows like Helix and Dominion.
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Sure to Get Renewed: These shows have performed well enough in the ratings or are in the syndication stretch and are all but guaranteed a renewal short of unforeseen circumstances.
31 (29) The X-Files (FOX) Airing Status: Completed 10th Season
Avg Rating: 3.2 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Strong Ratings, Recognized Franchise
Cons: n/a
Intangibles: Strong Social Net Presence
This show was a hit in the ratings, though there was plenty of grumbling among fans and critics over the quality of the episodes. The cliffhanger ending proves that FOX’s “limited run” line was just BS, and you know the network will be actively negotiating with the cast and crew to get this back on the schedule next season.
32 (31) Supernatural (CW) Airing Status: Active, Airing 11th Season
Avg Rating: 0.7 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Relative Ratings, Long Running Franchise, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
This show continues to pull decent numbers for the fifth place network and there has been no announcement about this being its last season. So we can pretty much assume a twelfth year is in the bag.
33 (36) Once Upon A Time (ABC) Airing Status: Active, Airing 5th Season
Avg Rating: 1.6 Prior Season Rating: 2.2 Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Relative Ratings, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: Recognized Franchise
This one slipped notably at the end of Fall and does not return from hiatus until next month. But even if the numbers remain low, I believe that ABC will give it one more season (possibly a partial year) to wrap up all its storylines.
34 (33) The Originals (CW) Airing Status: Active, Airing 3rd Season
Avg Rating: 0.4 Prior Season Rating: 0.6 Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Third Season Show, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: n/a
Because of its third season show status, consider this one a lock for a fourth year. But based on its continued drop-off in performance, I’m betting that will be its last.
35 (34) Vampire Diaries (CW) Airing Status: Active, Airing 7th Season
Avg Rating: 0.5 Prior Season Rating: 0.7 Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: Lost Lead Actress
Since The CW has not announced this as the show’s final season yet, consider and eighth year pretty much a sure thing. But that will almost certainly be its last and could be as short as six episodes.
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Likely to Get Renewed: These shows have performed well enough so far in their current season that a renewal seems almost assured.
36 (39) Shadowhunters (ABCF) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 0.5 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Good Ratings, Recognized Franchise
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Social Net Presence
This show has performed above the “ratings nose” levels and better than Stitchers which was renewed by the same network last Summer. Everything points to it coming back for a second season.
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Renewal Possible: These shows may not be top performers, but are currently doing well enough for their networks that renewal looks like a possibility.
37 (32) Into the Badlands (AMC) Airing Status: Completed 1st Season
Avg Rating: 1.8 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Strong Debut Ratings
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
Where’s our renewal announcement for this show? It did well enough in the ratings, even after it didn’t have The Walking Dead as its lead-in. Series star Daniel Wu has claimed that the show has been renewed for a 2nd season, but there has been no official word. This is likely an expensive series to produce, so maybe they are trying to work out budget concerns. I have dropped this one down from the Sure to Get Renewed category to Renewal Possible and if there is still no word by the next set of rankings then this one goes to Bubble status.
38 (30) Legends of Tomorrow (CW) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 1.0 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Good Ratings, Recognized Franchise
Cons: High Production Costs, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Social Net Presence
This show’s numbers are good for the fifth place network, but are they good enough to justify the high production costs? I’ve heard that The CW could go a different direction with the team-up concept next season, so they could play the “limited run” card on this one. But if it holds steady, I think it has a decent chance of coming back in a similar format, just maybe with less heroes and sfx demands.
39 (37) Gotham (FOX) Airing Status: Active, Airing 2nd Season
Avg Rating: 1.5 Prior Season Rating: 2.2 Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Relative Ratings
Cons: Ratings Declines YOY, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Recognized Franchise
Based on this show’s Fall performance, it seemed sure to get renewed. But FOX’s overall ratings have improved since January and if Gotham comes back at the same ratings levels that may have it in a tentative status. It all depends on how it performs once it returns from hiatus, but the fact that FOX has to fill in space on the schedule for the departing American Idol next season could help its chances.
40 (37) Lucifer (FOX) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 1.8 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Strong Debut Ratings
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
The numbers looked really good for this one when it debuted, but they have slipped each week. The X-Files provided a strong lead-in, but Lucifer‘s fate will hinge upon how it performs once Gotham returns to the Monday 8 PM EST timeslot. If it slips much further, it may need a deal from the Devil to keep it going for a second season, though the fact that FOX has to fill in space on the schedule for the departing American Idol next season could help its chances.
41 (35) Supergirl (CBS) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 1.8 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Low
Pros: Strong Debut Ratings
Cons: High Production Costs, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Recognized Franchise
This show’s numbers keep fluctuating which is not a good thing for a genre entry on CBS. That network already dropped the ax on Angel from Hell despite the fact that the show wasn’t doing that bad in the ratings. Supergirl is definitely an expensive show to produce and it’s a bit out of place on a network known for procedurals and sitcoms. It needs to hold at around the 1.8 ratings level based on the overnights for the 18-49 demographic (and yes, the networks are looking at those numbers). Otherwise this show will slip down to Bubble status by the next set of rankings.
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On the Bubble: These shows have delivered moderately low numbers which could put their renewal chances in jeopardy.
42 (45) Agents of SHIELD (ABC) Airing Status: Active, Airing 3rd Season
Avg Rating: 1.4 Prior Season Rating: 1.6 Cancellation Alert: Moderate
Pros: Recognized Franchise, Third Season Show, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY, High Production Costs
Intangibles: Support from Disney
I’m liking this show’s chances for a fourth season better now, which I go into in more detail at this link. I still don’t think it is guaranteed as some claim (due to its third season show status), but I believe Disney will keep it around long enough to hand off the Avengers television tie-in baton to upcoming Marvel’s Most Wanted.
43 (41) The Shannara Chronicles (MTV) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 0.4 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Moderate
Pros: Recognized Franchise
Cons: Mediocre Ratings, High Production Costs
Intangibles: n/a
I’m guessing this show has international financing backing it that will help it into a second season, but that is only an assumption on my part. If not, these numbers are pretty low for what is likely an expensive show to produce.
44 (40) The 100 (CW) Airing Status: Active, 3rd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.6 Prior Season Rating: 0.5 Cancellation Alert: Moderate
Pros: Renewed, Relative Ratings, Network Owned/Co-Owned, Ratings Increase YOY
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Social Net Presence
This show started out its third season with its best numbers since its first year, but the ratings have since dropped off. The CW’s network boss already called this one out last year and said that it needed to build up its audience. At its current levels, I’m thinking its chances are not great considering all the development that network currently has in the pipeline. And it doesn’t get the coveted third season show status because of its shortened episode runs. This is a Call to Action show and fans need to step up now to help keep it going.
45 (44) iZombie (CW) Airing Status: Active, Airing 2nd Season
Avg Rating: 0.6 Prior Season Rating: 0.7 Cancellation Alert: Moderate
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines YOY, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
The numbers remain low for this show as it continues to lose a large chunk of the audience from its Flash lead-in. With all the development The CW currently has in the pipeline, I have a hard time seeing them keep this ratings slacker around for a third year. It is a Call to Action show and fans need to speak out in support of it now.
46 (38) Limitless (CBS) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 1.4 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Moderate
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Poor Scheduling
Intangibles: n/a
This show was doing quite well during the first half of the season, then the network’s scheduling hi jinks kicked in with multiple preemptions and reruns and its numbers have dropped notably. Considering its season to date average is right about the same as what Angel from Hell had before it was cancelled, I’m not liking the chances for Limitless on sci fi-averse CBS at the moment. This one is a Call to Action show and fans need to make some noise to help it build back its audience.
47 (48) Galavant (ABC) Airing Status: Season Ended, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.6 Prior Season Rating: 1.3 Cancellation Alert: Moderate
Pros: n/a
Cons: Ratings Declines YOY, Ratings Declines in Season, Historically Low Ratings
Intangibles: Low Ratings Expectations?
By all rights, this show should be in the Likely to Get Cancelled category because it performed at historically low levels for a Big Four broadcast network show during its second season. But it lived a charmed life last season and maybe that happens again. I wouldn’t count on it, though.
48 (46) Grimm (NBC) Airing Status: Active, 5th Season Airs Fall 2015
Avg Rating: 0.9 Prior Season Rating: 1.2 Cancellation Alert: Medium
Pros: Relative Ratings, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: n/a
This show is at all-times lows and it is performing well below its network’s ratings average, even taking into account the fact that it airs on low viewership Fridays. At best, it gets a shortened sixth season to tie up all its storylines. But it may not even get that unless a Call to Action from fans keeps it alive.
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Likely to Get Cancelled: These shows have seriously under-performed in their current season and appear surely headed to cancellation.
49 (47) Agent Carter (ABC) Airing Status: Active, 2nd Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 0.8 Prior Season Rating: 1.4 Cancellation Alert: Medium
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines YOY, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: Support from Disney
This show beat the odds last year, largely because it had ABC’s owner Disney on its side. But its already low ratings have dropped by almost half in its second season and I don’t see how the network can justify keeping it around, especially since it is probably not cheap to produce. A Call to Action from fans could help, but I believe its best bet now is to hope Netflix will grab it for a third season run (seeing as that streaming service want to expand their Marvel-based original shows).
50 (49) The Last Man on Earth (FOX) Airing Status: Active, Airing 2nd Season
Avg Rating: 1.3 Prior Season Rating: 1.6 Cancellation Alert: Elevated
Pros: Low Production Costs?, Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Decline in Season, Ratings Decline YOY
Intangibles: n/a
This show was in limbo for a while, but it finally got a return date of March 6th. If its numbers remain low, though, it may only have a burn-off run ahead of it. A Call to Action from fans may help, especially considering it is likely not that expensive to produce.
*DOOMWATCH* 52 (50) Person of Interest (CBS) Airing Status: Returning, 5th Season Airs 2016
Avg Rating: 1.5 Prior Season Rating: 2.0 Cancellation Alert: Renewed
Pros: n/a
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: n/a
It hasn’t returned for its fifth season yet, and it still doesn’t have a scheduled return date suggesting it is in its final year. The creative team approached it with that in mind, though, so expect them to wrap up as many of its storylines as possible. And it has had a good run with a chance to go out on its own terms, so there can’t be too much disappointment in that.
53 (53) Sleepy Hollow (FOX) Airing Status: Active, Airing 3rd Season
Avg Rating: 0.9 Prior Season Rating: 1.5 Cancellation Alert: High
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: n/a
There was a glimmer of hope when this show’s numbers improved with its first Friday airing, but they have since dropped too far for FOX to consider keeping this one going. It doesn’t get the coveted third season show status because of its shortened episode orders and for all practical purposes it is just burning off its remaining eps on Friday.
54 (52) Second Chance (FOX) Airing Status: Active, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 0.8 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: High
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Low Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season, Moved to Fridays
Intangibles: n/a
This is basically a dead show walking that is burning off its remaining episodes on Friday.
55 (54) Minority Report (FOX) Airing Status: Season Ended, Completed 1st Season
Avg Rating: 0.7 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: High
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Poor Debut Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
The pre-cogs have already seen the future, and a second season of this show is not part of it. This show is currently cancelled in all but name.
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Recently Cancelled, Ended, or in Final Season: Currently or recently airing shows that have already been cancelled or that have ended or that are in or headed into their final season.
Angel from Hell (CBS) Airing Status: Cancelled, Airing 1st Season
Avg Rating: 1.4 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Cancelled
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Mediocre Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
Seriously CBS? The numbers for this one weren’t all that bad, and yet you just yank it from the schedule? As I have said before, it doesn’t pay to be a genre show on that network and it looks like Person of Interest will by following Angel from Hell to the Network Executioner and possibly Limitless as well. Fans are trying to save AfH, and since its numbers weren’t too bad maybe TBS or one of the streaming services will take a flyer on it.
Beauty and the Beast (CW) Airing Status: Returning, 4th and Final Season Airs Summer 2016
Avg Rating: 0.2 Prior Season Rating: 0.3 Cancellation Alert: Final Season
Pros: International Financing and Syndication
Cons: Low Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season, Ratings Declines YOY
Intangibles: Social Net Presence
Apparently there was a point that this show could sink to that would lead The CW to give up on it. It does at least get a fourth and final season in Summer 2016, though that won’t bring it to the episode count that the domestic syndication market prefers to see. It apparently plays well internationally, though, so maybe not as many episodes are required in that market.
Heroes Reborn (NBC) Airing Status: Cancelled
Avg Rating: 1.2 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Cancelled
Pros: Network Owned/Co-Owned
Cons: Mediocre Debut Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: n/a
I thought there might be a chance that NBC would stick with this one for at least one more year because the will make money on it in the long run when it gets tacked on to the Heroes syndication package and it plugs up a difficult timeslot for them. But apparently it was too costly to keep around at the ratings level it was pulling. It will at least provide some resolution to the cliffhanger the original series ended on and it will live on in syndication with that show.
The Leftovers (HBO) Airing Status: Returning, 3rd and Final Season Airs Fall 2016
Avg Rating: 0.3 Prior Season Rating: 0.8 Cancellation Alert: Final Season
Pros: n/a
Cons: Ratings Decline in Season, Ratings Decline YOY
Intangibles: Pay Cable Series, International Financing?
Give HBO some credit for at least allowing this one a final season after it plummeted in the ratings during its second year (and it already had mediocre numbers in its first season). The acclaim it received in its second year probably helped and HBO isn’t as quick to ax shows as the broadcast networks. So the fans will at least get some resolution from its final season.
Olympus (Syfy) Airing Status: Cancelled
Avg Rating: 0.1 Prior Season Rating: n/a Cancellation Alert: Cancelled
Pros: Low Ratings Expectations?
Cons: Low Ratings, Ratings Declines in Season
Intangibles: International Financing?
Still no official word on this show even though it has been almost a full year since its first season debuted. I am working on the assumption that Syfy will not be bringing it back. Whether the Canadian Super Channel elects to greenlight a second season remains to be seen, but I would not bet to highly on that.
