Syfy is defying expectations to start out the new year. Despite the many cancellations we are seeing from other networks, Syfy–which has a reputation for cancelling shows–has gone the other direction and renewed two of its originals, one of which is somewhat of a surprise. The cable net has given a third season renewal to its horror series Chucky, and a second season renewal to its vampire dramedy Reginald The Vampire.
The renewal for Chucky does not come as much of a surprise despite the fact that its numbers are down notably year-over-year. I predicted as recently as last week’s Cancellation Watch column that the show would get a third season nod because it is a high-profile continuation of an existing franchise and NBCUniversal has a stake in the show so they will make money on encore runs. According to Deadline, NBCU claims the show is one of the Top 10 dramas from last year in the 18-49 demographic, but I am not certain where they are getting their numbers. Its same-day ratings dropped by 28% from its first season, and that includes its simulcast on USA. I still expected that the show would get at least one more season, though it is possible that it could continue to a fourth year and more.
More surprising is the renewal for Reginald The Vampire. That show typically lost 70% or more of the lead-in audience from Chucky and only averaged a 0.04 rating based on same-day viewing for the 18-49 demographic across its first season. I moved it to Bubble status early in its run, though I never pushed it to Cancellation Likely in the case that it had international financing and/or syndication deals keeping it viable. This is an acquisition for Syfy, and the only way the network makes money is from advertising which is driven by the same-day ratings. But if the show has other deals in place which keep its license fees down, perhaps it is worth keeping it around. It may also be doing well in digital and delayed viewing (those numbers have not been shared), and perhaps it will be able to grow its audience in its second season. Syfy is notorious for not promoting shows like this (even though Reginald did receive more marketing than I typically see for that network’s acquisitions), and fans should take to the social networks to bring it more attention ahead of its second season release. Both Reginald The Vampire and Chucky will be returning later this year.
Chucky follows the continuing story of the killer doll of the title as he crosses paths with archenemies, old allies, and new prey. It stars Zackary Arthur, Björgvin Arnarson, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Teo Briones, and Brad Dourif and it is based on the Child’s Play film franchise.
Reginald The Vampire follows a vampire who does not quite fit in with the other beautiful, fit, and vain bloodsuckers but who discovers that he has some special powers that will help him survive. It stars Jacob Batalon, Mandela Van Peebles, Em Haine, Georgia Waters, and Marguerite Hanna and it is based on the Fat Vampire series of books by Johnny B. Truant.
The new year has just begun with more renewals and cancellations on the way, so be sure to stay tuned to this site for news and updates. You can see the status of all the currently airing and returning sci fi and fantasy shows on our Cancellation Watch Page. And be sure to follow the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site for breaking news.
CancelledSciFi.com: Keep up with the status updates of all the currently airing sci fi and fantasy shows with our Cancellation Watch posts. And be sure to follow the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site for breaking news and updates.
SciFiTVSite.com: Follow our Sci Fi TV Schedule for all the currently airing and upcoming sci fi and fantasy television shows, and you can see the premieres for all the upcoming genre entries at this link.
