Cancellation Watch: Status updates for the sci fi and fantasy shows on the broadcast networks, cable channels, and streaming services as well as breaking news on the currently airing, returning, and upcoming genre entries.
Status Updates
The Penguin (HBO, Status: Mini-Series): This spin-off from The Batman got off to a good start, pulling in 5.3 million viewers for its debut on Sunday across all platforms according to HBO. This one is being billed as a mini-series, and Colin Farrell has expressed doubt about returning to the role, but if viewership remains strong and the network throws enough money at him, perhaps it could continue into a second season.
Twilight of the Gods (Netflix, Status: Renewal Possible): This animated fantasy from Zack Snyder did not make it into the Netflix Top 10 for the week of its premiere. As I have mentioned before in this space, animated entries tend to not draw as many viewers, though it is possible that Netflix was hoping Snyder’s name might boost viewership. TelevisionStats.com is currently showing the show with an engagement score close to 13 which they count as “good”, so perhaps this one will stick around for a second season.
KAOS (Netflix, Status: Renewal Possible): This urban fantasy now has four weeks in a row in the Netflix Top 10, most recently at the Number 7 slot with 14.5 million total viewers across 2.2 million households. Considering it has also been getting some really good buzz, I have to believe that its chances for a second-season renewal are improving and we could hear an announcement at any point.
Futurama (Hulu, Status: Renewed): This sci fi comedy from Matt Groening was in the Nielsen Streaming Rankings for a second week in a row, pulling in an estimated 369 million minutes of viewing. That is good for an animated entry and this one has already been renewed through its fourteenth season.
You can see the status of all the shows from the current season at our Cancellation Watch Page.
Cancellation/Renewal Score:
Last week brought the announcement that AMC’s Orphan Black: Echoes would not continue to a second year as we continue to see the number of cancellations increase for the 2023-24 season with no additional renewals so far. The score is currently at 28 cancelled and ending sci fi and fantasy entries (36% of shows tracked) vs. 36 renewed (46%). There are still fourteen shows from that season waiting for word on their fates, with eight On the Bubble. Below are last season’s numbers, and you can see the list of shows and keep up with the score for the current and prior seasons throughout the week at our Cancellation Watch Page.
| Show Count | 78 | ||
| Cancelled | 21 | 26.9% | |
| Ending | 7 | 9.0% | 35.9% |
| Renewed | 36 | 46.2% | |
| On the Bubble | 8 | 10.3% | |
| Renewal Possible | 6 | 7.7% | |
| Mini-Series | 6 |
Be sure to follow the Cancelled Sci Fi Twitter Site for breaking news and updates. And for the latest news and discussions on sci fi and fantasy television, follow r/SciFiTV
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.
