Today was a mixed bag for fans of the ABC network.
As far as the good news is concerned, the network announced today that it had renewed American Crime, The Real O’Neals and The Catch.
The Real O’Neals has been a steady performer for the network and is averaging a 1.0 in the all important 18-49 demographic and around 3.5 million viewers. The series will be coming back for a second season.
Renewed for a third season, American Crime is coming off an extremely strong second season and received praise from fans and critics as well as being nominated for several Emmys.
The third season of American Crime will focus on an entirely new crime in a new setting as seen through the eyes of everyone involved.
Shonda Rhimes still rules at ABC as her freshman series The Catch will return for a second season. The Mireille Enos led series has performed well for the network. That’s not the only good news for Shonda. The network has ordered the Shondaland drama Still Star-Crossed to series.
Still Star-Crossed is based on the book by Melinda Taub and picks up where the Romeo & Juliet story ended.
As for the bad news, the network has decided to cancel The Family, Nashville, Agent Carter and somewhat of a surprise, Castle.
Freshman series The Family just never connected with an audience and struggled to gain viewers. The series followed Claire Warren, who is the mayor of Red Pines, Maine and his family.
Coming to an end after four seasons, Nashville was consistently on the bubble during its run at ABC. The season four finale, which will now most likely be seen as the series finale, will air on May 25th.
Although Agent Carter was a critical darling, the show never was able to gain alot of viewers for the network. The season two finale only garnered a 0.7 in the 18-49 demo and 2.35 million viewers. The low ratings seemed to have been the nail in the coffin for the series.
And finally, after eight seasons, Castle will not be returning next year. The interesting thing is that the series was cancelled even though ABC Studios had closed one year deals with Nathan Fillion, Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas. Those deals seemed to suggest that the network was prepared to move forward for at least another season without leading lady Stana Katic and long time cast member Tamala Jones.
**Photo courtesy of ABC/Mitch Haaseth**