Let’s talk a little about renewal chances for network shows. First, High Potential, which for some reason has not been renewed yet, continues to grow, now pulling in over 6M viewers on linear, and 12M across platforms, doubling its audience and up from last year. There’s no chance ABC cancels this. The Rookie is also at an all time series high, with the last episode hitting nearly 10M viewers in its live +7 numbers. A ninth season is also extremely likely. Will Trent on the other hand fluctuates a bit, but is the lowest of the three, and instead of audience growth, it is a steady performer. It doesn’t necessarily scream cancellation, but with a new procedural premiering tonight, RJ Decker. Should Decker overperform, perhaps Will Trent might be in danger. Also at ABC, American Idol, which admittedly has pulled in much higher viewership throughout its run seems to be up a bit from last season, and with next season being the 25th season, aBC would be crazy to axe it. Dancing With The Stars also is above its previous season. Shifting Gears has rebounded a bit, though it’s important to note that Season 1 saw half its audience disappear by the end, so even a miniscule bump up is still lower than its premiere. Shifting Gears also has a critically low 18-49 appeal, and the Scrubs revival, which admittedly could decline, is showing an improvement in that demographic. It is possible though that the ratings for the Scrubs revival could crater, so it is too soon to tell. Shifting Gears cast has been given promising feedback, without an official renewal, telling cast members they can keep their stuff on set between seasons, if needed. Abbott Elementary is still the highest rated sitcom for ABC, and continues to rise. the 18-49 number could be higher, but as Abbott continues to be one of a few network shows with any awards buzz, I can’t see it ending. Abbott Elementary oddly hasn’t been renewed yet. Grey’s Anatomy is 0.2 in 18-49, and the ratings here at least in live +7 isn’t great. ABC must be benefitting from a different metric, to keep this juggernaut going. It’s down from the previous season. 911 did 8M in live +7, is also skewing up, shockingly, considering the age and exit of a series regular last season. 911 Nashville isn’t doing as well, and could be an easy cut for ABC, if they’re looking for a free spot.
TV Shows Watched: The Beast And Me: S1E? (Netflix) with audio description, Will Trent: S4E5 (Disney Plus) with audio description, Hijack: S2E4 (Apple) with audio description, Neighbors: S1E1 (HBO MAX) with audio description, Stumble: S1E6 (Peacock) with audio description, and Last Week Tonight: Most Recent (HBO MAX) no audio description yet
The Beast And Me- We flashback and see what happened to Maddie, how and why Brian was investigating to begin with, and answers all the questions about the extent of evil in certain characters. The audio description here was terrific, often brutally so. I know it has been out for a minute, but I still don’t want to overly spoil, so I’ll say the use of the word concave was chilling when it was used.
Will Trent- Two cases being worked. One of them involves the death of someone tied to a matchmaker, and the other is a brazen heist. One of the gang finds themselves in a compromising situation that will bleed into the next episode. Honestly, I was like “Damn”, when they did a 180 on that character. I was hoping for a longer arc for the right reasons, much like how Will now has a girlfriend, who while she isn’t present in every episode, he can reference. Considering there’s a focus on tattoos here, the AD needed to come through, and it kinda did. There’s a specific tattoo that’s important, but when the artist identifies her work, she also sees another tattoo that isn’t hers but it isn’t described. It doesn’t make or break the plot, but it does matter to the advancement, though most will be able to easily follow what is happening.
Hijack- Man, I really just do not like this season. I’m sure there’s a reason and a twist, but when someone tries to help out of the passengers, much like he did in Season 1, he’s so condescending to her, and not really in a way that reflects the guy we met last season. I’m intrigued to see how they make this all make sense, but at face value, it is a huge turnoff this season.
Neighbors- An interesting series focusing on conflicts between neighbors that are at a critical level worth putting on TV. The first episode is a battle over beachfront property, and tangentially involves a Backstreet Boy. He doesn’t appear directly in the episode, because Brian Litrell is not insane. the AD here is actually done fairly well for a docuseries. I’m impressed. Could it be better? Sure. But, there’s a lot here. Perhaps a greater focus/reminder of who is talking, though the structure of the show isn’t talking head format, and people don’t get lost as easily.
Stumble- It’s war between two old pals, as one squad tells the other to Bring It On. In my life, I need St Dennis Medical the most of the NBC shows. Stumble is right behind that with the new RJ Deakins series.The AD here is fine, but often fights its format, like St Dennis Medical does. You feel it missing a joke or two, because it lacks the space.
Last Week tonight- John Oliver spends a little mentioning the war, then launches into a dressing down of Cash Patel, followed by a full segment on Police. Mostly Body Cams, but Police. There was no way to throw a full Iran segment together, and I’m sure they realize it’s not going away, and they can get to it when they have a better structure.