The TV landscape is a fickle thing as viewers decide whether or not to tune into new and returning series. With that being said, it is prime time to check back into the status of programs spanning the big networks, cable, and premium cable. Shall we?
CBS is a fan of Limitless, the new fall drama that’s based on the 2011 Bradley Cooper film; it has received the Back 9 order that lifts its episode count to a full-season 22. The same can be said for ensemble sitcom Life in Pieces.
NBC is injecting even more life into its solid performers Blindspot, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Law & Order: SVU. All four dramas–including Blindspot, which was previously granted a full season order–have been allotted one extra episode, upping their respective seasons from 22 to 23 episodes. Elsewhere on the Peacock network, underperformers The Player and Truth Be Told are getting episodes taken away from them. The Wesley Snipes casino drama is seeing its episode count reduced from 13 to 9, and the barely-on-the-radar sitcom is shedding three episodes seeing its total drop from 13 to 10.
Over on FOX, Tuesday night sitcoms Grandfathered and The Grinder led by John Stamos and Rob Lowe, respectively, have both received Back 9 orders, thus sealing their fates to last at least until May of next year.
More updates from ABC, FX, AMC, Starz, and HBO after the break.
ABC‘s Dr. Ken has become the first new comedy of the season to receive a full season order. The network is also showing confidence in The Muppets by ordering three additional episodes, upping the season’s episode count to 16. Sure, it’s not a true Back 9, but that’s not an omen by any means; ABC intended The Muppets to have a limited run because it has more new sitcoms waiting in the wings for a timeslot. New Sunday soap Blood & Oil doesn’t seem to be catching fire and the Alphabet network is taking notice; its episode count has been reduced from 13 to 10. Last, ABC is over The Whispers; following a forgettable freshman summer run, the sci-fi drama has been cancelled.
This next update serves as a personal loss. FX has opted not to bring back Married for a third season. Starring Nat Faxon and Judy Greer, this particular series put marriage life under the microscope and the result was some fantastic half-hours brimming with realistic takes on balancing work, relationships, and family life. It was always subtle in delivery, and its all-star supporting cast including Brett Gelman, John Hodgman, Paul Reiser, Jenny Slate, and Sarah Burns could make you laugh and make you empathize with ease. It wasn’t a perfect series by any means, but it tried and ultimately succeeded in shedding light on the trials and tribulations of married life.
You can categorize this one in the DUH department. AMC has renewed The Walking Dead for a seventh season. Talking Dead will return, too. In premium cable land, Starz renewed Ash vs. Evil Dead for a second season three days before premiering the Sam Raimi series. And finally, after renewing it for a second season back in July, HBO is reversing its decision and cancelling the Jack Black and Tim Robbins-led comedy The Brink.