The Verdict - Two More New Fall Shows Are Axed. Early Network Cancellations Are Not As Uncommon As You May Think.

The Verdict - Two More New Fall Shows Are Axed

By: MattInRC

Not one but two new fall shows fall to the axe as NBC cleans house. And more are on the way.

It's one thing to have to have the first new show of the fall season cancelled (ABC's Lucky Seven) but to have two NBC shows cancelled at the same time is interesting. It was learned Friday that the network had cancelled both Ironside and Welcome to the Family, outdoing the single rejects from ABC and CBS (We are Men). NBC had been late to the cancellation party, but the news on Friday sent a clear message: if you don't have the immediate audience numbers, we'll move on with something else. For now, that 'something else' is repeats of favorite shows (CBS will re-run Big Bang Theory while NBC will air new episodes of The Voice and Dateline), while the networks reload. Late-season replacements - shows originally deemed not good enough for the fall run but now suddenly look appealing - are probably on the horizon. NBC will soon air Dracula and FOX (who has yet to announce cancellations) is adding the Karl Urban cop show Almost Human.

Our theory about early numbers seems to pen out, especially when you compare cancellations from previous years. According to IMDB, 5 shows from the 2011-2012 season were cancelled by October 20th, and 3 were axed by this time last season. None of them were viewed as 'hit status' potential to begin with, and each experienced poor early ratings that continued to decline before being fed to the sharks. While it's not abnormal to see shows cancelled early in their runs, imagine if NBC had pulled the plug on season 1 of Seinfeld, or had killed off Star Trek after just two episodes. Potential fans have little time to access programming, especially if the network has already deemed a show to be filler for an upcoming premiere. This seems short-sighted to us, as shows need time to cultivate viewers - whether Hollywood really cares or is driven by ad revenue is anyone's guess. But, the facts are plain: if you show doesn't get the viewers, it will be axed.

More appear ready for the chopping block. Betrayal, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland, Nashville, The Neighbors, Trophy Wife, and Super Fun Night are all hurting for ratings, along with veteran shows like The Good Wife, The Mentalist, and Revolution. In fact, 12 or more shows could be cancelled by Christmas, and we haven't discussed cable shows that could see the same fate. No matter what happens, this is shaping up to be an interesting year for television.

What Fall shows do you predict will be cancelled? Comment below and join the conversation!

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