It was recently announced that ABC has decided to end long-running procedural Castle after eight seasons. The show has aired every season in the Monday at 10 time slot, though it had a fluke Sunday at 10 airing this season, where it had a series low of a 0.8 A18-49 demo rating. While the show was a
consistent ratings performer, it only averaged a 1.07 A18-49 rating despite having Dancing with the Stars and The Bachelor as a lead-in.
What do you think of this news? What will replace it? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
According to Deadline, Castle star Nathan Fillion has signed on for a potential 9th season of the show, which is suffering from marginal (yet steady) ratings and the loss of its co-lead. Also included in the article was a "heard it through the grapevine" type of news that stated ABC has until the end of
the day tomorrow (Friday May 6th) to make a decision on whether or not they are to bring back Castle. Whether that decision would be released to the public tomorrow as well was not directed addressed.
What do you think? Excited for upfronts and the two weeks to come? Let us know in the comments below!
In what many are calling a shock, co-lead Stana Katic was not even approached to come back for a possible Castle Season 9, nor was Tamala Jones. However, negotiations are underway with lead Nathan Fillion. With Castle being a cop show that also follow's the romance between Castle (Fillion) and Kate (Katic), many fans are upset at the news. Are you? Do you think Castle will be renewed, or is this it? Let us know in the comments below!
Welcome to a segment I call "The Future of the Night". The format is I take a look at a night on the network's schedule, see what could use improvement, and come up with scenarios which could potentially solve it. First, I present a short argument as to why it could work, then play Devil's Advocate with my reasoning, and then present the bottom line. Enjoy, and fee free to leave your opinions by leaving a comment!
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Monday isn't in nearly as bad shape as Sunday, with Dancing with the Stars pulling above-average ratings for two hours of the night (and bridge series The Bachelor is one of ABC's highest rated shows). The 10pm hour has become a little troublesome as of late though, with Castle falling 34% already year-to-year and is barely above fractional. It went as low as a 0.8 when it aired Sunday at 10, away from its cushy lead-in. Even then, it doesn't fully capitalize on Dancing with the Stars, and is way past its heyday (in raw and relative ratings). With all the new dramas failing (Quantico isn't, but even that is barely keeping its head above water), Castle could squeak out a ninth season. Here are some options ABC has for Monday--specifically, Monday at 10--next season.
Option 1: New Drama
Why It Will Work: ABC did so well in the 2014-2015 TV season because they opened up time slots behind their #1 comedy (Modern Family) and their #1 drama (Scandal) and aired two very compatible and promising pilots after them. Since the 9:30 portion of Dancing with the Stars is always either the #1 or #2 highest-rated for the network, why not try to air a new show out of ABC's #1 fall reality series? I would vouch for a soapy drama.
Why It Won't: Why would said new show do any better than Castle is doing when ABC can't get any drama to work this season? Also, Castle has been behind Dancing with the Stars for all 8 of its seasons and could continue to do so next season. Maybe save a new drama for the post-Bachelor spot, but Castle deserves a spot on a schedule where there are already many drama holes.
Bottom Line: I think trying a new drama would be in ABC's best interest Monday at 10. You don't know it's going to fail unless you try, and we already know how Castle will do. Renew Castle for a short final season if contracts can be worked out, and bench it in anticipation of a flop.
Option 2: Castle
Why It Will Work: ABC is known for stability in their schedules, and Castle isn't doing all that bad compared to some of their other dramas. For a ninth season in a row, do a Dancing-Castle lineup and focus on the other nights instead.
Why It Won't: If ABC renewed Castle, puts it on the fall schedule AND airs it in that cushy time slot, they are asking for low ratings. The pairing is past its heyday, and it's time for ABC to move on.
Bottom Line: I actually wouldn't be all that surprised if ABC keeps Castle Monday at 10 next season, assuming they can work out contracts. Do I think it's the right choice? Hard to tell, but it's definitely the safest.
What do you think? Are there any other somewhat-plausible options that I didn't cover? Let me know in the comments below!
You talked, I listened. We've talked a lot about The Muppets, Fresh Off The Boat, Nashville, Last Man Standing, Quantico, Dr.Ken...but some ABC shows have gone largely ignored in the analysis below the table. Today, I'm going to start including more shows, especially considering there wasn't enough data this week to warrant moving any shows anywhere. And also enjoy my Black Friday themed labels.
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Wicked City
Blood & Oil
Castle
Fresh Off The Boat
Last Man Standing
Grey’s Anatomy
The Muppets
Nashville
Quantico
Scandal
The Middle
The Goldbergs
Modern Family
Blackish
Once Upon a Time
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
How to Get Away with Murder
Dr Ken
Why is The Goldbergs "Certain to be Renewed"?
In the past couple years, The Goldbergs went from a mediocre-rated show with less-than-stellar reviews to one of ABC's most reliable, critically-acclaimed shows. It also ranks #4 in the A18-49 demo for all of ABC, and #2 for comedy. In addition, it is in its third season and is only one away
from entering syndication. If I were ABC Family--er, Freeform--I would consider picking it up and airing it alongside The Middle and Last Man Standing. If it gets lucky, it could also go bigger.
Why is The Middle "Certain to be Renewed"?
The Middle is just as reliable as The Goldbergs, just has been doing so for many more years. It has proven to stand the test of time and is ABC's #3 comedy in the A18-49 demo. In addition to the fact that The Middle can always be counted on to lead a night and provide consistency, the cast is already locked in for another season, so it's not like contractual negotiations will break the show. So, The Hecks will be seeing you next year.
Why is Blackish "Certain to be Renewed"?
Even though Blackish is ABC's #4 comedy despite having the best lead-in they could provide, Blackish is still hanging in there at high 1s, and more importantly is the sole ABC Wednesday comedy that is in-house produced. The production company hasn't gotten a comedy to syndication to ages, and they'll finally be able to get one with Blackish. It also did surprisingly well when Modern Family was a rerun (then again Empire was also out of the equation). I think it should move to Tuesday and enjoy a run of mid to high 1s.
Why is Castle "Likely to be Canceled"?
Castle right now has one of the worst averages on ABC, and in addition is in its eight season. It's had a great run, but has lost a lot of viewers over the last couple seasons that due to its serialized nature won't be able to get back. Additionally, contracts I believe are on a year-to-year basis, and it may be getting too expensive. Time to let Dancing with the Stars launch a new show for the first time in eight seasons. After all, only Scandal provides a better lead-in for ABC to a 10pm show.
There you go! Hope you enjoyed my predictions and analysis, and feel free to leave your own in the comments below.
