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Shonda Rhimes’ freshman mid-season replacement Scandal has earned a second season pickup; Rhimes’ veteran series ‘Private Practice‘ will return for what will likely be its final season. Dana Delany’s Body of Proof will return for a third season.
The political drama Scandal, starring Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn, and Katie Lowes took over the 10PM Thursday timeslot, long held by Private Practice (which was bumped to Tuesdays). The series has performed well, averaging nearly 7 million viewers over the first six episodes. Many fans suspected ABC wouldn’t renew both series, a false assumption denounced by Rhimes on numerous occasions.
Private Practice was given a 13-episode order.
Crime procedural Body of Proof’s season finale drew 10 million viewers with a 1.9 demo. While not a highly buzzed series, it drew well enough to secure a 13-episode order for a third season.
These series join fellow dramas Revenge, Once Upon a Time, Grey’s Anatomy and Castle, which were renewed yesterday.
Unfortunately for many fans (including me), the much buzzed GCB won’t return for a second season. Given the highly coveted post-Desperate Housewives timeslot, the network was banking on the soapy dramedy to replace Housewives, which airs its season finale this Sunday. GCB started with a solid 7.5 million viewers (2.2/6 demo in 18-49), which dipped to 5.56 million (1.8/5 demo in 18-49) by the May 6 season finale.
Series also getting the axe: The River (which dried up weeks ago) and period drama Pan Am (which last aired in January). River shed 3 million viewers from its premiere on February 7 (7.59 million) to its finale on March 20 (3.99 million).
Such a shame about GCB. It was my entire familys favorite show. I think I’m going to tune ABC out completely. What’s the point in getting invested in a show knowing that they are probably going to cancel it anyway?