2017’s upfronts, that time of year when the fate of your favorite television shows are decided in a flurry of cancellations and renewals, are in full swing, and to no one’s surprise, Modern Family is coming out on top. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the ABC darling has been renewed for seasons 9 and 10 (a total of 44 episodes), and the entire main cast is getting a hefty raise. The ten main cast members currently rake in about $350,000 an episode plus a portion of the show’s profits, but it’s still a far cry from Big Bang Theory money.
Fans of The CW’s iZombie and The Originals will also be pleased to know that both have been renewed by the network for another season, proving that something other than superhero shows can thrive (even if iZombie is technically a DC property). Another upfront winner is NBC’s Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D., a combined franchise that has been the cornerstone of the network for some time now. According to THR, no decision has been made for the fourth part of the Windy City puzzle, Chicago Justice, or Law & Order: SVU, but the last one at least feels like a safe bet.
Some shows, however, were not quite so lucky. Despite finding a fun rhythm during its freshman series, Timeless was axed by NBC on a cliffhanger. ABC continued to clean house by putting an end to Tim Allen’s Last Man Standing, a show that your dad has been enjoying for six seasons of mediocrity. Additionally, Fox put the final nail in the coffin on Sleepy Hollow, a show that started out surprisingly strong but never recovered after losing its lead, Nicole Beharie.
Upfronts are certainly far from over. Are you favorite shows safe, or are you still afraid of that damn bubble bursting?
UPDATE:
Fox has added some more good news to the pile, renewing both The Last Man On Earth and Gotham for another season. There was some concern over the future of Will Forte’s post-apocalyptic sitcom following its finale, but now we won’t have to worry about a cliffhanger closing out the entire series.
UPDATE:
Once Upon a Time won’t be disappearing next season. ABC has granted the fairytale drama a second season. Also picked up? Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD, the rookie Katy Mixon comedy American Housewife and the hit drama Designated Survivor. It wasn’t good news for the bubble shows, though. American Crime, Imaginary Mary, Dr. Ken, Secrets and Lies, The Catch, and The Real O’Neals have all been axed.
Follow our list of renewals, cancellations, and new show pick ups for updates.
