While it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that The Last Man on Earth is getting a second season, stranger things have happened on network TV in recent years. But instead of harping on mistakes of the past and mourning shows that we loved, this is an occasion to rejoice as the adventures of Phil Miller, Carol Pilbasian, Melissa Shart and friggin’ Todd will continue beyond this season’s 13 episodes. According to Deadline, while the show’s ratings haven’t been huge, they have been consistent and strong enough to make Last Man the No. 1 new comedy for adults 18-34 and men 18-49. Additionally, DVR and online viewing numbers made renewing this series an easy choice for Fox.
More than anything, this is a victory for absurd comedy on network TV, as the success of a show like The Last Man on Earth could convince Fox and other networks to keep taking chances on ridiculous ideas. Sure, Sara Evans and her kids might be throwing their televisions on the bonfire after this news, but for people who love watching a fictional character go insane from jealousy and his hilariously strange “wife,” this is a step in the right direction.
Also, it’s just good comedy having a character named Shart.
