With the introduction of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, it seems that network TV has fast become the most difficult place to produce content. Because major networks depend on advertisements for their budget, low viewership or critical reception can kill a show before it ever really gets on its feet. This was certainly the case for FOX's short lived comedy The Grinder, which starred Fred Savage and Rob Lowe. The family comedy was cancelled after just one season, despite its positive reviews. But now Lowe had hinted that we may not have seen the last of the Sanderson family.
Rob Lowe recently sat down for an interview with BUILD, where the subject of The Grinder was briefly addressed. It looks like early talks are already happening to bring back the series in some capacity, as Lowe said:
I hear a rumor that there may be life to The Grinder in some sort of special or movie or something like that. I don't think you've seen the last of The Grinder because too many people liked it, it was such a good show.
Now this is exciting. While The Grinder likely won't ever return for a full season of programming, a reunion or finale movie may just be in the cards. And considering how many streaming service are currently hoping to purchase properties and cash in, this possibility seems very real.
TV cancellations have never been easy. With each cancellation brings on an entire fandom of fans who will never get the resolution or series finale they're obligated to- especially for longer running series that are suddenly given the axe. But fan outcry upon cancellations has helped to give certain shows new life.
There is perhaps no better example of the power of fans than Netflix's Sense8. The Wachowski's ambitious sci-fi series was a massively expensive undertaking that resulted in only a small but mighty fandom. So when Netflix cancelled the show after two seasons (and a thrilling finale that set up the future of the series), the fans organized. Netflix received countless letters and phone calls about the cancellation, eventually resulting in the streaming service ordering a 2 hour movie to wrap up the story. Additionally, we've seen shows like The Mindy Project and Nashville be given new homes after their respective cancellations, meaning that just about anything is possible these days.
It should be interesting to see where the rumored Grinder special ultimately ends up. FOX has yet to indulge in these sort of reunions, so smart money says that it'll find a place someplace like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon. And considering the star power that comes along with the inclusion of Rob Lowe, I'm sure it'll be able to get produced eventually.
The Grinder is currently available on Netflix, and you can catch Fred Savage on the streaming service's new comedy Friends From College. Be sure to check our summer premiere list to plan your next binge watch.
