It's that renewal/cancellation time of year again on the small screen, and viewers have no choice except to wait for news of whether or not their favorite shows will score renewals to return in the future. Fox just axed a number of its shows, but NBC has some very good news for fans of two of its shows. World of Dance and Blindspot will both be back on the Peacock Network for at least one more season. Here's what we know.
Both renewals come as surprises, although for very different reasons. World of Dance was a huge hit when it premiered on NBC, and it ultimately ranked as one of the most-watched TV shows of last summer. It therefore was not exactly a shock when NBC renewed World of Dance for Season 2 after only five episodes had aired. What is somewhat shocking is how early World of Dance has been renewed for Season 3.
Season 2 of World of Dance doesn't premiere until Tuesday, May 29, alongside Season 13 of America's Got Talent. NBC is undoubtedly counting on at least a large chunk of the show's Season 1 audience returning for Season 2. Given that it was the most-watched new summer alternative series in 10 years when it premiered and summer primetime lineups tend to be short on exciting content, the odds are pretty good that World of Dance can continue to perform well in the next two seasons.
The show has a premise that probably won't get old any time soon. World of Dance gives talented dancers the chance to show off their skills in front of a judging panel comprised of legendary dancers Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough of Dancing with the Stars fame, and NE-YO as well as mentor/host Jenna Dewan. With $1 million up for grabs, the stakes are quite high. The second show to get a renewal is a surprise for a different reason.
Blindspot had a spot on our list of big network shows in danger of being cancelled (some of which have already gotten the axe from their networks), and the odds weren't looking too great for the Jaimie Alexander-starring drama to last beyond Season 3. The series started out to massive ratings, but the numbers began to peter out as the seasons passed. The show was moved to Friday nights for Season 3, which is never a good sign.
In many cases, the Friday night slot is where network shows go to die, and TVLine reports Blindspot only averaged a grand total of 3.5 million viewers and a disappointing 0.7 in the key 18-49 age demographic. That said, Blindspot has been consistent, and that may be what gave NBC the faith to keep it on the airwaves. There's no news at this point as to whether Blindspot will move to a different time slot for Season 4, but my money is on it sticking where it is. Just because Fridays didn't prove so safe for Taken doesn't mean Blindspot can't find a home there in the long run.
Be sure to check back with CinemaBlend periodically for the latest news on renewals and cancellations. More are undoubtedly in store for the coming weeks. For what shows will be back on the airwaves in the not-too-distant future, take a look at our summer TV premiere schedule.
