Great news for fans of the Allen and Kat Dennings! ABC has officially renewed the comedy series ‘Shifting Gears’ for a second season. The show, which premiered this spring, has garnered enough attention and viewership to warrant another installment. But what does this mean for other shows on the network, particularly ‘Doctor Odyssey’? Let’s delve into the details of this renewal and the implications for ABC’s lineup.
In this article, we’ll explore the factors that contributed to ‘Shifting Gears’ securing a second season, including its performance metrics and the network’s strategic considerations. We’ll also touch on the fate of ‘Doctor Odyssey,’ which remains uncertain. Finally, we’ll discuss what viewers can expect from the upcoming season of ‘Shifting Gears’.
‘Shifting Gears’ Season 2 Renewal
ABC has granted ‘Shifting Gears’ a second season consisting of 10 episodes. This decision reflects the show’s initial success and the network’s investment in its potential. The renewal is particularly noteworthy considering the show launched midseason, typically a challenging time for new series to gain traction.
The show’s renewal bucks the trend of declining linear viewership, and its success is attributed to the combined star power of Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, as well as Allen’s established relationship with Disney. The network’s lack of comedy pilots this spring was also a contributing factor, ensuring ABC wouldn’t be left with just one comedy series (‘Abbott Elementary’) next fall.
Ratings and Performance
‘Shifting Gears’ had a strong start, with the pilot episode drawing nearly 17 million cross-platform viewers in its first week. This marked ABC’s biggest new series launch in over six years. However, the show experienced a ratings decline over its 10-episode run, with linear viewership dropping by 40% and adults 18-49 viewership falling by 50%.
Despite the decline, the show’s season average numbers remained potent, ranking ‘Shifting Gears’ #5 among ABC’s scripted series in the 18-49 demographic. This, combined with the network’s confidence in Allen and Dennings, ultimately secured the renewal.
‘Doctor Odyssey’ on the Bubble
While ‘Shifting Gears’ celebrates its renewal, the fate of ‘Doctor Odyssey’ remains uncertain. The Ryan Murphy-produced cruise ship medical drama is reportedly expensive to make, and its ratings have been decent but not outstanding. ABC is still mulling over whether to renew the show for a second season.
According to sources, the upcoming Season 1 finale of ‘Doctor Odyssey’ has been crafted to function as a potential series finale, indicating the network’s awareness of the show’s precarious position. Discussions are ongoing regarding the creative direction and financial viability of a potential Season 2.
Cliffhanger and Season 2 Expectations
‘Shifting Gears’ concluded its first season with a cliffhanger, leaving fans eager to know what happens next. Kat Dennings has hinted at what viewers can expect in Season 2, adding to the anticipation. The renewal is particularly good news for fans invested in the show’s storyline.
With the main cast expected to return, Season 2 promises to delve deeper into the characters’ lives and relationships, while continuing to deliver the comedic elements that made the first season a success. Viewers can anticipate new challenges and adventures for the Allen family.
Cast and Crew
In addition to Tim Allen and Kat Dennings, the main cast of ‘Shifting Gears’ includes Seann William Scott, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Maxwell Simkins, and Barrett Margolis. The series is executive produced by Allen, along with showrunner Michelle Nader and several other experienced producers.
The show was created by Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully, who departed after the pilot episode. The creative team behind ‘Shifting Gears’ brings a wealth of experience in comedy television, contributing to the show’s overall quality and appeal.
ABC’s Comedy Lineup
The renewal of ‘Shifting Gears’ is crucial for ABC’s comedy lineup, especially with ‘The Conners’ ending its run. Without ‘Shifting Gears,’ the network would have been left with only one comedy series, ‘Abbott Elementary,’ next fall. The decision to renew ‘Shifting Gears’ demonstrates ABC’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and robust comedy slate.
Midseason entries like ‘Shifting Gears’ often receive more leniency and time to build an audience, with a partial Season 2 pickup providing the opportunity to further develop the show’s concept and characters. This strategic approach reflects ABC’s long-term vision for its comedy programming.
Conclusion
The renewal of ‘Shifting Gears’ for a second season is a testament to the show’s initial success and the star power of its cast. While the fate of ‘Doctor Odyssey’ remains uncertain, ‘Shifting Gears’ fans can rejoice in knowing that their favorite comedy will be returning to ABC. This decision also highlights ABC’s strategic approach to comedy programming, ensuring a diverse and engaging lineup for viewers.
As we await the premiere of Season 2, anticipation is high for what new adventures and comedic moments await the Allen family. Stay tuned to FYM News for further updates on ‘Shifting Gears’ and other TV news!
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