Is 'Murphy Brown' Cancelled or Not?
by EG
CBS' revival of Murphy Brown is coming to an end after its initial run of 13 episodes. The question is whether the end means a cancellation or not. Some network sources are saying that the series was always planned to run for only 13 episodes, while some sources close to the show say they're still hopeful that a second season is possible. But lackluster ratings are the most likely cause of the end. Read on for the details.
CBS continues to solidify its midseason lineup.
A day after doubling down on unscripted fare come January, the network is firming up its comedy slate for 2019, with its Murphy Brown reboot and Damon Wayans Jr. vehicle Happy Together both ending their respective runs after their initial 13-episode orders. Both series will clear room on the schedule for the rookie comedy Fam and the third season of the Matt LeBlanc vehicle Man With a Plan. A return date for the fourth season of Life in Pieces will be announced at a later date.
For Murphy Brown, the rebooted series was always intended to be a closed-ended order of 13 episodes. The multicamera comedy, featuring the return of star Candice Bergen and from original creator Diane English, has underperformed (6.2 million total viewers and a 0.9 in the key 18-49 demo) in its prime Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. slot and remains in consideration for a renewal. Fellow multicam comedy Fam, starring Nina Dobrev and Tone Bell — which has already changed showrunners — will take over Murphy Brown's slot starting Thursday, Jan. 10.
Happy Together, meanwhile, is CBS' lone rookie series to not earn an order for additional episodes this season. The multicamera family comedy landed pilot season's biggest star in Happy Endings grad Wayans, who signed on with one of the largest talent deals of the year. The show is averaging a lackluster 4.7 million total viewers and 0.9 in the all-important adults 18-49 demographic. Happy Together will wrap its run and clear the way for Man With a Plan starting Monday, Feb. 4, at 8:30 p.m.
Get the rest of the story at The Hollywood Reporter.
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