Edit from Seidman: Bill and I clashed in posting similar reports at the same time, and since mine had more prose and speculation, I'm moving mine to the top of his abstracting!
The Hollywood Reporter's James Hibberd reports that Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles got its back nine order and been picked up for a full season, despite its modest ratings this season. In our most recent Renew or Cancel Index (which doesn't include last Monday's data), we had Terminator: TSCC as Fox's second most likely to be cancelled scripted show -- though the gap between it and number one most likely ‘Til Death was fairly wide (and ‘Til Death may well be Fox's equivalent of According to Jim - lousy when it comes to the ratings, but primed for the syndication market).
Given the ratings so far the announcement is surprising to me. Hibberd offers up some possible reasons, including reported creative struggles with Joss Whedon's Dollhouse. Hibberd says Fox executives like the show and that it's likely they believe because overall viewership for Fox picks up when American Idol returns that the series can improve its ratings in the winter.
One thing I've always believed is that there is some financial enticement to Fox either in the way of cost of episodes, an advertising arrangement or both involving the forthcoming Terminator: Salvation movie scheduled for a May release. It just made sense as a natural promotion opportunity to have TSCC on the air in May. I know some of you will chime in with "but, the movie has nothing to do with the TV show, is made by different people, isn't made by Fox so Fox won't care!" Warner Bros is in on the production of TSCC and Warner Brothers Pictures is the US distributor of the Terminator movie this May. While it's purely speculative on my part and I'm pretty sure we'll never know, I don't think it's nonsensical that Fox could've had additional incentives for the pickup.
Regardless, TSCC fans will rejoice over the full season pick up!
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Original post from Bill:
Both James Hibberd's the live feed and Variety are now reporting that Fox has ordered a full season of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.
From Variety:
Fox has just given a full-season order to "Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles." Cast and crew were informed of the decision late Friday.
Back nine order was far from certain; show has been struggling in its Monday night time slot. But "Sarah Connor" has developed a fan base and some positive critical attention along the way.
From James Hibberd:
The network recently ordered two scripts of the show, so perhaps the stories came in strong. Midseason sci-fi drama "Dollhouse" might be another factor -- Fox's previously announced winter schedule pairs "Dollhouse" and "24" on Mondays and "American Idol" and "Fringe" on Tuesdays, without "Terminator" listed. So perhaps the network has a new scheduling configuration in mind to support its sci-fi efforts.
{...]
One of the most likely reasons for a pickup, however, is simply that Fox executives like this show. They feel it is creatively strong. The network's overall viewership levels jet up after the first of the year powered by "American Idol." They likely believe the series has a chance to improve.
Oh heck YES!!!! I AM SO FREAKIN’ HAPPY!!!
Best show on TV, period. Everyone, enjoy the full season!!
ROCK ON, FOX!!!
So basically FOX is taking the Samantha Who? approach by putting Terminator on after Idol to increase its ratings just like ABC.
Splendid! This calls for a sexy party!
Shock’n'Awe…
I really can’t believe my eyes…the news is just too good to be true.
Perhaps it will work to put Sarsh Conner Chronicles after American Idol, but I suggest they get a studlier Terminator if they want me to watch. Of course Arnold is too long in the tooth, and a little busy playing Governator, but there are lots and lots of hunky guys out there that would be worth tuning in to see. The androidette they have just doesn’t blow up my skirt.
Great news!
This is some great birthday news for me, yay. Happy birthday to me!
angelcrest, I can safely say you won’t find any men who would disagree that Summer Glau is one of the hottest actress on television. So, I’m sorry if Summer dosen’t do it for you, but she sure as hell does it for everyone else.
If TSCC gets the slot after Idol, I will then be convinced Warner Bros is giving *nice* financial incentives to Fox. I don’t expect that to happen.
OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT’S EARLY CHRISTMAS ON TERMINATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!
Dut Dut – Dut – Dut Dut
Dut Dut – Dut – Dut Dut
Both my Tivo and I are very happy!
TSCC is one of only two shows that I really care about.
I’m jealous, but I’m happy for the show. I love the movies, I’ll check out the series when it hits the WBLA in November.
This show is well worthy of renewal, especially given alot of the crap reality shows that pass for entertainment…
This show contains plot story lines that have never been addressed on any series (i.e. example#1- bond between A.I. and human)..
Can only hope it picks up the viewers it deserves..
just a thought,
K e v
Oh, hell yeah!!!
I’m so happy!
This is only the one on TV that I care.
This is so awesome to hear. I thought the show was a goner, for sure, so I’m pleasantly surprised at this turn of events. Woo!
Oh)) I so happy!!! I hope that we’ll see the third season too)))
smart move for fox! It does have a strong cult following, it is my fav show!
Can I just say thank God!! So what does this mean for the renew/cancel index?
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw!!!!!!!
I’m so happy, words cannot describe it! This is so perfect. Today is a good day to be a Terminator fan.