With FOX’s midseason line-up underway, it’s time to look at how its scripted series have performed this season.
The network controversially canceled 9-1-1: Lone Star last year despite no data suggesting that the long-delayed Season 5 would be a disaster in the ratings.
That decision could haunt FOX because the Rob Lowe-fronted drama remains a solid option.
But FOX has shifted gears a lot in recent years in an attempt to have more cost-effective programming on its schedule.
It’s no surprise that some of its shows are not getting much recognition.
Let’s dive in.
9-1-1: Lone Star – Canceled
We knew the writing was on the wall when FOX kept the show off the air for over a year, but somehow, we never thought they’d pull the plug.
Season to date, 9-1-1: Lone Star Season 5 is averaging 4.3 million viewers and a 0.42 rating among adults 18-49, with a week of DVR factored in.
Those numbers are enough to make 9-1-1: Lone Star FOX’s most-watched scripted series.
But as we always say here at TV Fanatic, longer-running scripted shows come with a much higher price tag than newbies, so FOX’s new cost-effective conscious regime believes it can do better with newer shows.
It probably didn’t help 9-1-1: Lone Star’s case that the original 9-1-1 moved to ABC last year, so it was inevitable that the offshoot wouldn’t have much longer.
The sad part is that with these ratings, it could survive on ABC with a budget cut.
As things stand, the 9-1-1: Lone Star series finale is set for February.
Watch 9-1-1: Lone Star Online
Accused – Likely Cancellation
What a difference a year makes. Accused Season 1 was a hard-hitting anthology series that drew rave reviews and stellar ratings.
But the storylines – and the ratings – fell off a cliff in Season 2, which averaged just 2.35 million viewers and a 0.22 rating in the demo.
It fell as much as 60% in the demo season to season, signaling viewers no longer cared about the show.
We’ll be surprised if the network ever mentions this one again.
Watch Accused Online
Bob’s Burgers – Likely Renewal
The long-running animated series is averaging 1.2 million viewers and a 0.37 rating.
These numbers are nothing to write home about, but again, this show dominates on streaming, so Disney will want it kept alive for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately, the show is a shell of its former self creatively, and we wouldn’t be opposed to a pre-planned series finale that puts it out of its misery.
Watch The Last Of Us Online
Krapopolis – Renewed
This animation-domination show has been steadily declining since its premiere in 2023, but it must be making significant changes.
It has already been renewed for another two seasons, despite Season 2 pulling in fewer than a million viewers after a week of DVR is factored in. In a word? Whoa.
Watch Krapolis Online
Murder in a Small Town – Likely Renewal
Although the Kristen Kreuk murder mystery hasn’t been a breakout hit, it’s a co-production, so there are minimal expectations.
With a week of DVR factored in, it’s pulling in over 3 million viewers and a 0.24 rating in the demo.
The demo tally is softer than we’d like to move it to the certain renewal category, but we’d be shocked if it didn’t eke out a renewal.
There is potential for more stories here, and there’s every reason to believe FOX will want Murder in a Small Town Season 2.
Watch Murder in a Small Online
Rescue Hi-Surf – Likely Renewal
The drama is as high as the tides on Rescue Hi-Surf, but FOX’s investment in the show hasn’t yielded very good ratings.
With a week of DVR factored in, Rescue Hi-Surf Season 1 averages 3.4 million viewers and a 0.41 rating.
These numbers are skewed because the premiere received a considerable assist from an NFL Sunday lead-in.
Rescue Hi-Surf is probably nowhere near as expensive as 9-1-1: Lone Star, so the expectations are nowhere near as high.
Plus, it’s the network’s #2 drama right now, so what’s not to like? FOX may consider retooling the show between seasons because it hasn’t reached its full potential, but that’s a conversation for another article.
Watch Rescue HI-Surf Online
The Simpsons – Likely Renewal
The series is fast approaching its 40th season, and it will make that, whether it’s on FOX or a Disney-owned outlet, because the show makes money for Disney.
Although the ratings are down quite a bit this year, it’s still pulling in almost 2 million viewers and a 0.50 rating when a week of DVR is included, so there’s still an audience.
Watch The Simpsons Online
Alright, TV Fanatics. It’s your turn. Which of the FOX shows do you think deserves another season the most?
Hit the comments and let us know what’s on your mind!
