In a belated move, the Fox network has renewed two more shows – “The Resident” and Tim Allen’s “Last Man Standing.”
Both are among the network’s top-rated shows (despite sharp declines this season), but were notably absent May 11, when Fox announced its new-season plans. The network set a fall schedule, plus seven mid-season shows, without mentioning either.
Now “Last Man” (shown here) will return for its ninth season and “Resident” for its fourth.
“Last Man” had been a Friday success – first on ABC, then on Fox. When Fox switched to Friday wrestling this season, the show was stuffed into a mid-season spot on Thursdays, a night alrtady overloaded with comedies. Ratings plunged 26 per cent overall and 32 per cent for ages 18-49.
“The Resident,” a hospital drama, dropped 20 per cent in ratings. Fox has canceled a few shows – “Almost Family,” “Deputy” – and left others in limbo, most notably “Prodigal Son.” Also, “Empire” finished its six-year run.
Networks have had different reactions to the uncertainty of COVID shutdowns. CBS renewed most of its shows (adding three new ones); NBC and ABC have been hesitant. The CW came up with a makeshift schedule for fall and a full one – renewing almost everything – for January.