Big Shots: Is the ABC Series Cancelled or Not?

Fans of the ABC series Big Shots will be happy to know that the dramedy is returning this Thursday night. But for how long?

The series has been struggling in the ratings almost since the beginning of its run, losing almost half of Grey’s Anatomy’s audience. As a result, Big Shots was pulled from the schedule for the all-important November sweeps period (when advertising rates are set). The drama-comedy is returning this week but will be gone again next week when it’s preempted by a Barbara Walters special. Big Shots is scheduled to return again December 13th with the series’ ninth episode. After that, who knows?

So, is the show cancelled or not? When filming was shut down in early November, the crew was reportedly told that production would not resume when the strike ended. But, series star Christopher Titus told Hollyscoop from the picket line, “Big Shots has not been cancelled. I talked to the president of the network…The rumors of our demise are greatly exaggerated.”

Though the series has not been officially cancelled, it seems like the network is treating it like a lame duck. Unlike Dirty Sexy Money, ABC still hasn’t ordered any additional hours of Big Shots beyond the initial 13 episode order. And, based on the way ABC’s playing with the show’s schedule, the network doesn’t seem to be planning much of a long-term future for it.

Realistically, if the strike continues, all of the networks will be desperate to air any original scripted content — and that includes episodes of Big Shots. Publicly canceling the series would serve no useful purpose right now and would likely only discourage viewers from watching unaired episodes.

So, right now, the show’s fate is still up in the air but it doesn’t look good. If ABC truly wants to give Big Shots another chance, the series should be given a new timeslot — ideally paired with another show that attracts a predominantly male audience. Stay tuned!