After more than a year away from network television, Friday Night Lights is back on NBC with season four. But, how long will it last? The acclaimed TV show’s always been ratings-challenged. Has it already been cancelled?
Friday Night Lights (FNL) revolves around a high school football team, its players and the surrounding community. The large ensemble cast boasts performers like Kyle Chandler, Connie Britton, Zach Gilford, Minka Kelly, Taylor Kitsch, Adrianne Palicki, Jesse Plemons, Aimee Teegarden, Gaius Charles, Blue Deckert, Scott Porter, Derek Phillips, Brad Leland, Liz Mikel, Stacey Oristano, Nieko Mann, Kate Krause, Kevin Rankin, Louanne Stephens, Josh McVaney, Pablo D. Flores, Katherine Willis, Joey Truty, and Jeremy Sumpter.
After struggling through two seasons on NBC, it looked like FNL was doomed to become one of those “brilliant but cancelled” series that has their life cut short. Fortunately, NBC and DirecTV went into business together and agreed to share the production costs. Under the agreement, DirecTV gets to air the episodes first. This sometimes frustrates NBC viewers but it’s better than the show not being produced at all.
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After season three, it looked like FNL might be cancelled once again. Surprisingly, DirecTV and NBC renewed the show for two seasons, albeit with only 13 episodes apiece. There was speculation that this would translate into season five being the end for FNL.
Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. Various sources have reported that season five will be the end for FNL. The actors and crew have also been informed that they’re free to find other work once production shuts down in June.
Both NBC and executive producer Jason Katims insist that nothing is official but it’s obvious that the writing’s on the wall — unless of course the episodes bring great ratings for NBC. After three seasons of disappointing numbers, nobody’s expecting that to happen.
Katims is hopeful that FNL will get a sixth season but said, “If it winds up being the final season of the show, then I will feel very, very lucky and grateful that we were able to do as many episodes of a show that is so dear to my heart.”
Fortunately for NBC viewers, they still have 26 episodes of the series ahead of them. And, since the fifth season is still being produced, the cast and crew should have no trouble coming up with a fitting way to end the series. DirecTV is expected to start airing season five in Fall 2010.
What do you think? Any suggestions on how to end Friday Night Lights or should it continue for a sixth season?
Image courtesy NBC.
Dont cancel it it gets me pumped for high school ball
(My stats: 57, female, NYC) I’ve been trying to find out what happened toFriday Night Lights ever since the end of last season. It became one of my favorite shows, even though I don’t like football- or Texas. Even the NBC websites don’t give clear information about when to find it on. I’m sure many show other fans can’t find it either, so I’m sure that ratings will drop just because of the confusion. Probably too late to save it now, anyway. Some piece of garbage like yet another reality show is probably in its place.
PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS OUTSTANDING SERIES!!!!
I LOVE FNL…LOOK FORWARD TO WATCHING EVERY WEEK…I AGREE, W/ALL THE REALITY SHOWS THIS IS ONE PROGRAM THAT SHOULD REMAIN…IT IS GREAT!
Love it, Love it, Love it…
I did the same as the above comment. I sat down and watched the first season and was hooked. I literally could not move from the couch….lol I love season 5 too. I can’t believe Miss Julie Taylor…=(
I hope they some how obtain high ratings bc I would love to see where they take if they have another season…….
What are the older characters doing now. Hopefully they come back if it is the last season!!
Spread the word FNL!!!
I usually don’t make comments on shows if they end, they end but this is one of my all time favorite shows! I will be very disappointed when and if it ends! Maybe NBC should try and air the show on anothe night to pick up viewers I know several people who enjoy the show. This show has great actors and great writers. The show is wonderful.
I didn’t start watching FNL until October of this year. After watching from season 1-4 I have to say this is one of my Favorite shows! I was VERY disappointed to hear that there may not be another season after 5. I do truly hope they don’t cancel the show. I think everyone needs to watch FNL I don’t think many will be disappointed.
Best show on TV in a long time. great cast, smart writing. I can NEVER get enough after just one episode, I always want MORE! Please give us another season!
Best show on TV. If NBC would give it a good time slot, it would go through the roof.
I loved this show. One of the best “clean” shows I’ve seen in a lone time. Please keep it on TV’s NBC.
Love this show. I wish more people would watch, they don’t know what they are missing. It is smart, real, and inspiring…
BRING THIS SHOW BACK. It show the politics in today’s educational system and how students struggle with it. This is a show that all ages can watch.
with all the junk reality shows they keep on the air. it would be a shame to cancel a show that actually has substance and a plot
This is one of the best series on NBC and I hope people will realize it. This is the closest one can get to the US and its people. I would love to see this show continue. Hope to get more and please find a solution for fans like me.
Best
M
My Favorite show. I hope they don’t cancel it.
This is my favorite show – I hope they don’t cancel it. It has great story lines and great actors!
I am 55 years old and I love this show. It is young, fresh, and the coach is wonderful. He has taught me a couple of things about life.