ABC cancelled four series last week, and now Craig Erwich, President of ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, is revealing the reasoning behind dropping Rebel, For Life, American Housewife, and Mixed-ish.
Erwich said the following about the cancellation of the four shows, per Deadline:
“They are all unique shows who on their own specific timeline where they are creatively and with the audience. I can say that just because we are not ordering new seasons does not take anything away from the impact that these shows had creatively or how many fans they have on ABC. These are difficult business decisions but we are really proud of the runs that all of these shows had.”
As for Rebel, Erwich did speak about that series directly. The series was canceled after airing just four episodes. Katey Sagal, Erin Brockovich and Krista Vernoff all spoke out after the Thursday night series was cancelled. Erwich said the following about the still airing ABC series:
“Krista Vernoff is not just an amazing talent, she is a valued and beloved part of the Disney family. We gave Rebel a really considerable launch and a launch effort. It was a huge priority for us for midseason. One of the advantages of a stable schedule is, you can focus and platform new shows, which Rebel was a beneficiary of Unfortunately, it did not garner the audience that we needed it to do, so we had to make that decision.”
For Life is being shopped to other outlets, and the same could happen for Rebel.
What do you think? Do you wish ABC had kept these four shows for next season? Would you watch any of them on new homes if they are saved?
I loved Rebel and For Life.Cant believe they are being canceled.Cancel something eles and keep our real,true to life shows alone please!
Rebel is a great series & should be continued. Cancelling after just four shows hardly seems fair! It’s a perfect addition to the Thursday programming. Please reconsider.
I am just devistated to hear that Rebel and For Life are being cancelled. ABC doesn’t have a whole lot of shows I love, but these two are the ones I did watch and really like, in addition to The Good Doctor. I can’t believe that these shows didn’t bring in a lot of viewers. Couldn’t you try putting them on at a different day or time before just cancelling? I’m not happy at all. Everytime I start liking a new show, this happens.
I think American Housewife, Mixed-ish & Rebel were all great shows. Each had strong female actresses (each cast was also strong) & genuinely good storylines & writing. Is ABC trying to make room for more awful reality shows the regularly bring out the WORST in human nature? Bad decisions in all these cases. Hopefully, Hulu on Netflix will save them.
I loved Rebel. It was different and am sorry to see it go. Hope someone else picks it up
Rebel is worth retaining. It was a Adult show that embraced diversity No dumb Blondes Men with lashes. A good ADULT show. shame on ABC and Disney
REBEL and FOR LIFE…. KEEP
I would definitely watch Rebel on another channel. I love that show!!!
Rebel is awesome! I hope someone picks it up.
Rebel is amazing. Katey Segall is a very talented actress. The storyline for rebel is fantastic , if your going to cancel it move it to another streaming service and give it a chance to grow. Not all shows take right off.
I love Rebel. I can’t believe you didn’t give it a chance. The stories are great and actors do a great job and as for Erin what can be said about her storytelling. She’s wonderful. So sad
Excellent show and Katey Segal is perfect for the role. ABC was too quick to cancel. A show needs time and word of mouth to garner an audience. Especially a show that isn’t aimed for the game show crowd.
I like all 4 of these shows. They did not even give Rebel a chance for as much as they promoted it. Mixed-ish was a good comedy, the youngest child was the funniest.
So disappointed about. Rebel. I loved all the actors and loved that the show had a great storyline. Please reconsider.
Rebel is the best acted show on TV – it is not reality TV – they actually act. What is wrong with the president – for God’s sake leave it on the air. I am so upset. I usually tape shows but with this one I would watch it the night it was on. Please bring it back or give the president of another station the chance to have it. It is too good to go off the air