The Terra Nova TV show has been officially cancelled by the FOX network. However, though you won’t see dinosaurs back on the FOX schedule next season, there’s still hope for a second season.
For those who came in late, Terra Nova’s produced by Steven Spielberg and revolves around a time when our planet has become over-developed and overcrowded. Mankind’s only chance for survival is to make use of a newly discovered fracture in time and try to colonize pre-historic Earth. The cast includes Jason O’Mara, Shelley Conn, Landon Liboiron, Allison Miller, Naomi Scott, Alana Mansour, Stephen Lang, Rod Hallett, and Christine Adams.
Terra Nova premiered last September with a pair of installments which attracted an average of a 3.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 9.22 million total viewers. It was third in its timeslots but held viewers through the two hours. The third episode drew about the same as the first two episodes. Episode four fell by 19% in the demo and later episodes hit a low of a 2.1 rating in the demo three times.
The season averaged a 2.5 rating in the demo and 7.52 million viewers. Those aren’t bad numbers but also aren’t good enough to ensure a pick up — especially considering that Terra Nova is expensive to produce. FOX entertainment president Kevin Reilly once noted that the network was committed to purchasing 22 installments if the show was renewed.
FOX initially had a December 31st deadline to make a decision on renewing Terra Nova but bought themselves some extra time by picking up the options on many of the actors’ contracts.
Reilly had concerns about the creative direction of the show so Terra Nova producers and 20th Century Fox Television began approaching showrunners and senior writers about possibly joining the series for next season. Reilly was reportedly pitched several potential scenarios and writers but he didn’t take to any of them. A last ditch meeting on Friday supposedly went well but Reilly ultimately decided late yesterday to cancel the show.
The decision comes as somewhat of a surprise since the network and studio both made money on the show and has Spielberg’s name attached. Word is that studio 20th Century TV will now shop the series to other potential outlets. The mediocre ratings and hefty price tag — reportedly about $4 million per episode — won’t make it an easy sell. The talent options supposedly expire at the end of June, keeping those castmembers from being in contention for potential new series.
What do you think? Are you disappointed that FOX has cancelled Terra Nova? Are you surprised?
Image courtesy FOX.
First of all I want to say that I am very, very, very disappointed. I first saw the show when they were advertising it on commercials. I fell in love with the show before Ive even seen an episode. I watched it grow from the first episode until the last. They had such a great idea for a show that could go in any direction that they wanted to. It’s not like all the crime shows like Castle, CSI New York, Supernatural, or Bones. Those are all shows that are very good, I even watch them every week. But Terra… Read more »
Our whole family loved the show. All the characters and props where pretty cool. That made for a better show. Very entertaining and realistic, not a budget Sy-Fy series. I hope it comes back for another series!!!!
FOX should cancel The Cleveland Show or family guy… but not terra nova or the finder.. fox suck..
I can’t believe there isn’t a second season! So frustrating. This is a great show, cast and incredible plot. DANG! I am ticked off. Bring Terra Nova back!!!
should not have cancelled terra nova
that sucks we were waiting for it tocome back
I loved that show and I am very upset it haa been canceled, I think they should give it a second change and bring it back. BRING IT BACK PLEASE.
I love the show it was diffrent, I’m tried of the crime shows
If they weren’t going to pick it up, at least finish it out with a 1 or 2-two hour sci-fi special finales! Do it mid 2013 if possible and that way you can still rerun every other year and it means something.
i just started it online got the end of season 1 to find out it was canceled after that wish they would bring it back
Heck yes I am disappointed. I stumbled on the show and started watching and I couldn’t stop. I love the idea and its a whole lot better than all the other shows just about “fake” reality that are on .
SO UPSETTING THAT A SHOW THAT REALLY BROUGHT THE WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER IS GONE, SHAME ON YOU FOX FOR PROMISING A FAMILY SHOW FOR ALL AGES..THEN PULLING OUT~ WOW
I like this show very much and cannot believe that this show would even be considered for cancellation! A ten percent profit that can only grow is something that only a fool would consider cancelling!
Steven.
My husband and I love this show one of the best really hope they change there minds and bring it back
I’m very disappointed to find out that fox cancelled terra nova it was a very entertaining show I started to watch it on Netflix And was instantly hooked on it I couldn’t stop watching it It kept me entertained on my coffee breaks and even after work
Just watched all the episodes of the show on Netflix. Loved the show and was able to watch it with the whole family. Very disappointed to find out it had been cancelled and wasn’t being renewed. Would love to see someone pick this up and renew it and keep it as a family type show.
I am very sad it was cancelled.To fox i say booha make garbage instead like reality shows that really stink that i way more intelligent and entertaining thaaaaa!