[Update: There’s now hope for a revival elsewhere, asHulu, Netflix, TBS, and NBC have shown interestin picking up the series.]
In a completely bone-headed move, FOX has decided to cancelBrooklyn Nine-NineandThe Mick. This news comes on the heels of the announcement that FOXhas also cancelledThe Last Man on Earth, so it’s a day of bloodshed in the comedy department at the network. While I can understand the decision to axeThe Last Man on Earth, which had run out of gas a bit, the cancellation ofBrooklyn Nine-Nineis less understandable. The show’s ratings haven’t been considerably better (or worse) than its previous season, but critically it’s booming. This is one of the best ensembles on TV right now, full-stop, and trying to replicate that kind of comedic chemistry and timing from scratch will be an incredibly difficult task.
TheAndy Samberg-fronted sitcom launched in 2013 as a comedic spin on the cop procedural format fromParks and Recreationexecutive producersDan GoorandMichael Schur. But just as with Schur’sParks and RecandThe Office,Brooklyn Nine-Ninequickly morphed into much more than a star vehicle, and the ensemble found its groove incredibly quickly. From then on, the show consistently showcased a compassionate and ridiculously funny group of individuals, with storytelling that wasn’t afraid to take huge leaps—again, just as withParks and RecandThe Office.
Heck,Andre Braugher’s delightfully dry performance alone is reason enough to keepBrooklyn Nine-Nineon the air, not to mention the growing character dynamics. From a creative standpoint, cancelingBrooklyn Nine-Nineis a huge mistake, and I’ll be curious to see if any other network is interested in picking this show up.
As forThe Mick, I’ll admit I never watched the series but heard good things. Its cancellation after two seasons, as opposed toBrooklyn Nine-Nine’s five, isn’t as much of a shock.
Nine-Nineshowrunner Dan Goor has said the Season 5 finale, which revolves around Jake any Amy’s wedding, is not intended to be a series finale. But hehassaid in the event it is the last episode, fans will be satisfied.
Not cool, FOX. Not cool.
For a full list of TV cancellations and renewals,check out our TV Lifeline.
