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NBC Cancels Four Series

May 9, 2014  •  Post A Comment

NBC has pulled the plug on four prime-time shows, while also announcing a number of renewals. Variety reports that the Peacock Network has canceled the drama series "Revolution" and the comedies "Community" and "Growing Up Fisher." TVbytheNumbers.com reports that the network also canceled the freshman drama "Believe."

The Variety story also reports that NBC has renewed "Hannibal" and "About a Boy."

“'Hannibal' had been on the fence for a pickup, but its hard-core fan base and international appeal put it over the top," Variety reports. "NBC noted that the edgy show derived from the 'Silence of the Lambs' franchise is the youngest-skewing 10 p.m. drama on NBC, ABC or CBS."

The renewal will give "Hannibal," which stars Mads Mikkelsen and Hugh Dancy, a third season, while "About a Boy" will get to season two.

"Revolution" was canceled after two seasons, and "Community" lasted for five seasons. "NBC also announced that it was canceling DJ Nash’s freshman midseason comedy 'Growing Up Fisher,' which was narrated by Jason Bateman and starred J. K. Simmons and Jenna Elfman," Variety adds.

The Variety report notes: "'Hannibal' is also a good bargain for NBC as it is produced by Gaumont International TV and Sony Pictures TV Networks with financing from overseas outlets that allows NBC to [pay a] more modest license fee than a typical U.S.-produced drama. The cost issue was not the only factor in securing the renewal of the series, created and exec produced by Bryan Fuller, but it didn’t hurt."

J.J. Abrams' "Revolution" cooled off considerably after a strong start to its first season. The series "started out with promise in 2012-13 when it was assisted by a lead-in from 'The Voice.' But its sophomore year has been an uphill climb after it moved last fall to the lead-off slot on Wednesday," Variety notes.

The renewal for “About a Boy,” which stars Minnie Driver and David Walton, was not a surprise. The series "was seen as a lock to return, after a solid showing in its initial run this spring," Variety notes, adding: "The series hails from showrunner Jason Katims, a favorite of the Peacock’s."

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