By: Carter Caldwell

Just as all things have life cycles, so do our favorite TV shows.  When the end of a season rolls around, fans (and sometimes, those who work on the show) are constantly wondering if their show made it.  Generally, networks keep the shows that have large fanbases, but loyal fans are always a big plus.  Shaky ratings, on the other hand, are typically a sign of cancellation, as are consistently low ratings.  

Fortunately, cancelled shows can only lead to newer (and, logically, better) shows, and renewals promise a return of familiar characters.  Due to the volume of networks, this article will cover only renewals and cancellations made on CBS, NBC, and ABC, the “Big Three” networks of American television.

CBS

In a relatively unsurprising move, CBS opted to renew popular shows such as The Big Bang Theory, Madam Secretary, Blue Bloods, the NCIS shows, MacGyver, and Hawaii Five-0.  Surprising on the list is Criminal Minds, which suffered low ratings following the suspension and removal of Thomas Gibson, who played FBI Special Agent Aaron Hotchner. Other CBS renewals include Kevin Can Wait, Bull, Scorpion, Zoo, Mom, Superior Donuts, The Good Fight, Life in Pieces, and Man With a Plan.  Next season, CBS will be saying good bye to American Gothic, BrainDead, The Odd Couple, Doubt, Pure Genius, Rush Hour, and Training Day.

NBC

Despite fan backlash, NBC risked becoming a little more fanless with the cancellations of Powerless and Timeless, but fans of the latter can rest a little easier knowing that the showrunners are trying to find a new home.  Other NBC casualties are Aquarius, Grimm, Emerald City, and Heartbeat, while The Blacklist, Blindspot, Shades of Blue, Taken, The Carmichael Show, and The Good Place all return.  Noteworthy This Is Us acquired a special two season renewal, and all Chicago shows survived except Justice.

ABC

Disney’s ABC decided to wait until many of its shows came off the air to decided their fates, and as a result many producers finished filming without knowing what to do.  American Crime, The Real O’Neals, Last Man Standing, Mistresses, Secrets & Lies, Conviction, Notorious, Dr. Ken, The Catch, and Imaginary Mary are all goners, leaving plenty of room for new shows to accompany the renewals.   Grey’s Anatomy, How to Get Away With Murder, and Scandal all return unsurprisingly, as do Modern Family and Black-ish.  Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Once Upon a Time will be coming back also, but in the dangerous Friday night slot, with the latter also losing many cast members.  The Goldbergs, American Housewife, and Designated Survivor also live on, ensuring ABC a very diverse schedule.