The CW boss talks ‘Beauty and the Beast’s’ surprising season 3 renewal

When the news first broke recently that “Beauty and the Beast” was renewed for a third season, there was a pretty universal reaction from the media: Shock. This was a shock that was shelved until summer, and many out there had left it for dead.

We’re glad to see it back for more next year following its run next month, but there is still one important question to ask: How in the world did the renewal happen in the first place? The conventional theory that has popped up is that it had something to do with the show’s ties to CBS TV, and in order to please all of its various components, The CW brought it back.

However, network head Mark Pedowitz suggested today at the official upfront that it may be a little something more than that. The words he used to explain the success of this show and the failure of “The Tomorrow People” to get a renewal was “social engagement.” Also, he suggested that, as many suggested, international distribution also played a big role in having the series come back for more.

Sadly, we really cannot offer you a better premiere date right now that “next year,” since much of it will depend on some of the other shows on the network either finish their runs or are canceled. We’re already close to writing off “Jane the Virgin” as a dud, since it feels like something ABC Family would have on the air and now a network that has become more action-oriented and genre as of late. Maybe thanks to that, this show could eventually have back its old Monday timeslot.

All in all, are you just happy to see the show returning? Share your thoughts below, and click here if you do want to watch a preview for the next new episode. Also, sign up for some not-so-beastly TV updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: The CW