‘How to Get Away with Murder,’ ‘black-ish’ given full-season orders (with a catch)

The first series to get full-season pickups are now official, though there is still a little bit to talk about with one of them.

Let’s not bury the lede here. “How to Get Away with Murder” was officially given a full-season order, but that order is only for 15 episodes. What gives here? As Deadline notes, this is likely a provision in the contract of series star Viola Davis. Like with Kevin Bacon and “The Following,” this deal is likely constructed in a way that she can still have time to do film projects throughout the year in addition to the show. ABC would love to give this series a full 22 episodes otherwise, given that it is the #1 new show of the season.

Meanwhile, “black-ish” has been handed a full 22 episodes, which comes on the heels of it posting great ratings following “Modern Family,” and proving to be so far one of the few series to actually capture most of the lead-in. The premise of the show is easy to follow along, and it fits well as a part of that Wednesday block. Personally, we’re thrilled about this one; while the series is not perfect, there are not many other comedies out there with African-American leads right now, and given the greatness of “The Cosby Show” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” this has been a hole in the market.

Hopefully, we are going to have some further news on other pickups in the near future. We feel like for now, “The Flash” is probably the next one to for sure get an extra helping of love.

What do you think about this news, and are you fine with “How to Get Away with Murder” being shorter if the stories are still great? Share with a comment, and head over here to get further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: ABC