ABC may have to renew, cancel ‘The Whispers’ within next seven days

Here is a situation that you do not often see with primetime network television: While networks typically have a reasonable period of time in order to figure out whether or not they want to renew / cancel a series after it ends for the season, this is not even remotely the case when it comes to their science fiction series “The Whispers.” Specifically, they have to figure it out by this time next week!

According to a report from Deadline, the contracts on the show’s cast will be expiring on June 30, with the reason for this being simply that this show was originally meant to be a midseason entry in the 2014-15 season. Therefore, this window of time would have been perfect to determine its future. The network is trying to extend this for a little while longer so that they can assess the ratings for at least a couple more episodes, but at the moment there is no word on if they will be successful. It is always hard to make a decision on the future of a show, and in this case we imagine it being even closer to impossible to figure out.

What the show has going for it right now in terms of its renewal odds are some decent DVR ratings, and at least a little bit of positive buzz from supportive fans. However, at the same time we have heard some criticism that specific plotlines on the show are a little difficult to follow, and sci-fi shows in particular tend to lose a big chunk of viewership year to year. Just look at “Under the Dome” or the premiere numbers for “The Last Ship” earlier today.

Right now, we’d say that this is firmly a toss-up. ABC could give it one more season next summer and then have some better opportunities to figure out its fate then.

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