Is The Real O’Neals canceled? Latest casting puts future in doubt
According to a report from Deadline, Matt Shivley, who plays the part of Jimmy O’Neal on the ABC comedy, is joining the new NBC comedy pilot Spaced Out. This is a show that will put him in the role of Peter Gibbons, a mild-mannered genius, and will put him in the same orbit as Undateable executive producers Adam Sztykiel and Bill Lawrence. This is a show with some potential, but there is no guarantee that it even makes it onto the air.
As for how this relates back to The Real O’Neals and its future on ABC, the same report notes that this series is unlikely to return for a third season. Shivley going out and finding a potential new job is further evidence of that. Technically, Spaced Out is in second position to his current gig, so if for whatever reason ABC decides to order more of The Real O’Neals, he is contractually obligated to remain on his current show. We just don’t see that happening when you think about the fact that it is currently averaging a grand total of a 0.9 rating in the 18-49 demographic. When you’re the lowest rated of any comedy on your network, there’s a good chance that you’re not going to make it to another season. Technically, we suppose that Dr. Ken is tied with The Real O’Neals for the lowest-rated comedy, but it has more of a chance at coming back thanks in part to it having a much more favorable timeslot on Friday nights. There are lower expectations there.
Ultimately, this move is probably the best for Shivley, since it’s always good to have a plan no matter what happens. ABC is likely ready to move on from a show that’s generated some controversy here and there, and working with a producer with Lawrence with deep comedy roots is a great way to do that.
ABC will make their official decisions on The Real O’Neals and the majority of their other primetime shows when they get around to the upfronts in May. We’ll have some further news on their future at around that time.
What do you think about the casting, and do you think that the future for The Real O’Neals is over? Share in the comments!