‘Bunheads’ season 2 renewal hopes: A guide on how to drive viewers nuts
Another few days have passed, and there’s still no word on a “Bunheads” renewal. As to why there is more anxiety in the air than usual regarding the show the past few weeks, it’s because ABC Family has long said that their primary reason for waiting to decide the show’s fate is the performance of their new programming, and now that this programming is on the air, it’s fair to say that people want answers … and understandably so, given they’ve been waiting forever.
Sadly, we think that the earliest possible day we could hear something about the fate of “Bunheads” is Wednesday (when the ratings are in for episode 2 of “Twisted”), and it could be much longer than that given that new shows can take a while to stabilize. We’re unfortunately not that optimistic about a renewal at this point, even if we’re still hoping for an 11th-hour turnaround. What we want to try to focus on instead is the complete way in which this entire process has been botched, where if you do cancel this show, you’re going to have a really hard time getting “Bunheads” fans to watch any of your new shows.
Want to know how to drive your viewers insane? Do the opposite of all three of the rules below.
Rule #1 to not angering fans – Don’t leave a show without an ending. We would much prefer to see something like a limited renewal (6-10 episodes) with an option to extend the order depending on how the ratings for some other shows fare. That way, if you do decide to cancel your series later on, you are giving the showrunners a few weeks to come up with a proper ending. Imagine how different “Make It or Break It” could have been if given the opportunity.
Rule #2 – Don’t pit shows against each other. We imagine that “Twisted” and “The Fosters” are at least dinged somewhat by scorned “Bunheads” fans, and the only thing that is making these people even angrier is that the official “Bunheads” Twitter account is being used for shows that could lead to its imminent cancellation.
Rule #3 – Make quicker decisions. We’ve heard time and time again that the pain some of these actors are going through is not any different than what happens to actors waiting for the upfronts to find out the future of their shows, but the truth is that this is really quite a bit different at the end. If “Bunheads” is canceled, it’s not like these actors will have an easy time booking new roles on shows that are already getting some guest stars set for the fall. Waiting this out hurts the actors, and it also hurts the fans. If you were going to cancel it, and it was done early, maybe some of these people could have moved on.
If you want to read more on the waiting process for a “Bunheads” renewal, head over to the link here to see what one of the show’s producers is saying right now.
Photo: ABC Family
shantadiva
June 19, 2013 @ 12:00 am
What’s really a shame is that the show really got much better in the second half of the split season one. The chemistry between characters increased, characters got more complex and the pantented Paladino witty writing was improving with the characters getting more fleshed out.
Ron Hebshie
June 18, 2013 @ 5:10 pm
I reviewed TWISTED on my blog and noted in the opening how distressing it is that BUNHEADS is basically a hostage here. It’s really a bizarre way to decide the fate of new and potentially returning shows. It pisses off fans of BUNHEADS (like me) and creates a dis-incentive to support new shows when the network is basically saying “the show you love might not come back if NEW SHOW X is a hit.”
Carol S.
June 17, 2013 @ 11:43 pm
I think it is a crying shame that ABC & ABC Family has no more respect for it’s viewers than to leave us all hanging like this. There are very few wholesome and entertaining programs on TV any more and then when we do get one to watch like Bunheads they can it. If it had been trashy and immoral it would still be on. Think I will cut off the TV and read even more. They can keep their new programs.
Sheila DeChantal
June 17, 2013 @ 7:33 pm
I was (and am) a HUGE fan of Gilmore Girls… quick wit, so funny…. I was thrilled when Bunheads came along to fill the gap of my missing Gilmore Girls. Now I am devastated hearing the show may not be renewed. It was wonderful and I have recommended it to everyone!
cece
June 17, 2013 @ 4:52 pm
You’re right, I’ll NEVER watch any other shows abc fam promotes on the Bunheads twitter feeds. It’s an insult and a slap in the face to the viewers, critics and all of the people involved in creating Bunheads. This network is the worst and if they do cancel Bunheads, I promise I never watch them again, no matter what they show and I know many many fans equally willing to boycott this network, both personally and on social networks. Why bother if they aren’t going to give a show a chance? Abc fam is finished if this is their MO. Finished.
ARY
June 21, 2013 @ 1:02 am
AMEN TO THAT!! LONG LIVE BUNHEADS!
Suz
June 17, 2013 @ 4:09 pm
Love Bunheads…would hate to see it canceled!
Laura J
June 16, 2013 @ 1:47 am
Great article, but not great news. It seems, ABC and ABC Family do this all the time. I don’t even want to watch shows on these channels because to don’t want to get involved and have it canceled. I’ll wait and catch it later on Netflix. Bunheads is one of ,y favorite shows. I’m sad that it is likely to be canceled. I doubt this network will learn. They could spread their demographic, but clearly that only care to cater to teens. I like their other shows, PLL is a must see. But, I won’t bother with any new ones. Bunheads was their best.