‘Back in the Game’ canceled by ABC; what does this mean for Maggie Lawson, ‘Psych’?
Tonight, we had quite a bit shocker when it comes to ABC’s primetime lineup; despite having some decent ratings on Wednesday night, and actually getting stronger numbers recently than either “Trophy Wife” or “”The Goldbergs” over on Tuesday night, the network had made the decision to effectively cancel “Back in the Game.” This news was confirmed by co-creator Robb Cullen on Twitter.
We knew that ABC was going to have to get rid of one of their new comedies if they wanted to place something new on at midseason like “Suburgatory,” and we personally think that DVR playback may have been one of the bigger players here. This was a show that many were watching live because it aired after “The Middle,” but it obviously was not getting the same data after the fact as some of the others. The feeling here is obviously that they can plug another show in here and do just as well, if not better when you start to tabulate other figures. It’s a gamble, but it is one that could pay off big for them or come back to bite them in the you-know-where.
What we are a little more interested in is just what this could mean for the future of “Psych,” which also stars Maggie Lawson. She departed the show over the summer to start filming “Back in the Game,” and this means that she will have more time on her hands. USA has never confirmed that season 8 of “Psych” will be the end, so could there be more? If nothing else, we think that it would be nice if we could see a two-hour movie to close this off, or another season of maybe six episodes. We wanted to see both shows continue on for her, but that clearly isn’t happening.
We do personally believe that the network is making a mistake here, mostly in that this is a better show than “Super Fun Night,” which is languishing behind “Modern Family.” It may have Rebel Wilson, but that does not make it funny.
Are you surprised about this news? Be sure to share your thoughts with a comment below!
Photo: ABC
Shukovsky
November 4, 2013 @ 3:56 pm
Not so surprising. Super Fun Night, Trophy Wife, The Goldbergs – all ABC productions. Back in the Game – 20th Century Fox. Wednesday is a stronger night for ABC than Tuesday, so although the two ABC comedies are doing worse on Tuesday, ABC canned the stronger one on Wednesday because they owned Rebel Wilson’s show (even though it is far worse than the family comedy Back in Game). End result is ABC once again will have two time slots available at the end of the season – both Back in the Game’s (now assumed to be Suburgatory’s slot which is losing the principal and the “best friend” characters this year because neither is coming back) and Super Fun Night – neither will make it in the end.
marc
November 4, 2013 @ 11:19 am
i love maggie lawson on the show “psych”. so im glad this happened. So maybe now psych will get more episodes added to season 8.
Shukovsky
November 4, 2013 @ 3:59 pm
Psyche currently has 10 episodes (USA expanded it by two episodes over the original 8 episode order – 4 with Maggie Lawson). The first episode with Maggie Lawson airs in December – the musical episode. The other 7 air this spring. Filiming is done for this year. USA tenatively is indicating this will be the show’s last year – not sure if this will make a difference or not. If it is canceled, then Lawsons four appearances will be it for Psych as well.
Elizabeth
November 2, 2013 @ 8:54 pm
This was a really bad move by ABC. Back in the Game is the funniest new ABC comedy. Great writing & casting, so I’m having a hard time understanding this. I stopped watching Super Fun Night on the episode where Rebel Wilson went bathing suit shopping because it’s just sad and you feel sorry for her. I love Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect/Fat Amy was hilarious) but the whole premise of SFN is just sad. It’s essentially about a girl who can’t get a man because she is so overweight, and that’s not a comedic subject. I didn’t laugh at very many points during SFN. Plus, the other characters are not appealing at all.
Back in the Game being cancelled over SFN is the wrong move ABC!! It makes no sense, because unlike SFN, BITG is a TRUE comedy. My dad rarely laughs at anything but he laughs out loud at James Caan in this show. I wish USA Network would pick it up. Maybe that way, they could schedule Maggie Lawson for both Psych & BITG. I am so very sad to see this show go! It gets better every episode.
coolassang
November 3, 2013 @ 7:11 am
Totally agree!