Did ‘Mistresses’ improve season 4 renewal odds with finale ratings?

We had to wait a little bit longer than usual to write this particular “Mistresses” finale article for one reason and one reason only: NFL football. Preseason is the time of year where local markets ravage a lot of scripted programming, preempting them and forcing viewers to either watch online or at some horrendous time like the middle of the night. Yes, there is absolutely nothing quite like people’s undying thirst to watch football games that are utterly meaningless in the final standings.

Anyway, the “Mistresses” episode “Gone Girl” was seemingly hurt by not coming on in many markets, as it posted only a series-low 0.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic Thursday night. That does next to nothing to help its chances of a renewal, which were probably not enormous to begin with.

Does the show have a devoted following? Sure, but just like “Hannibal,” that does not matter too much when you’re not getting enough people to watch on a weekly basis. The show already made a cost-cutting move in heading to Vancouver, and they may even be saving some money not having Alyssa Milano in the cast anymore. Still, none of this may be enough to make a season 4 worthwhile.

If there is a reason to have hope for “Mistresses” still moving forward, we’d say this: It’s not like ABC is having a banner summer. Other than editions of the “Bachelor” franchise, the majority of their programming has simply not done all that well. “The Astronaut Wives Club” was a disappointment, “Rookie Blue” is also more than likely done, and “The Whispers” is in the same boat.

If you do want to ponder what could be for the series, in particular when it comes to Harry and Joss, you can read more about that over at the link here. Also, you can sign up here to get some other TV updates on everything we cover, sent right to you via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: ABC.)