ABC trims ‘Notorious’ episode order; are cancellation odds on the rise?

While it may have premiered in a cushy timeslot and with some buzz surrounding it, it looks like ABC’s “Notorious” could soon be just that for some entirely different reasons.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the series starring Piper Perabo will only have ten episodes for its first season, a drop from the thirteen that were initially ordered. While this does not necessarily equal cancellation, it’s never a good sign unless you explicitly here from someone that they’ve realized that the show would be better with more economic storytelling.

This move has become somewhat of the new norm for the TV industry looking to spare itself from blatant cancellation headlines. For ABC, there would be no sense in ending or pulling this show now, given that it would send some bad press and angry fan reaction their way. Also, it’s not like there is an ideal show to replace it right now. Our assumption is that “Scandal” will return in this Thursday-at-9:00 p.m. timeslot in the new year, and it will air there for the majority of the rest of the season.

This timeslot is probably one of the reasons why “Notorious” is in this predicament in the first place. There are new series out there with lower total ratings, and we feel like the main difference between this show and them is that in this case, you’ve got a program airing after “Grey’s Anatomy,” and with that does come some expectations that you will see some particularly solid numbers. Losing a big chunk of that lead-in only hurts the remainder of the night.

What’s your reaction to the shortened order? Share below, and stay tuned for more when it comes to the renewal / cancellation odds for all new shows, and not just the new ones airing this season. (Photo: ABC.)