ABC has confirmed that acclaimed comedy Fresh Off the Boat has been renewed for a fifth season.
Despite a time slot upgrade, Fresh Off the Boat softened in the ratings to the point where a renewal was looking a little shaky. The series has always had big fans in the media, but it’s never been able to match its ratings to its buzz, so any sign of vulnerability in an ABC comedy slate that has been strong for a decade was cause for concern. However, Fresh Off the Boat has a streaming deal and recognizable stars, as well as the need for one more season to put it in the hunt for a traditional syndication package. All of which helped to push it to another season.
What remains to be seen is whether this season of Fresh Off the Boat is for 22 episodes. The trades had speculated that the series could be in for a shortened final run, but if ABC and 20th Century Fox agreed to 22 installments, that’s a guaranteed comedy expansion for ABC, as fellow Fox comedy Speechless has a 22-episode renewal, as well. Also renewed for next year is freshman comedy Splitting Up Together.
The fourth season of Fresh Off the Boat concluded earlier this spring on ABC.
