MIDSEASON/OTHER THOUGHTS:
CRAIG: It sounds like Of Kings and Prophets is already staffing up, so room will have to be made on the schedule for that. As I said, The Muppets might be a good Once Upon A Time fill-in at midseason. I’m curious what John Ridley’s Marvel project is; if it’s something dark, like, say, the Punisher, it could fit in the 10PM timeslot after Agents of SHIELD. (I don’t believe his project is Ms. Marvel, no matter how many people might like that to be a thing). ABC is so unpredictable, really: We don’t know much of what’s renewed; we don’t know what pilots they want . . . and we probably won’t until the Friday before upfronts. So, we’ll see. I also wouldn’t be shocked if Revenge returns for a final run; at the rate things are tying up, though, I don’t know that they need it.
I also don’t know where to factor in shows like The Whispers and Astronaut Wives Club since none of them have premiered yet.
SHILO: ABC always orders the most midseason shows of any network and this year will be no different. With several of their shows going less than 22 episodes, and some 22-episode shows taking lengthy hiatuses in the middle of the season, prepare for a crazy onslaught of new programming that will make your head spin. As far as renewed shows coming back, I think we’ll see another season of Secrets & Lies and probably more Repeat After Me, with the latter in a lower profile slot; I’m leaning toward Agent Carter returning for a second season, as well, but that likely depends on factors that we’re not currently aware of. In terms of new shows, at least one drama from Shonda Rhimes’ ShondaLand will be picked up, so look for either Original Sin or The Catch to premiere this season. There’ll also be a handful of dramas with truncated episode orders (a LA Crime or a Runner, for example) and hopefully at least a few comedy backups, since ABC found themselves a little short-handed this season.
