Scoreboard check!
Each year, our own Mr. Serious takes a look at the fall television schedule and identifies the new shows that are doomed from the get-go. In 2014, there were 13 shows on his list– here’s how he fared:
Bad Judge (NBC)
Prediction: GONE BY National American Beer Day (October 27th)
Ultimate Fate: Cancelled on Oct. 31.
Constantine (NBC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Chicken Soup For The Soul Day (November 12th)
Ultimate Fate: In November NBC announced that they would not be ordering episodes past the initial 13 for the first season.
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17th)
Ultimate Fate: The 2014 AFI Television Program of the Year has not officially been picked up yet for season 2, but ratings and critical reception remain solid.
Madam Secretary (CBS)
Prediction: GONE BY National Sardines Day (November 24th)
Ultimate Fate: On October 27, 2014, CBS placed a full season order consisting of 22 episodes for the first season. Met with generally mediocre-to-favorable reviews, Rotten Tomatoes’ consensus reads: “Bolstered by Tea Leoni’s strong central performance, Madam Secretary is a solid but unspectacular political drama.”
Manhattan Love Story (ABC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Hermit Day (October 29th)
Ultimate Fate: On October 24 2014, the series was canceled, becoming the first network television cancellation of the fall schedule.
The McCarthys (CBS)
Prediction: GONE BY Patriots Day (April 20th)
Ultimate Fate: No CBS announcement yet. The McCarthys has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. The CBS freshman holds an unimpressive 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 5.3/10. The site’s consensus: “The McCarthys is a semi-successful attempt at a throwback sitcom with above-par performances, but its broad stereotypes and lack of a unique point of view also make it semi-forgettable.”
The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day (January 14th)
Ultimate Fate: The Mysteries of Laura was named one of the worst of 2014 by Entertainment Weekly, and has received negative reviews from critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, the show holds a rating of 24% with an average rating of 3.9/10. The site’s consensus: “Despite a talented cast, The Mysteries of Laura is dated both as a cop show and as a representation of single, working mothers.” There probably won’t be an announcement in the next 11 days, but it’s safe to say Mr. Serious can enjoy his Hot Pastrami on January 14 without a side of humble pie.
Red Band Society (FOX)
Prediction: GONE BY National Crabmeat Day (March 9th)
Ultimate Fate: On November 26, 2014, it was confirmed the show would stop production after its original 13 episode order, and the show was pulled from the schedule after episode 10. The series has not been officially cancelled, but it’s a safe bet it won’t see the light of National Crabmeat Day.
Selfie (ABC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Ding a Ling Day (December 12th)
Ultimate Fate: Selfie was canceled by ABC on November 7, 2014.
Forever (ABC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Roast Leg of Lamb Day (May 7th)
Ultimate Fate: On November 7 2014, ABC placed a full season episode order for the first season, but Forever has received mixed reviews from critics (Rotten Tomatoes gives the show a rating of 55%). However, the show has received overwhelming acclaim from viewers, with an 88% “Fresh” Audience Score and an 8.3/10 rating from 15,167 reviews on IMDB which is one of the highest of any new show in the Fall 2014 lineup.
Cristela (ABC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Public Sleeping Day (February 28th)
Ultimate Fate: On November 24 2014, ABC picked up Cristela for a full season.
Stalker (CBS)
Prediction: GONE BY National Hug a Newsman Day (April 4th)
Ultimate Fate: On October 27 2014, CBS placed a full season episode order for the first season.
State of Affairs (NBC)
Prediction: GONE BY National Jerky Day (June 12th)
Ultimate Fate: The series has received mixed to negative reviews from critics, but most reviewers praised Alfre Woodard’s performance. On Metacritic the show has a score of 43 out of 100, indicating “mixed or average reviews”. On Rotten Tomatoes the show holds rating of 26% with an average rating of 5.2/10.
2014 SCORE: Out of 13 predictions, the venerable Mr. Serious NAILED 6 of them and WHIFFED on 3, while the fate of 4 others hangs in the balance. Will he be celebrating National Jerky Day in June with a winning record? Time will tell. Thanks for joining us- see you next fall!!
