Despite several other networks giving advance renewals to many of their biggest shows ahead of the Upfronts in May, most notably ABC and The CW, who practically renewed every primetime show in their lineup recently, FOX has been strangely quiet on the front of which shows will be back for next season. Fortunately, the network has just given one advance renewal today, as Batman prequel series, Gotham is now confirmed to be returning for a third season in FOX’s 2016/2017 lineup!
Gotham’s early renewal is pretty predictable, given that the DC Comics drama averages a strong nine million viewers or so worldwide per episode. The show also happens to be the current most watched television series on basic cable, is among the top ten most watched shows overall of this season, and is in the top five most watched television dramas overall this season. This makes Gotham the second-biggest show on FOX at present, only behind mega-hit musical drama, Empire as the network’s current biggest primetime hit, which already received an advance renewal for its own third season at the start of this year. So far, FOX has only given confirmed renewals to Gotham and Empire, beyond the previously confirmed multiple renewals for their everlasting animated sitcom, The Simpsons.
Gotham being renewed means that the only primetime DC Comics dramas to not yet have their fates confirmed are the two freshman DC shows of this season, those being FOX’s own Lucifer, inspired by the graphic novel series from DC’s Vertigo label, and CBS’ Supergirl. Recently however, the CEO of CBS claimed that he’s anticipating a renewal for Supergirl at or before the Upfronts in May, leaving Lucifer as the only undetermined series for next season, particularly since it’s generating good, but not spectacular results for FOX in terms of both ratings and reviews.
Gotham airs on Mondays at 8:00-9:00 P.M., on CTV here in Canada, and FOX for our American neighbours. The series shares a timeslot with CBS’ competing DC Comics drama, Supergirl as well, which is hosted on Global here in the Great White North.
Keep patrolling Eggplante for all major news and updates on Gotham, DC’s television projects, and FOX’s programming slate.