After ordering four new comedies for the 2014-15 season, ABC is cleaning house of under-performing half-hours, giving the ax to first-year entries “Mixology” and “Trophy Wife” and “The Neighbors” after its sophomore season. All three shows hailed from ABC Studios.
Meanwhile, durable domestic comedy “The Middle” has been renewed for a sixth season — that was never really in doubt — and “Dancing With the Stars” will be back for its 19th time around the dance floor.
“Trophy Wife” (pictured) was said to be the hardest call as the domestic comedy had fans among critics. But in the final analysis the network found no signs of ratings growth for the show on any platform, which sealed its fate.
“Mixology” had been talked about as possible getting a reprieve as its youthful skew might’ve made it a sked companion for one of ABC’s new orders, such as “Selfie.”
“Neighbors” delivered weak numbers throughout its second season, even by the low standards of its Friday night berth. Series creator Dan Fogelman will move on to producing an ambitious new vehicle for ABC, “Galavant,” a musical comedy about a “handsome prince” bent for revenge after losing his true love.
ABC has yet to confirm the cancellations, but thesps from “Mixology” and “Trophy Wife” delivered the bad news to fans via Twitter.
Among the remaining question marks for renewals at ABC are comedy “Suburgatory,” which is said to be in the 50-50 stage for a yea or nay, and drama “Nashville.”
As of Thursday night, ABC has ordered five new dramas and four comedies for the coming campaign.
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