After ordering four new comedies for the 2014-15 season, ABC is cleaning house of under-performing half-hours, giving the ax to five series: “Super Fun Night,” “Mixology,” “Trophy Wife,” “The Neighbors” and “Suburgatory.”
“Suburgatory,” in its third year, and “Super Fun,” hailed from Warner Bros. TV; the other three were ABC Studios productions.
Meanwhile, WBTV’s 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.
“Suburgatory,” starring Jeremy Sisto and Jane Levy, also had its fans but struggled to find an audience despite airing between “Middle” and “Modern Family” for most of its run. Creator Emily Kapnek is already moving on to oversee a new comedy for ABC that was picked up on Thursday night, “Selfie.”
“Super Fun Night” had been off the schedule for months and didn’t have much of a shot at returning next season.
As of Thursday night, ABC has ordered five new dramas and four comedies for the coming campaign.
