It’s not all a bloodbath at CBS: The network has renewed Criminal Minds, Life In Pieces, Man With A Plan, & Instinct for new seasons.
Despite popular belief, Criminal Minds was never in much doubt for renewal. While ratings for the long-running procedural have dipped, it’s a big international seller and there isn’t much else the network could put in that timeslot that would do much better. The show’s renewal is usually down to the wire mostly to negotiate cast contracts to ensure they all return.
Life In Pieces is heading into its fourth season and its renewal basically ensures that it can be sold into syndication, which the family ensemble comedy is prime for. It is the lowest rated of the CBS Thursday comedies but it’s usually a very steady performer as well.
The renewal of Man With A Plan is a bit surprising since its demo numbers are typically lower than that of Kevin Can Wait, which was canceled after two seasons. The big push for its third season pickup was that it is solely owned by CBS and they can make more money off of it as it continues. Matt LeBlanc is also a big network star and I’m sure they feel his name could lead a night of comedy if they continue to go that route.
Instinct is also a bit of surprise since its Sunday numbers aren’t fantastic but I’m hearing the renewal was more of a vote of confidence from the network, despite its modest performance. It’s also owned by the networks and as we’ve seen with some of the cancellations and pickups, ownership is key.
