As previously stated, The Mysteries of Laura and Undateable both survived the TV bloodbath, earning pickups for second and third seasons, respectively.
The former, a police procedural that also focused on its cop’s relationship with her kids, was a surprise hit for NBC, drawing more than 8.2 million viewers throughout its first season. The renewal is for 13 episodes, as NBC watches the show undergo some creative changes, including more of a focus on the crime-solving element. Unfortunately, The Mysteries of Laura now holds the distinction of being the only returning drama from NBC’s disastrous 2014-15 season.
The latter, a relationship comedy starring stand-up comics Chris D’Elia, Brent Morin and Ron Funches, hasn’t been a huge performer for NBC, but as the Peacock Network tries to break into live scripted comedy, Undateable is a known quantity. The comedy has performed solidly if not spectacularly, but what really got execs’ attention was the show’s commitment to live episodes. The first aired May 5 and did well in the ratings compared to previous installments, but it’s more the idea than the end result in that instance that enthused execs.
NBC has been working to strengthen its live broadcasting lineup since the success of The Sound of Music, and even though Peter Pan didn’t really succeed as a follow-up, the network is undeterred, having ordered an adaptation of The Wiz for the fall. Now, it has a sitcom that works with the formula – and as such, Undateable‘s third season has been ordered on the condition that all episodes are performed live.
Though that’s a high order and will make the cast of Undateable one of the hardest-working on television, the show’s creative team is no doubt celebrating nonetheless, especially now that the series has become NBC’s longest-running scripted comedy on the air. The Peacock Network has struggled with comedy for years, but with the season 3 pickup, Undateable is well on its way to becoming a staple of its lineup.
Published: May 11, 2015 09:50 am