The network TV purge of 2022 has begun and it's showing no mercy to a lot of fan-favorite shows. Unlike Netflix and the other streamers, traditional broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, and The CW) have a strict schedule they adhere to. That schedule culminates in May/June when nearly every scripted network show ends in a 20+ episode season. At the same time, the networks are busy deciding what shows to bring back and which will end, sometimes on major cliffhangers.
This year The CW made the most cuts canceling several beloved shows and ending The Vampire Diaries' universe legacy of having a show on the network. Neither comedies nor dramas were safe this year with many networks clearing house on shows that premiered only a few years ago. While some fans are outraged by the cancelations, others are hopeful that the networks will premier even better content in the 22-23 TV season.
Charmed - The CW
In 2018, the beloved late '90s and early '00s fantasy drama Charmed got a reboot. While the reboot was similar in plot, it introduced an entirely new cast of characters. Macy, Mel, and Maggie are three sisters who learn they are the most powerful trio of good witches after their mother dies. The sisters must work together to protect their world because their powers are stronger together.
Charmed ran for four seasons and was praised by fans and critics for its diversity in casting three women of color as the lead and for its strong and positive LGBTQ representation. Unfortunately, not even its positive reviews could save the show from cancellation.
Kenan - NBC
Kenan Thompson is best known for being the longest-running Saturday Night Live cast member of all time. In 2021, Kenan took on a new role when he began starring in the NBC sitcom Kenan. The series centers on a widowed father who is trying to juggle parenthood and his overbearing father-in-law with his job as a beloved morning show host.
During the first season, Kenan's performance was so impactful that he earned a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Unfortunately, the series struggled to find a solid fanbase and was canceled likely due to low ratings.
Legacies - The CW
One of the most devastating networks TV cancellations came from The CW when they announced they canceled Legacies, a fantasy drama centered around a school for supernatural begins. The series is a spin-off of The Originals which is a spin-off of The Vampire Diaries, meaning the 22-23 season will be the first time in 13 years there isn't a show about The Vampire Diaries franchise on air.
While Legacies has a cult following, the ratings for season four dropped which is one of the reasons the show was likely canceled. Another major factor is the uncertainty of The CW network as a whole considering it's up for sale.
Magnum P.I. - CBS
Magnum P.I. was yet another TV reboot that premiered in the 18-19 TV season. Like the original, the reboot centers on Thomas Magnum, a Navy SEAL who is now working as a private investigator in Hawaii. Like several reboots of the 2010s, the creators brought on a diverse cast to counterbalance the homogenous cast of the original.
Despite the original being a popular series, the reboot was constantly faced with mixed reviews. It ran for four seasons on CBS before it was ultimately canceled in May 2022. The loss is painful for the Latinx community who once again lose a show with a Latinx actor in the leading role.
Mr. Mayor - NBC
The Robert Carlock and Tina Fey-created sitcom Mr. Mayor was another comedy canceled by NBC in May 2022. The series starred legendary TV actor Ted Danson as Neil Bremer a wealthy businessman who wins the Los Angeles mayor position in the hopes of earning the respect of his daughters.
Despite a brilliant cast and team of producers/writers, The Mayor failed to find its footing like the cast and crew's other beloved sitcoms. The series ran for two seasons before being canceled, most likely due to low ratings.
Pivoting - Fox
The Fox comedy Pivoting follows three best friends who set out to dramatically change their life after their friend suddenly dies reminding them that life is short. It premiered earlier this year and ran for 10 episodes before being canceled despite its 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
There's lots of speculation about why the highly praised comedy was canceled, with many sources citing the show's refusal to move production from Los Angeles to Vancouver to save money. Another reason could be that the show performs well on Hulu which Fox is looking to move away from since their contract is set to expire soon.
The Big Leap - Fox
After the success of Glee in the 2010s, Fox has been desperately trying to find its next hit musical dramedy series but it continues to fail on that front. The Big Leap was Fox's attempt this season which followed a group of characters who participate in a reality dance competition show in the hopes of turning their lives around.
Despite holding a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, The Big Leap was Fox's lowest-performing series in terms of ratings which ultimately led to its cancelation after one season.
Queens - ABC
ABC attempted to take on the hard musical-drama genre with the release of Queens in October 2021. The series centered on four women who were part of a legendary hip-hop group in the 1990s. Now in their 40s, the women are reuniting to see if they still have what it takes to be megastars.
Most notable of the cast is Brandy Norwood who released several original and covers of songs to coincide with the episode releases. Despite favorable reviews online, the series didn't perform well in terms of ratings and struggled after Eve J. Cooper's character was written out due to her real-life pregnancy.
Roswell, New Mexico - The CW
Adapted from the Roswell High book series by Melinda Metz, Roswell, New Mexico began airing on The CW in 2018 and marked the second adaptation of the book series. The sci-fi series follows Liz Ortecho, a biomedical researcher who returns home and discovers her teenage crush is actually an alien who has been keeping his abilities a secret.
Unfortunately, the show was canceled and its final season will premiere on June 6th. Despite it's abrupt cancelation, the creators have assured fans that the series won't end on a cliffhanger.
United States Of Al - CBS
CBS has a reputation for not being the most diverse when it comes to its shows but it's been taking steps to change that. In 2021 the network debuted the United States of Al which follows a Marine veteran and his interpreter from Afghanistan who is trying to start a new life in America.
The cancelation was a surprise considering the series was created by legendary showrunner Chuck Lorre who is known for his long-standing sitcoms. The loss will be felt by fans but also the Afghan-American community who found themselves represented in Al and his family.