Ah, May.
That time of year where networks have their Upfronts in New York City and I sit enviously wishing I was there to hear them talk about what their next season is going to look like. In preparation of that, networks begin to renew and cancel their shows (with the exception of The CW who tends to go a bit earlier so that they can get the news cycle all to themselves).
When we went into the 2016-2017 television season, time travel related programming was at the highest it may have ever been. Unfortunately, the season was not kind to some of these shows (and some of them created their own problems that led to their cancellation).
As someone who follows the market closely, there are times where I sit back and think, “Happy Hunger Games” because for some of my favorites I sincerely hope that the odds will be ever in their favor.
This season, I was lucky. Only two shows I really enjoy got the ax (sadly, not everyone saw the appeal of Deception like I did – it’s really finding its wings now and I’m sad for the plot lines we won’t explore). I would like it noted that I think The Librarians were cheated. More on that in a bit.
How did your favorite shows fare in cancellation season?
Let’s take a look. But be warned, this is your official spoiler warning for the rest of the post. If it has aired, it is free game for me to talk about. So if you aren’t caught up on your favorite show and don’t want me to accidentally spoil it, come back later!
Krypton
This freshman show on SyFy tells the story of Krypton years before Superman and Supergirl were born. It follows Superman’s grandfather approximately 200 years before the infamous comic book story.
Adam Strange comes from Earth’s future to warn Kal-El’s (Superman) Seg-El (his grandfather) about a being called Brainiac who is coming to end Krypton before its time causing Superman to never exist.
Krypton was just renewed for a second season.
12 Monkeys
Also on SyFy, this show was renewed last year for a fourth and final season which is scheduled to premiere on June 15, 2018 and last about a month. Terry Matalas has his work cut out for him as he has to wrap up the adventures of James Cole and Dr. Cassandra “Cassie” Railly in their battle against the Army of the 12 Monkeys.
One thing I can appreciate here is that they were told to end it so Matalas and the team has said they’re going to make it satisfying for fans.
The Magicians
I’ll admit, I started watching this show solely because Felicia Day was going to be in several episodes of the most recent season. Yet after her role was done, I found myself sticking around.
The Magicians seems to weave time travel in and out of its story whenever it finds it convenient.
Before it’s last season ended, SyFy confirmed that it was renewed for a fourth season. It should return in early 2019.
The Librarians
Let me start by saying, that I think cancelling The Librarians was a horrible decision on TNT’s part. It was well-written, the actors were great, and it had a lot of things television is missing these days.
It was one of my favorite shows. I was introduced to The Librarian movies early on in my college career and when I heard they were doing a show I was so happy. The franchise is fun, lighthearted, and well done.
But alas, the show run by Dean Devlin was cancelled. There was talk around the time where Dean Devlin was trying to find a new home for the show but at this point, there is no word on if he was successful.
Outlander
This show continues to surprise me. Based off of the book series by Diana Gabaldon, this show features the romance between Claire and Jamie. Claire is from post-World War 2 and Jamie is from Scotland about 400 years earlier.
Within the last week, Starz renewed the show for not one but two seasons. Season Four is due to premiere in November but it might be a bit before we get Season Five. Stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan have said that once they finish filming the current season they are taking a seven-month hiatus.
The Flash
While they haven’t done any time travel this season, with the ability to do it constantly there, even if Barry says he’s not supposed to use it anymore, it deserves a mention in this list.
The Flash has been renewed to come back and we will see after tonight’s season finale just what Team Flash will be dealing with next.
Legends of Tomorrow
Can I just say, this show had a really fun season. I’m hoping eventually they’ll be allowed a 22-24 episode season just like every other Arrowverse show so that we can have even more of them.
That being said, Legends has been renewed for season four and with Constantine becoming a series regular, they’re in for an adventure like no other.
Supernatural
This is another one that I’m putting on this list even though it didn’t have time travel in it’s most recent season. But with Michael coming back front and center, most angel-centric plotlines involve at least a bit of time travel so don’t be surprised if we get an episode when season 14 airs this fall.
Timeless
After meeting parallel versions of two of the teammates, it’s safe to say that the cliffhanger left you wondering if they could be successful with their mission? The fate of this show is still unknown.
Sadly, I think that this particular cliffhanger is going to end up on the list of top cliffhangers that never get resolved.
Orville
This one was another to get a quick renewal, the decision coming back in November. This new drama about a down on his luck man who finally gets his own ship will return on Fox.
Star Trek: Discovery
It’s second season announcement came only a couple of weeks ago. This show is unique that it’s online only but not on Netflix or Hulu. Season 2 will come to CBS All Access sometime later this year.
Doctor Who
Jodie Whitaker’s debut is set to take place in October of this year with a shortened 10-episode season. The team is keeping a lot of this season under wraps but I expect we will get our first look sometime between now and the end of SDCC.
Travelers
This Netflix series has been renewed for it’s third season though we don’t have a release date at this time. Will they be successful at their mission?
Dark
This one got renewed pretty quick. It’s high on my list to watch, I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I’ll have to catch up before the next season premieres.
Futureman
Hulu’s attempt at a time travel series proved to be successful as it was renewed for a second season.
How did you favorite shows fare? As I go and continue to rage about the cancellation of my two shows, I hope that if your’s is on the list of undecideds that the odds are ever in your favor.
I’ll see you guys here in September for my Fall Television Preview. We’ll chat about the shows that are renewing at the at least one show that’s going to premiere that has time travel in it’s premise. If there’s a show you want to make sure I cover in that preview send us a message and I’ll add it to my list!
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