NBC has yet to decide whether to order any more episodes of Friday Night Lights this season but that may not mean the end of the critically-adored drama. A source close to the series confirmed that Universal is considering whether to shop the Kyle Chandler starrer to another network rather than cancel it outright. The source cautioned, however, that NBC hasn’t closed the door on the show just yet. In fact, one scenario making the rounds is a shared window for FNL with one of NBC’s sister cable networks.
While struggling in the ratings (FNL has only attracted an average 6.1 million viewers this season and typically finishes third in its timeslot), the show is a huge favorite among TV critics and even beloved by many executives at competing networks because of its multi-generational themes. The drama has also netted an Emmy for casting and a Peabody Award.
FNL has already produced 15 episodes for this season, the last of which will air Feb. 8. Should the writers’ strike end by Feb. 15, the show’s writers could complete the final arc of the season in five or six episodes if NBC gives it the greenlight, according to executive producer Jason Katims. As of right now, Katims has no plans to write the final episode as a series finale. “I would do it as a cliffhanger and leave things open-ended unless of course we were told that the show was ending,” he says. “But I doubt that would be the case because if they bring the show back to do more episodes this season, they’re also going to be hoping that the show returns for a third season.” (With reporting by Dan Snierson)
FNL is the best show on earth.
Sad that there is only 1 comment before mine… But it kinda fits the situation… FNL is an AMAZING show!!! Great for family’s to watch… oh wait family’s don’t watch tv together anymore… Great for guys who relate to the show… oh wait guys like that don’t watch network tv on Fridays…. Hey NBC… Quit pissing off your younger generation viewers… First Conan, now this….Must see tv Thursday worked BECAUSE you found a niche… Shows people enjoyed and could relate to and a TIME SLOT that was convient to the lifestyles of your viewers…. oh and ADVERTISING that made EVERYBODY feel like if they missed it they’d be laughed out of the water cooler briefings…. TALENT is TALENT. I pay $200 a month on cable YET this is a show I actually watch on NBC…. I’ll miss FNL, I won’t miss NBC… boycott
This show is an amazing show and Please, Please, Please, do not cancel one of the best shows ever… We love it….
Please try to keep Friday Night Lights for next year. My family and I just love the show and have been loyal viewers for 5 years. It is a wonderfully smart show, gritty, and honest, with talented adult and teenage actors. It is quite rivoting and appeals to all ages. The characters’ stories are compelling and leave the viewer begging for more. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton have a sensitive warm relationship as the crux of a wonderful family that can serve as role models for others. The care they take with their students is heartwarming. It is such a welcome respite from all the brainless reality shows, it is finally nice to have an excellent drama that the whole family can sink their teeth into. Please save this outstanding Emmy nominated show so the audience can have some good quality viewing for next year.