On the Fence: Which TV Shows the Broadcast Networks Should Keep or Cancel

The upfront season means its decision time. And a perennial question broadcast networks face is what to do with a primetime series that is just not delivering—enough. The primary deciding factor used to be Nielsen ratings, but today many other considerations come to play in determining the fate of a show, including streaming viewership, social media engagement, production costs, off-network and international deals, critical acclaim and the state of the network. So, when ABC, for example, must decide on the future of “Once Upon a Time,” a show that is rapidly declining in the Nielsen ratings but holding steady in social media, a seventh season does not seem out of the question. A potential third season renewal for ABC Friday night sitcom “Dr. Ken,” however, could seem desperate given the poor quality of this half-hour.

As a benchmark, here are 10 shows under review for renewal and my take on whether the networks should pull the plug. For more, click here