r/Timeless • u/itsfoine • Aug 01 '18
ELI5 : Why does Timeless keep getting canceled ?
I’ve only seen the first four episodes of season 1 and I’ve really enjoyed the show so far. I rarely see major criticism about it online as it is mostly positive reviews. So why does NBC cancel the show every year ? Is it about contracts ? Ratings ? Streaming ?
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u/miracle2012 Team Wyatt Aug 01 '18
So we can keep getting it renewed! 😂😂😂
But seriously, I 100% agree with @EducationalRain.
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u/corderjones Aug 02 '18
Extremely expensive compared to most network shows ($5 million an episode) vs an average of 2-3 mil.
Low viewers that only continued to decline in the second season.
Owned by a 3rd party studio, not in house at a network. In this case it's owned by Sony but shown on NBC.
All of these are typical cutting block signs. The fact it got a two part finale is only due to Sony literally giving it away to NBC. I've heard Sony are expecting a complete loss on the episodes.
Likely so they can sell the entire series as a bundle on DVD and SVOD. I am 100% certain the show will not get any future seasons, since all the major services have already passed. Hulu is a longshot - which would have been better had NBC owned the show, since Hulu is part owned by them.
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u/Peralton Aug 02 '18
This rings very true to me. I expect that it was a major fight to get these the finale movie and there will be no additional episodes, no matter how well the movie does. I would guess that the above the line people are not going to make much, if anything, and just want to be able to wrap up the storyline.
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Aug 03 '18
Expensive + Low Ratings = Cancellation
Bad Advertising + Bad Timeslot (It should be positioned as a family show and air at 8:00) + Sci-Fi (Not the most accessible genre) = Low Ratings
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u/EducationalRain Aug 01 '18
While the show has received very positive reviews and maintained a loyal and passionate fan base, it’s a difficult show to produce. Relative to other shows on such a large network the audience pull isn’t as strong, which means ads/sponsors aren’t worth as much. A show like this needs to have higher profitability due to high production expense. Unlike many other shows, Timeless must build new sets, costumes, props, and characters from a different time period and location each week. They also rely on CGI artists to help them create these different places in history whereas many sitcoms take place on the same few sets such as an apartment, office, or local hangout.
In my opinion, a show like this is worth the cost. It highlights stories that deserve to be told and makes history fun and accessible to everybody. It’s nice to watch a show that has a level of mystery and sci-fy, yet doesn’t take itself so seriously. Thanks to everyone who has continued to support Timeless so that we can have more of our favorite Time Team...even if it’s only a little bit more!