Ranking This Season’s New Shows

The In-Betweens –

Gotham: Fox’s first attempt at the comic book related show started off great. And if it had retained such high numbers, it would have easily landed a spot back on page one with the other ‘Hits.’ But, unfortunately, especially towards the end of the season, the show took a big hit in the ratings. Though it did well enough to garner a second season renewal, it’s hard not to feel like Gotham had much more potential.

Agent Carter: ABC had a similar occurrence, albeit with a Marvel property. Their Captain America spinoff Agent Carter is another comic book show that could have exceeded its own performance. The sturdy, and yet low, ratings contender was renewed for a second season. I’m sure ABC is hoping they’re able to bring in more than die hard Marvel fans during the shows second running.

iZombie: Wrapping up the theme of comic book related shows that could have fared better is The CW’s iZombie. Being placed after The Flash was both a blessing and a curse for this show. On one hand, it provided the necessary crowd for the program’s launch- which then got the show a second season. On the other hand, it also overshadowed the show and I can’t help but feel like this is the kind of program that could have really broken out.

Secrets and Lies: Maybe it’s just me that was expecting more out of a show in vain of Gone Girl and staring Ryan Phillippe and Juliette Lewis. While always a solid performer ratings wise, the drama never really pulled in numbers to brag about. Still, it scored a second season renewal so ABC brass must be happy with how the show turned out creatively.

ABC comedies; Blackish and Fresh off the Boat: With the ratings these shows pulled in, especially Blackish, you’d think they deserve to be on the ‘Hit’ list. And they could be too, but these comedies owe a lot of their success to their lead-ins. Both shows got their starts directly after ABC heavyweight Modern Family. With the other ABC comedies firmly in the ‘Misses’ category, I can’t help but wonder what would have happened if these comedies switched schedules.