The world is currently wrestling with the Coronavirus outbreak, and that has led to shutdowns across the entertainment industry. That’s bad news for shows that were currently in production as well as pilots that are looking to be picked up for the coming season. And it will likely lead to truncated seasons for several of this season’s shows. But this could also end up being good news to shows that face an uncertain future, particularly ABC’s new sci fi drama Emergence.

That show debuted last Fall to decent ratings but saw those slip during its thirteen-episode run. It made up for that early on with strong delayed viewing gains, but those numbers also declined as the season progressed. It currently stands as one of ABC’s lowest-rated shows and I had elevated its status to Cancellation Likely. But recent events may actually work in the show’s favor.

Production on pilots has mostly stopped and I’m not sure if any were completed to the point that network execs could decide if they are good candidates to join the schedule. When production resumes, that will almost certainly be past the point when the networks will have set their lineups for the coming season (the Upfronts are currently planned for the week of May 11th). So that will leave the network’s with slots to fill across the Prime Time hours. The easiest way to fill those is to just bring back existing shows from the current season.

ABC execs likely consider Emergence a disappointment as far as its ratings results, but it was not a complete disaster. And it is designed to run for thirteen-episode seasons, so the network does not have to commit to a full twenty-two eps. In the face of limited options, it is possible that Emergence could escape cancellation and stick around for another season. I am moving its status back to On the Bubble as I believe it at least has a shot at this point. Fans should also take the opportunity to give the show a boost on the social networks to help sway ABC over to a renewal decision.

There are other sci fi and fantasy shows that may be impacted by this, but to a lesser extant. NBC’s Manifest was already tracking towards renewal even though its same-day ratings are down, but I would say that it is almost a lock to return for a third season at this point. The fate of USA’s The Purge has been in doubt, but I’m not certain that has changed. The cable networks are cutting back on scripted programming, so they may let it go to cut costs. The streaming shows may not see much impact because their networks are not locked into the seasonal cycle and thus not hindered as much be the delays.

Whether the current situation will work out to be favorable for Emergence remains to be seen, but fans can hope for the best. And as we wait for further news, be sure to be safe and civil in the current crisis . . . and what’s up with the hoarding of the toilet paper?

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