Edit from Seidman: Bill and I clashed in posting similar reports at the same time, and since mine had more prose and speculation, I’m moving mine to the top of his abstracting!
The Hollywood Reporter’s James Hibberd reports that Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles got its back nine order and been picked up for a full season, despite its modest ratings this season. In our most recent Renew or Cancel Index (which doesn’t include last Monday’s data), we had Terminator: TSCC as Fox’s second most likely to be cancelled scripted show — though the gap between it and number one most likely ‘Til Death was fairly wide (and ‘Til Death may well be Fox’s equivalent of According to Jim – lousy when it comes to the ratings, but primed for the syndication market).
Given the ratings so far the announcement is surprising to me. Hibberd offers up some possible reasons, including reported creative struggles with Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse. Hibberd says Fox executives like the show and that it’s likely they believe because overall viewership for Fox picks up when American Idol returns that the series can improve its ratings in the winter.
One thing I’ve always believed is that there is some financial enticement to Fox either in the way of cost of episodes, an advertising arrangement or both involving the forthcoming Terminator: Salvation movie scheduled for a May release. It just made sense as a natural promotion opportunity to have TSCC on the air in May. I know some of you will chime in with “but, the movie has nothing to do with the TV show, is made by different people, isn’t made by Fox so Fox won’t care!” Warner Bros is in on the production of TSCC and Warner Brothers Pictures is the US distributor of the Terminator movie this May. While it’s purely speculative on my part and I’m pretty sure we’ll never know, I don’t think it’s nonsensical that Fox could’ve had additional incentives for the pickup.
Regardless, TSCC fans will rejoice over the full season pick up!
–
Original post from Bill:
Both James Hibberd’s the live feed and Variety are now reporting that Fox has ordered a full season of Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.
From Variety:
Fox has just given a full-season order to “Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.” Cast and crew were informed of the decision late Friday.
Back nine order was far from certain; show has been struggling in its Monday night time slot. But “Sarah Connor” has developed a fan base and some positive critical attention along the way.
From James Hibberd:
The network recently ordered two scripts of the show, so perhaps the stories came in strong. Midseason sci-fi drama “Dollhouse” might be another factor — Fox’s previously announced winter schedule pairs “Dollhouse” and “24″ on Mondays and “American Idol” and “Fringe” on Tuesdays, without “Terminator” listed. So perhaps the network has a new scheduling configuration in mind to support its sci-fi efforts.
{…]
One of the most likely reasons for a pickup, however, is simply that Fox executives like this show. They feel it is creatively strong. The network’s overall viewership levels jet up after the first of the year powered by “American Idol.” They likely believe the series has a chance to improve.
Oh heck YES!!!! I AM SO FREAKIN’ HAPPY!!!
Best show on TV, period. Everyone, enjoy the full season!!
ROCK ON, FOX!!!
So basically FOX is taking the Samantha Who? approach by putting Terminator on after Idol to increase its ratings just like ABC.
Splendid! This calls for a sexy party!
Shock’n'Awe…
I really can’t believe my eyes…the news is just too good to be true.
Perhaps it will work to put Sarsh Conner Chronicles after American Idol, but I suggest they get a studlier Terminator if they want me to watch. Of course Arnold is too long in the tooth, and a little busy playing Governator, but there are lots and lots of hunky guys out there that would be worth tuning in to see. The androidette they have just doesn’t blow up my skirt.
Great news!
This is some great birthday news for me, yay. Happy birthday to me!
angelcrest, I can safely say you won’t find any men who would disagree that Summer Glau is one of the hottest actress on television. So, I’m sorry if Summer dosen’t do it for you, but she sure as hell does it for everyone else.
If TSCC gets the slot after Idol, I will then be convinced Warner Bros is giving *nice* financial incentives to Fox. I don’t expect that to happen.
OH YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT’S EARLY CHRISTMAS ON TERMINATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
LIFE IS GOOD!!!!
Dut Dut – Dut – Dut Dut
Dut Dut – Dut – Dut Dut
Both my Tivo and I are very happy!
TSCC is one of only two shows that I really care about.
I’m jealous, but I’m happy for the show. I love the movies, I’ll check out the series when it hits the WBLA in November.
This show is well worthy of renewal, especially given alot of the crap reality shows that pass for entertainment…
This show contains plot story lines that have never been addressed on any series (i.e. example#1- bond between A.I. and human)..
Can only hope it picks up the viewers it deserves..
just a thought,
K e v
Oh, hell yeah!!!
I’m so happy!
This is only the one on TV that I care.
This is so awesome to hear. I thought the show was a goner, for sure, so I’m pleasantly surprised at this turn of events. Woo!
Oh)) I so happy!!! I hope that we’ll see the third season too)))
smart move for fox! It does have a strong cult following, it is my fav show!
Can I just say thank God!! So what does this mean for the renew/cancel index?
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaaaaw!!!!!!!
I’m so happy, words cannot describe it! This is so perfect. Today is a good day to be a Terminator fan.
Ha! Did not expect this at all! Well, more Summer Glau and Lena Headey is just fine by me.
Wow. God i hope they renew PB too.
PB is already renewed for full season.
I mean past this season. To get full 5 as was planned.
Well 7 but i doubt itll go that far.
Oh… well, I pray to God for that too! Show cannot be boring cuz each season is different and fresh, so… I really hope for more season of this best show ever! Now, that TSCC is renewed, I hope that FOX gives a good scheudle for PB… cuz, DVR numbers shows that people are watching, but monday night is just overcrowded with scripted shows…
Yeah. Plus its still strong internationally and in DVD sales.
Idol will help no doubt. T:SCC at least is sticking the wall on FOX Monday. Not the best ratings but the ratings are stable.
That is better than nothing.
Well, congrats Robert! You now get a full season of Summer Glau :p
Practically, however, something smells fishy. TV execs don’t renew expensive shows that draw sub 6 million viewers out of the goodness of their hearts. I don’t buy it’s because of “the creative direction the show is taking”.
If something is wrong with Dollhouse and FOX pulls it unaired–the ire of Whedon fans will surely supplant those of Moonlight fans.
But this is Kevin Reilly. Maybe there is a Direct TV plan in the works
So FOX will get TSCC an American idol lead-in??? Isn’t that saved for Fringe? So, with which series will PB be then, if TSCC is comapred with AI… Fringe?
Or better – House. 
Andrea, what makes you think the show is expensive? Well, ok, they did up the budget for season 2.
But, this is what Ausiello said: “a Fox insider notes that the show remains a favorite among advertisers.”
So, the show has a stable fan base that the advertisers are willing to pay for – why not renew then?
If only CBS had had the guts to do something like this with Jericho, it’s nice to see a netowork not rely 100% on ratings.
Is there any news on what PB will be paired up with in the Winter?
So, is this a sign that Fox is happy with the numbers/have faith that they will grow or that they have given up. After their performance on Thursday (getting beat by the CW? really?) and Till Death’s ratings, part of me thinks it’s the later…that and a huge incentive by WB
thats good
The days of every show airing on network TV getting rating’s of 10 million viewers or more are OVER! Good move FOX as this is a high quality show well worth watching!
CHUCK
I’m so happy to hear this! It was totally unexpected.
“Anthony said: Is there any news on what PB will be paired up with in the Winter?”
Yeah, I would like to know that too. I thaught it will be paired with 24, but since the TSCC will be back, and with all those shows (Fringe, 24, House, Bones, Dollhouse, AI, TSCC)… I just hope it’s not paired with TSCC again… god I hate this show. I don’t watch it but hate it, however, if they don’t pair it with TSCC I will not hate it anymore, hehe.
YEAH thats the news ive wanted thank god fox diddnt axe it. but they should axe fringe.
AWESOME! I don’t know what makes me happier, that TSCC finally gets what it deserves (full season) or that people in general (e.g. posting in blogs) always have positive things to say about TSCC. I love see the support for the show (except for that Andrea person – I am happy you have been wrong all along about TSCC).
Irrespective of ratings, I consistently read that people/critics always regard TSCC as a well written, intelligent show worthy of more. That internet support is great to read! And from what this article says about how Fox views the show, it seems they are not naive either and know a good thing when they see it (at least in this case)
John, so you think they should axe Fringe because you don’t like it? even though it’s one of Fox’s best performers so far both overall and in the 18-49 demo? That’s as crazy as me saying “Gisele Bundchen should dump Tom Brady for me” and about as likely!
Well, my day is made. The first time in I don’t know how many years that I show I like got a full season order.
Naysayers have officially been terminated!!!
“So FOX will get TSCC an American idol lead-in??? Isn’t that saved for Fringe?”
That’s not what FOX is saying. They believe the network’s *overall* viewership goes up when AI is on. I still believe “Fringe” will follow AI come winter. Still, either huge vote of confidence for this show or tie-in with the movie coming out in May.
Thank you Ann, for the answer.
So, if that’s true, we can expect PB numbers go up too. AI, no football, assuming it’s being paired with 24… and not so much competition… 
Those DVR recorders can tune in live then. 
I gave up after episode 2 this season when the ratings where anaemic and i thought the show was gonna end without closure at episode 13, but now i’m gonna watch it live again i’m catching up with the episodes i missed online.
[img]http://www.edonkers.org/forum/images/smiles/big_mbounce.gif[/img]
Gusar: A show could draw 1 million viewers and be a favorite with advertisers, doesn’t mean that it should be renewed (from a business sense).
Gorgon: Thanks for pointing out that I’m a person. I’m happy that I’m wrong as well. I’ve always said TSCC was a good show. I am trying to figure out why it was renewed from a business standpoint (and I don’t buy that it’s because it has ‘a small, loyal fanbase’ and ‘advertisers lover it’. What really is going on?
Robert: Don’t you know if you like the show, it should be renewed? If you don’t, cancel it! (Heh, I’ve been biased of this myself, so I don’t hold it against anyone).
I agree with Holly. Something is up…
Andrea: Glad to hear you are a person too
my two cents:
1) The movie Terminator Salvation
2) It’s not the show that brings in modest numbers, it’s the competitive Monday night slot it is in.
3) There is simply money to be made with the Terminator name. Fox just has to figure out how to maximize it (which they obviously have not done yet).
Wow…I’m busy for a day and THIS happens! hahaha! Way to go FOX!
Robert/Bill, something I haven’t seen you guys touch on is the fact that Fringe is also produced by Warner Brothers (at least that’s what it says on imdb). Think WB sweetened the deal on the Fringe cost as well? Trying to get more of their shows on the air they might offer some kind of added incentive on all their shows? In addition, a question, how far out do networks sell advertising? How many ads have they sold for Fringe and TSCC? TSCC had some really high dollar ads. If FOX canceled the show wouldn’t they have to return the money? How much would they lose in ads on repeats of say House? Anyway, obviously not a reason to keep a show on the air all by itself, but if FOX really is happy creatively with the show, and they have a forward plan for a new day for the show come January, it may make it easier for them to keep it. I mean with NBC’s numbers down I really think 24 is going to trounce Heroes.
Frank, my impression from reading about the upfronts was that generally speaking 75%-80% of the national ad spots are sold via the upfronts, with the remainder for the “scatter market” (which is allegedly drying up somewhat due to economy).
While clearly some ad buys are made for specific shows, how much are just national ad ratings buys and and how much are specific shows isn’t something I know. My impression is that cancelling a show like TSCC wouldn’t be “costly” to Fox from an advertising perspective so long as it replaced it with something that performed as well in the demos TSCC targets (young men).
I have no idea whether/how Fringe may play into things….
Don’t ruin it all by talking about awful Fringe. Terminator is alive! I am the happiest guy on earth!..Well, in this office anyway.
Really happy to hear this news. I was expecting the ax for weeks now with all the rumors and conjecture floating around.
I love it when people call a show awful just because it makes you think. You should go back to watching American Idol.
Please don’t assume anyone who doesn’t like what you like is an idiot with this IQ of amoeba.
Well, I messed up that. Should read …”with the IQ of an amoeba”…
In a season where good news is hard to come by, a season pick up makes me jump for joy. I love this show, and have been agonizing every week when the overnights were released. Whatever the reason (my theory is DVD sales…production costs can be offset by successful DVD ventures), I am happy to have a full season.
I’m with Kyle here. I believe WB gave a hefty discount to Fox, because they’re sure they’ll make enough money on DVD sales and also on international syndication. I also think Dodge is very happy with their investment in the show, forums had a lot of talk about the new Ram the Connors are driving.
I’m pleasantly surprised. I didn’t think this would happen, but I’m glad it did!
I’m not sure I buy the DVD angle. There’s not enough data to know exactly how well TSCC did in DVD sales, but the anecdotal data was that it underperformed many other shows significantly. In the two weeks that it was in the top 30 at the-numbers.com (no relation) it sold less units than the 3rd season of Supernatural sold in its first week (and SN cost ~2x because it had more episodes). You have to dig around and look at a lot of data, but anecdotally, it would appear that the seventh season of Smallville outperformed it (and Supernatural, for that matter) by more than just a little bit in terms of units sold.
Robert I think TSCC did better in Blu-ray sales than Warner Brothers expected. The chart I saw showed something like one Blu-ray sale for every 5 DVDs sold, which was about as good as their special edition release of Batman Begins.
Here’s the link, just in case I’m reading the chart wrong.
given that the total unit sales were working from a low number, I’d be a bit surprised if that played any signficant factor in the full season pickup, but that doesn’t mean I’m not wrong…
To Fringe example clearly shows that lead-ins matter a lot, since I think it would get equally slaughtered on a Monday without House. Now if only TSCC could get such a red carpet.
I think it might be recognition on Fox’s part of how bad the timeslot is this season. They have expressly said they expect ratings to pick up in the winter. That Monday night timeslot is hyper-competitive. For heaven’s sake, the MLB playoffs airing in the Monday night timeslot barely got better ratings than TSCC.
Some of this does make me wonder, though, if something isn’t wrong with Dollhouse and/or 24. I recognize that Fox bought a new show, but still…
One thing I do not buy is that Fox gave a back nine order to tie in with the movie. Exactly how is that supposed to serve as a promotion? The fans of TSCC are almost certainly going to watch the movie, but they would whether or not the show aired in the spring. And so… How exactly does having the show on the air meaningfully impact ratings for the movie?
Fox are being generous this season with our fave shows, could this be attributed to Fox coming out on top last season?
Outlander, you may be absolutely correct that the movie didn’t play a factor at all. I definitely agree that the existing audience for Terminator: TSCC is already disproportionately skewed towards people who will watch the movie.
But that’s not how advertising, marketing and promotion usually actually seem to work. For example, the audience for Heroes is disproportionately skewed for already knowing what iPods and iPhones are and even already owning them — but Apple still advertises.
How much does it really help the movie to have the series on the air? I doubt it’s truly significant, but I think of it in terms of the huge marketing budgets that some major motion pictures have had in the past. Some movies have marketing budgets that exceed even $50 million — that may be as much as it costs to make an entire season of TSCC. I have no idea what the marketing budget for Salvation is, but it’s not unthinkable to me that it would’ve been worth it to WB to sweeten the pot for Fox in a couple of ways:
1. discounts offered to Fox on production of the show. If they shave even $2 million off, it’s real money.
2. Huge ad buy for Terminator: Salvation ads on Fox — all Fox programs in May — not just TSCC.
I think the movie will impact the show (not vice versa). I believe there are many people who watched (or know of) the original Terminator movie in the 80s and Terminator 2 in the 90s that do not watch TSCC (or even know of it), but will go see Terminator Salvation next summer. I do think the movie, if tied to TSCC, can bring in these “non fan” viewers to see what it the show is all about, either before or after they see the movie, and boost ratings.
Hi guys, I’ve been coming to this site for a few months now, but this is my first time commenting here.
First, I’d like to say I’m quite happy with this news because right now, this is the best show currently airing in my opinion (until LOST returns or the characters on Heroes gain 50 IQ points). I think the reasoning for giving it the full order is because of the timeslot first. Despite this, Terminator outperformed Chuck in the 18-49 demo when it last aired (albeit slightly). The fact that Fox has not moved Terminator or Prison Break to another night tells me that they’re still somewhat satisfied with how they’re performing (of course I could be dead wrong here). The film could be the justification too, but I don’t think we can deduce that unless we see a direct tie in (with Christian Bale in a scene in the future). I doubt we’ll see that or a tie in in the film though, but it will be pretty cool to have a TV series and a film of the same franchise going simultaneously. Maybe the ratings will improve, but I doubt it’ll get the post AI timeslot.
Finally, Robert/Bill: I’m curious to see how you think 24 will perform considering it won’t have aired a new episode in well over a year by January. People here seem to think it’s guaranteed to do well, but I find myself seriously thinking it could have a drastic drop and go down hill, also considering the poor reception last season received. I am not a 24 fan and never have watched it, but do you have any thoughts/speculation on how you think it’ll fare?
Vader, I’d be very surprised if 24 comes close to its 2006-7 numbers. That said, I’d also be surprised if it wasn’t Fox #3 show after Idol and House.
ok there is a reason fringe gets the good lead in and T:SCC doesnt… Fringe dominates the demo!!.. and why mess wtih success? Yea sure you can try terminator there, but when you already have a show that is bringing in ratings, y mess with it? FOX has struggled all fall and as of right now, they have 3 successful scripted shows(when it comes to ratings) You dont mess with any of them when you have so few. So there is NO WAY you can swap time slots with terminator and fringe. NOT EVEN A QUESTION!!!
Fox isn’t going to move Fringe because they know that right now it is completely lead-in dependent and will tank if it’s moved.
“ok there is a reason fringe gets the good lead in and T:SCC doesnt… Fringe dominates the demo!!.. and why mess wtih success?”
Which it arguably does because of the lead in. IMO, it would not perform better in TSCCs slot. Fringe is just very fortunate, and of course they wont move it unless they think it can be as successful alone.
“3) There is simply money to be made with the Terminator name. Fox just has to figure out how to maximize it (which they obviously have not done yet).”
I agree with this… And it isn’t by accident. The Terminator mythos is really interesting, a rich supply of stories. I just dont think TSCC is doing it justice. Dont get me wrong, I like the show, loved Season 1 and I keep watching because I just love the Terminator story… but I’ve been getting bored every episode this season. The show has disjointed story lines, random characters like that pregnant lady that have no importance, and I’m not even sure what the main characters’ motivation is anymore.
I think it has potential to be the best show on TV, but unfortunately it is turning out to be one of the worst. I wouldnt be surprised if it doesn’t come back next year.
Thanks so much! They should keep this show on the air! (at least until the new Terminator movie releases)
Robert just outta curiousity..what are the chances of Fox keeping PB on until it reached syndication numbers
I am just too happy for words! I love this show. I also like the way Summer Glau has sort of “filled out” from Firefly. I was sort of down when it was predicted that the show was about to be cancelled, as soooo many of my favorite shows have bitten the dust lately, I.E. Battlestar Galctica, ( I know it was scheduled for only 4 seasons, but…) Stargate SG1 ( I still haven’t gotten over that fully yet) Stargate Atlantis, (Gone in January) At least TSCC, Chuck,and Euraka are still on. I now hope Sanctuary will stay strong. Here’s to hopping STCC will be around for as long as SG1!
There was a line on the canceled “sports night” that went something like this: If you can’t make money on a show like sports night, you shouldn’t being in the money making business” replace sports night with the words “terminator brand” and you may follow fox’s reasoning.
fox is definitely in the business of making money.
OMG!!!!!!!!
I seriously just screamed like a little girl!!!!!!
WOW!
Thank you, FOX! This is awesome news!
What do you guys think the chances are of it getting a better timeslot (better as in post-American Idol better)?
“I agree with this… And it isn’t by accident. The Terminator mythos is really interesting, a rich supply of stories. I just dont think TSCC is doing it justice. Dont get me wrong, I like the show, loved Season 1 and I keep watching because I just love the Terminator story… but I’ve been getting bored every episode this season. The show has disjointed story lines, random characters like that pregnant lady that have no importance, and I’m not even sure what the main characters’ motivation is anymore.”
(Although this is probably not the place to discuss this) … I am sorry you feel that way. I think the show is still “getting started” in many ways and is still in the introductory phase of many of its story lines and characters. It is building nicely and now that they have a complete season the story and characters will get polished into a well-crafted story. Not unlike many other shows, I suppose.
“What do you guys think the chances are of it getting a better timeslot (better as in post-American Idol better)?”
Doubtful they’d get that spot, as they’ve already got “Fringe” penciled in there. They might just put it on Friday nights after “Bones.”
Season 2 will start to get more interesting now. From the most recent writers blog they said the next episodes will fit into the previous story arc they built in season 1. The reason the episodes are disjointed now is it was an attempt to gain new viewers more easily.
Woot! This is great news!!! I just hope they move it to a different night. Or NBC moves Chuck, so I can watch em both live instead of DVR’ed.
An amazing show, Summer Rocks!!!
This is great news indeed. I still haven’t finished Season 1 on DVD but I’m loving it so far. About the only thing that bugs me is in the Pilot episode Cameron seemed very human and then it’s like when they revealed she was a Terminator all of a sudden she started acting like a robot. Everything else I love.
I am kind of surprised at this news too and I hope it works out. I see the possible listing of Fox’s time schedule for the winter there but House isn’t mentioned. Does that stay on Tuesdays or something and what does that lead-in? I’m hoping wherever they put TSCC that it’ll do well and they’ll pick up another season. Honestly, if they do that, I can see the Terminator movie helping the show more than the show helping the movie. I think the movie (if it’s a success) is going to make a lot of new fans and they may be more interested in the show after the movie.
YES!!!!! I LOVE THAT SHOW!
Had Terminator 4 not been scheduled to come out next Spring, TSCC would likely have been cancelled early. I suspect it will remain in the same time slot when the back 9 air – by then Monday Night Football will be over.
As for Jericho, the cost per episode of Jericho was nearly $3 million for the short Season 2 according to figures I recall seeing before it aired. TSCC has a much smaller core cast and is likely much less expensive. And Jericho had no tie in with a major movie franchise either. Even when CBS tried to sell Jericho nobody was interested in it. Jerichos producers made a huge mistake by structuring Season 2 in such a way as to alienate many of its conservative viewers. TSCC doesnt get into politics at all – another plus for it.
Of course to see a Season 3 TSCC’s numbers will have to dramatically increase. I just hope they cut down on the “Terminator of the Week” plot device. It exposes the show to even bigger logic and plot holes than usual for a time travel dependent series. Its like theres some kind of time travel superhighway that getting mighty crowded. Why didnt Skynet just send all its Terminators back to 1984 as to increase the chances of success? No way Kyle could have beat them all – he died just killing one of them. Or they could have just sent more back before 1984 when Kyle wasnt around to save Sarah.
I still think it would have been better to base a Terminator series on the events of the resistance battle against Skynet in the events after Terminator 4.
This show is so poor. I love the the whole terminator world and idea but this show does not do it justice.. Bring in better script writers and a new Sarah Connor.