CBS is sticking with two of its summer series.
The network has renewed the Amblin TV produced dramas Under The Dome and Extant, both of which will return with 13 episode seasons in Summer 2015. Meanwhile, CBS has cancelled their third scripted summer series – the soapy legal drama Reckless, which hailed from Dana Stevens and CBS Television Studios. Taking Reckless‘ place on CBS’ 2015 Summer schedule is Zoo, which was picked up with a 13 episode straight-to-series order back in July.
Though Under The Dome suffered some ratings decline compared to season one, it was nevertheless summer’s top scripted series, with an average audience of 11 million viewers and 2.7 A18-49 rating. Extant was also a decent player, once DVR is factored in, with an average audience of 8.64 million viewers and a 1.7 A18-49 rating.
“We’re committed to delivering our viewers and advertisers year-round programming with a wide variety of storytelling,” said Nina Tassler, Chairman of CBS Entertainment. “We continue to see summer as a great place for unique concepts, innovative business models and passionate television audiences.”
While the ratings made a strong case for renewal, it is understood that the decision was considered a no brainer thanks to the “revolutionary” deals that CBS struck with Amazon, which saw new episodes from both Extant and Under The Dome appear on Amazon’s US streaming service within 4 days of broadcast. That deal, coupled with strong international sales, ensured both were almost immediately in profit.
