Cancellation and Renewal Wrap: Wednesday 30th March

It's only good news today - in the way that a trio critically acclaimed shows have received renewals. Here they are;

RENEWED

Mad Men

After months of deliberation over licensing, etc. (I believe that's what executives are calling it) AMC has finally given official word that the critical darling will receive a FIFTH SEASON. The only bad news is that it won't screen until 2012. But that's better than it not screening at all, isn't it, MM fans? And at least you'll be able to get some sleep at night now.

Justified

Another show garnering extremely positive press, thanks in part to it's lead Timothy Olyphant, has also received another season commission, this time by the FX network. This will be its THIRD SEASON (it is in the latter half of its second season currently).

Archer

Speaking of FX, it has also has given animated spy comedy Archer a THIRD SEASON. While not as big show as the previous two, it has gained a devoted following. And, not speaking of clunky segues, now would be a good time for one of the commercial networks to pick up these shows. Especially since channels like Eleven are coming to the end of certain seasons (Californication, etc.).

Renewal an Cancellation Wrap: March 25th

RENEWALS

Futurama has been renewed for a SEVENTH SEASON by Comedy Central (according to Deadline). It certainly has come a long way after being cancelled by Fox way back in 2003 after its fourth season. It's got a long way to catch up to its over-achieving older sibling (which, in case you don't know, it is the Simpsons, which has a twenty-third season still to come).

However, future episodes will come in a rather staggered fashion, with 13 eps of season six still to come later this year, 13 eps of season seven to come in 2012 and the second half of thirteen episodes to come in 2013.

CANCELLATIONS

This moderately critically acclaimed drama Lights Out struggled somewhat in the ratings, so has been axed by FX after only its FIRST SEASON. It didn't receive the same level of fanatic adoration as FX's last cancelled show, Terriers, and this cancellation isn't likely to incite any riots in the streets. I guess the notion of a show centered around a boxer wasn't exciting or different enough for most people.

Community edging towards a third season renewal

There have recently been a mini-slew of news tidbits regarding renewal for the much-adored Community.

Most compelling of all, this news of a Western Australian producer who will work "for the next six months" as a development intern on Community.

Sounds to me like some sort of planning ahead.

There is also a charity auction for a walk-on role and "set visit" for "Season 3", brought to my attention via SpoilerTV.

Of course, there is no official word yet from NBC, however, things are looking very promising indeed.