ABC is investing in a full first season of “Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD,” after the first three episodes of the tentpole drama drew impressive returns in adults 18-49. Full season pickup takes “SHIELD’s” episode count to 22.
“SHIELD” opened to over 12 million viewers on Sept. 24 (the Alphabet’s biggest drama debut in four years), and while the program has seen a decline since its premiere, it is still holding strong against juggernaut timeslot competitors “The Voice” on NBC and “NCIS” on CBS. “SHIELD” ranks as the night’s top series in key male demos, which is a notable win given the typically femme-skewing viewership of ABC.
Fox has ordered a 13-episode second season of “Sleepy Hollow,” making the fantasy thriller the first fall debut to be renewed for a sophomore run. Renewal arrives just three episodes into “Sleepy Hollow’s” first season.
“Sleepy Hollow” ranks as Fox’s most successful fall drama premiere in over a decade. The program opened to 10 million viewers during its premiere, a number that blossomed to 13.6 million after three days of time-shifted viewing were accounted for. “Sleepy Hollow” has also retained a impressive number of its viewers since the show’s launch, even when faced with stiff broadcast competition that includes NBC’s “The Voice.”
“’Sleepy Hollow’ has proven to be a risk well worth taking – it’s a conceptual blast unlike anything else on television and it all holds together with inventive writing and a fantastic cast,” said Fox chairman of entertainment Kevin Reilly. “I can’t wait for fans to experience what else is in store for this fall and even more of this wild ride into season two.”
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