My brain knows in theory there’s no point in being angry about lower-rated or more expensive CBS crime shows being renewed, but it’s still disappointing.
Remember when SWAT had been pushed to midseason before the pandemic hit? Then it was the first show back in production and got to film 18 episodes. Kudos to them. Also, SWAT is paid for by Sony and doubles its ratings in DVR.
But what’s Bull’s excuse? It cost CBS millions to keep the scandal hush-hush (only to come out anyway) and it doesn’t even do well internationally. Also was shut down several times when back to filming in NY (which is a lot more expensive to film in than Atlanta).
SEAL Team (renewed last year despite lower ratings) is produced inhouse so must cost CBS a lot more than SWAT. It’s also a lot more expensive to produce than a show with less action and CGI (e.g. Bull). I guess a military show looks good on the portfolio or why else are they renewing it every year despite low ratings? It also has its 3rd showrunner by now after several minor scandals. And it’s not easy to sell internationally because Europe doesn’t care much about US military shows.
Sometimes it feels like Kelly (CBS president) just renews what the likes… also note that all CBS shows renewed yesterday are led by males while the two lower-rated female-led shows are still in limbo… (and one will probably be axed).
Diversity and renewing diverse shows only seems to work when the shows are co-produced (e.g. Magnum, SWAT, All Rise, The Equalizer).