Fox is moving “Fringe” to Fridays next week, leading some to speculate the show is in danger of cancellation.
However, Fox claimed at the TCA’s this week that the show wasn’t doomed yet; if it could duplicate its Thursday ratings it would perhaps stave off cancellation.
One of the interesting things here, is that “Fringe,” one of the few fantasy shows on television, will now be heading into competition with “Supernatural,” which staked out the Friday at 9 time slot earlier this season. But Fox exec Kevin Reilly doesn’t see a problem.
“Even in genre, that show is not a ratings powerhouse. By the way, is Supernatural on Friday? I’m not sure.” Reilly paused to laugh. “Good to know. So, there’s your answer.”
“Supernatural” has been a steady performer on the CW for years, though doesn’t hit the networks target audience of females 12-34 quite as much as many of its other shows, such as “Gossip Girl” and “Vampire Diaries.” The show was moved to Friday’s this year to make way for “Nikita.” However, the show’s ratings have held steady, and “Supernatural,” along with “Smallville,” have powered Friday to the network’s top rated night in terms of viewers and adults 18-49.
“Fringe” is now in its third season, and has seen considerable declines in its short lifespan. In its first season, it was the top rated new show in the adults 18-49 demo. However, last year it was moved from its post-“House” timeslot, and moved into the much more competitive Thursday at 9 pm timeslot, the same time period occupied last year by “Supernatural.”
So far this year, “Fringe” is one of Fox’s lowest rated television programs, along with “Lie to Me” and “Running Wilde,” which has not received an order for additional episodes, signaling cancellation. “Lie to Me” has also not received an additional order for episodes. It seems “Fringe” has the best shot to survive. If it can bring in about the same ratings it does now, it will represent more than a 40% increase over Friday’s usual fare.
“It’s a fantastic show, and honestly I’d be heartbroken if it went away,” Reilly said.
What do you think? Can “Supernatural” and “Fringe” both survive on Fridays?