- ABC has canceled “Not Dead Yet” after two seasons, despite the show’s initial success and positive reviews.
- The series, starring Gina Rodriguez, was based on Alexandra Potter’s book “Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up.”
- Despite its cancellation, “Not Dead Yet” was praised for its witty dialogue, the chemistry between its cast, and its exploration of themes such as resilience and self-discovery.
- The show leaves behind a legacy of memorable moments and characters, offering a fresh take on the workplace comedy genre.
Newsypeople- ABC has made the difficult decision to cancel “Not Dead Yet” after two seasons, marking the end of the workplace comedy series that starred Gina Rodriguez. The announcement comes as a surprise to fans and critics alike, given the show’s initial success and the positive reception it received during its first two seasons.
“Not Dead Yet,” based on Alexandra Potter’s 2020 book “Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up,” followed the story of Nell Serrano, a self-described disaster navigating life and career after a significant setback. Despite its cancellation, the show managed to carve out a niche for itself, offering a unique blend of humor and heart that resonated with viewers.
The series, created by David Windsor and Casey Johnson (known for “This Is Us” and “The Real O’Neals”), was praised for its witty dialogue and the chemistry between its lead actress, Gina Rodriguez, and the rest of the cast. Rodriguez’s portrayal of Nell, a character who finds herself writing obituaries after hitting rock bottom, was particularly lauded for its authenticity and relatability.Â
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ABC Cancels ‘Not Dead Yet’ After Two Seasons
ABC’s decision to cancel the comedy series ‘Not Dead Yet’ after two seasons marks the end of a show that, despite a promising start, failed to maintain its initial momentum.
The series, led by Gina Rodriguez and executive-produced by her, was a unique blend of humor and supernatural elements, focusing on Nell Stevens, a journalist who finds herself writing obituaries after a decade-long hiatus from her career. This role reversal becomes a catalyst for Nell’s personal and professional growth, as she navigates life’s challenges with the help of the ghosts she encounters through her work.
'Not Dead Yet' Canceled at ABC After Two Seasons https://t.co/LIZKX0wiVP
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 10, 2024
‘Not Dead Yet’ premiered in early 2023 to impressive numbers, becoming ABC’s most-watched comedy debut in over four years. This initial success suggested a bright future for the series, with its ensemble cast, including Hannah Simone, Lauren Ash, Rick Glassman, Joshua Banday, Angela E. Gibbs, Jesse Garcia, and Brad Garrett, contributing to its appeal. However, as the second season progressed, the show’s ratings began to decline, placing it on the bubble for renewal.
The series’ cancellation comes as a disappointment to its fans and the cast, especially considering the cliffhanger ending of the two-part Season 2 finale, “Not the End Yet/Not a Ghost Yet.” This finale not only addressed the lore surrounding Nell’s supernatural abilities but also left viewers with unanswered questions about the future of the characters and the overarching narrative. Gina Rodriguez, in discussing what would have happened in Season 3, hinted at deeper explorations into Nell’s powers and their potential familial origins, suggesting a rich storyline that will now remain untold.
Despite the cancellation, ‘Not Dead Yet’ leaves behind a legacy of creativity and diversity, being one of the few shows on network television with a Latina lead. Its cancellation follows that of another ABC show with a Latina lead, ‘Station 19,’ highlighting the challenges faced by diverse programming in securing long-term support from networks. However, the renewal of ‘Will Trent,’ led by Ramon Rodriguez, and the success of NBC’s ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’ indicate that there is still a place for Latino-led projects on television, albeit with a more competitive landscape.
The cancellation of ‘Not Dead Yet’ is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the television industry, where even shows with strong starts and dedicated fanbases can struggle to maintain their position in the face of changing viewer habits and network priorities. As fans and the cast reflect on the series’ run, they can take solace in the memorable moments and the impact ‘Not Dead Yet’ had during its brief time on air.
ABC ‘Not Dead Yet’ Online PerformanceÂ
Not Dead Yet,” a sitcom airing on ABC, has garnered attention for its unique premise and the charismatic performance of its lead actress, Gina Rodriguez. The show revolves around Nell, portrayed by Rodriguez, who finds herself in an unexpected career shift after a personal setback. Nell, once a thriving journalist, returns to her hometown and takes on the role of an obituary writer at her former newspaper. This position, however, comes with an unusual twist: Nell begins to see the ghosts of the people she writes about, each with their own stories to share and lessons to impart.
The series, which has been described as having a “supernatural mystery of the week” setup, combines elements of comedy and sentimentality. Despite initial skepticism about the show’s ability to deliver on its promising premise, “Not Dead Yet” has shown potential for growth beyond its pilot episode. The show’s charm largely stems from its cast, with Gina Rodriguez’s appeal being a significant draw. Fans of Rodriguez from her previous role in “Jane the Virgin” will find her just as engaging in “Not Dead Yet,” even though the writing may not match the sharpness of her earlier series.
The supporting cast also contributes to the show’s appeal, with characters like Lauren Ash’s Lexi delivering some of the best lines and providing a comedic foil to Nell’s more serious demeanor. The show’s premise, while not entirely original, is executed with a blend of humor and heart, making it a worthwhile watch for those looking for something different in the sitcom genre.
“Not Dead Yet” explores themes of personal and professional reinvention, the complexities of relationships, and the unexpected ways in which life can teach us valuable lessons. The ghosts that Nell encounters serve not just as comedic devices but also as catalysts for her personal growth and understanding of the world around her.
Despite some criticism regarding the show’s comedic timing and the use of well-worn sitcom tropes, “Not Dead Yet” has managed to carve out a niche for itself. It offers a fresh take on the traditional sitcom format by incorporating supernatural elements and focusing on character development. The show’s ability to balance light-hearted moments with more poignant reflections on life and death sets it apart from other comedies on television.
