Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist is the latest show canceled by NBC. When the show came to an end in May, it was considered a "on the bubble" show, meaning that its renewal status could go either way. A month later, however, it has been confirmed that the show will not get a third season on NBC, despite the efforts of the show's dedicated fan base.
Why is Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist canceled?
Though those who do watch the musical comedy are dedicated, they were not enough for NBC to warrant giving the series more episodes. The show averaged (per TV Series Finale) a weekly viewing audience of 1.8 million. It also got a 0.35 rating among the 18-to-49 demographic essential to advertisers, meaning that 0.35 percent of TV viewers in that age range watch the show.
These ratings made the show 16th out of the 19 scripted shows aired by NBC in the 2020-to-2021 TV season among the demographic, and 17th by ratings. These were much lower ratings than other shows on the network that got canceled this season by the Peacock Network, like Debris and Superstore.
Showrunner Austin Winsberg had previously said he was "cautiously optimistic" about the show getting renewed in a TV Line interview. Though ratings were low, the show regularly topped online polls over which shows fans wanted renewed. "I know that we have a really passionate fanbase that really cares about the show. I know we have a lot of internal support at NBC," he said.
Can Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist be saved?
One potential lifeline for the show has already fallen away. Winsberg had said that the show moving to Peacock was "one of the discussions on the table," but per TV Line those negotiations have fallen through, meaning the show will not be back on the NBC-affiliated streamer.
That does not mean, however, that a streamer like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video could not pick up the show. Lionsgate television, which co-produces the series, is reportedly already shopping the show to other networks and streamers to bring it back to life, as previously achieved by Lucifer (which came to Netflix) and Brooklyn Nine-Nine (NBC).
These efforts are sure to be helped by the fan campaign to save the show. Within hours of the news breaking, #SaveZoeysPlaylist was the top trend on U.S. Twitter.
I believe we can have a real chance somewhere else. But the more fan support we can throw behind it - the better. Please tweet #saveZoeysplaylist. Let’s get it trending and let the powers that be know the appetite is strong. Also open to any other suggestions to prove the love.
— Austin Winsberg (@austinwinsberg) June 9, 2021
This came after Winsberg tweeted a thread reading in part: "Okay. Here we are. The news is out. NBC/Peacock have decided not to go forward with another season. We can discuss that later. But right now I refuse to believe the show is dead. There is too much love and goodwill and the fan base is incredible. Now here is what I need.
"I believe we can have a real chance somewhere else. But the more fan support we can throw behind it—the better. Please tweet #saveZoeysplaylist. Let's get it trending and let the powers that be know the appetite is strong. Also open to any other suggestions to prove the love."
Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now on Peacock.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
