The CW has renewed fan favorite, though low-rated, “Beauty and the Beast” for a fourth season to run during the 2015-2016 season. The fairytale drama premieres its 13-episode third season on Thursday, May 21 at 8 p.m.
The renewal is a huge vote of confidence for the show, which sank to a .29 rating in the advertiser-coveted Adults 18-49 demographic and averaged 800,000 viewers.
During January’s Television Critics Association press tour, CW president Mark Pedowitz had said that the series would return with a summer premiere date. He didn’t address whether it was going to be renewed for a fourth season — not a surprise since its third season had yet to air. However, The CW steers toward a younger demographic than the other broadcast networks and has been a forerunner in counting delayed, On Demand and online viewership and international sales into their programming decisions.
Produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Take 5 Productions/Whizbang Films, “Beauty and the Beast” centers on Cat (Kristin Kreuk), a detective who navigates her evolving relationship with a handsome doctor (Jay Ryan) who becomes a terrifying beast.
Here’s CW’s description for the upcoming third season:
As season three begins, Cat (Kristin Kreuk) and Vincent (Jay Ryan) are able to focus on their love, finally free from Muirfield, manhunts and beasts. However, that love will be tested as new and more dangerous threats await. When they learn that innocent victims are being used to test the boundaries of the impossible, Cat and Vincent will uncover a deeper conspiracy, one which Vincent can fight only by turning to the beast he carries within. But unleashing the beast will risk Vincent’s life – along with his and Cat’s love – as they struggle to build a normal life together.