The fall 2016 TV season may have its first victim. ABC has trimmed the 13-episode first season of its new drama “Notorious” down to 10 episodes.
The move is usually a sign that a show is effectively canceled, though the network has vowed to air all 10 episodes, and it could still be renewed for a second season.
The drama starring Piper Perabo and Daniel Sunjata premiered on Thursday, September 22, in the “Scandal” slot, though it performed poorly, garnering only a 1.2 rating in the 18-49 demo, along with 5.4 million viewers.
Three episodes of “Notorious” have aired thus far, and subsequent episodes also declined in ratings.
Inspired by the true-life stories of famed criminal defense attorney Mark Geragos and cable news producer Wendy Walker, the drama is described as a provocative look at the unique, sexy and dangerous interplay of criminal law and the media.
“Notorious” is the first new network drama to have its episode order cut, though ABC had already cut the episode order of its yet-to-premiere midseason comedy “Imaginary Mary,” citing time constraints with the animated elements of the show.
“Notorious” is actually not ABC’s lowest-rated new drama. That distinction goes to the Hayley Atwell-led “Conviction,” which is averaging just a 0.8 rating.