NBC has decided to halt the production of “Constantine” after its initial 13-episode order, an individual with knowledge of the decision told TheWrap.
But although it won’t get a standard 22 or so episode first season, NBC is still considering a second season renewal on the low-rated series. The network hasn’t decided what it will air in “Constantine’s” 10 p.m. slot on Fridays after its 13th episode.
“Constantine” has been struggling on Friday nights to find an audience. Season to date, it’s averaging a low 1.04 in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic and 3.5 million viewers.
The decision to to keep it in contention for a sophomore season arrives just as this past Friday’s episode saw a 38 percent increase over the previous week’s episode in the advertiser demo. It also retained 85 percent of lead-in “Grimm’s” 18-49 audience. Both are highs for the series since it premiered on Oct. 28.
The series is also a high-performer in delayed viewing. Its previous week saw an 81 percent jump in L+3 time-shifted viewing.
These are hopeful signs for the series.
Executive produced by David Goyer (“Man of Steel,” “Da Vinci’s Demons”) with executive producer and writer Daniel Cerone (“Dexter”) for Warner Bros. Television, “Constantine” is based on DC Comics’ “Hellblazer” graphic novels. The series follows Constantine (Matt Ryan) who’s struggling with his faith as he is haunted by the sins of his past, but is suddenly thrust into the role of defending humanity from the gathering forces of darkness.
The series also stars Angelica Celaya, Harold Perrineau and Charles Halford.
This season, NBC has already canceled freshman comedies “A to Z” and “Bad Judge.” It has given cop drama “Mysteries of Laura” a full season order and recently increased its order of new comedy “Marry Me” by five episodes.
Deadline first reported NBC’s decision to halt production on “Constantine.”