The anticipation is palpable among fans of the popular crime drama, "Blacklist," as they eagerly await news of its renewal. The show, which first aired in 2013, has been a staple on NBC's primetime lineup, captivating audiences with its intricate plots and complex characters. So, is "Blacklist" renewed for 2020? Let's delve into the details.
Understanding the Renewal Process
Before we dive into the specifics of "Blacklist's" renewal, it's essential to understand the renewal process for television shows. Networks typically make renewal decisions based on a show's ratings, production costs, and its contribution to the network's overall brand. They also consider the show's potential for syndication and streaming deals.
Ratings and Viewership
One of the primary factors networks consider when deciding whether to renew a show is its ratings and viewership. "Blacklist" has consistently performed well in this regard. According to Nielsen ratings, the show's sixth season, which aired in 2019, averaged around 6.5 million viewers per episode. While these numbers may not be as high as some other primetime shows, they are still impressive, especially considering the show's age.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
In addition to strong viewership numbers, "Blacklist" has also received critical acclaim. The show has been nominated for several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series (Drama) for James Spader's portrayal of Raymond "Red" Reddington. This critical recognition can sway networks to renew a show, as it indicates that the show has high-quality content that resonates with both audiences and industry professionals.
NBC's Renewal History with "Blacklist"
NBC has a history of renewing "Blacklist" for multiple seasons, which is a positive sign for fans hoping for a renewal in 2020. The show was initially renewed for a second season just one week after its series premiere in 2013. Since then, NBC has renewed the show for subsequent seasons, with the seventh season premiering in October 2019.
Season 7's Performance
Season 7 of "Blacklist" has been performing well, with an average viewership of around 6 million viewers per episode. While these numbers are slightly lower than the show's peak viewership, they are still solid, especially for a show in its seventh season. This consistent performance could bode well for a renewal in 2020.
Other Factors Influencing Renewal Decisions
While viewership numbers and critical acclaim are significant factors in renewal decisions, they are not the only ones. Production costs, the show's potential for syndication and streaming deals, and the network's overall brand strategy can also play a role.
Production Costs
The production costs of "Blacklist" are relatively high compared to other NBC shows. However, the show's consistent viewership and critical acclaim may help offset these costs, making a renewal more likely.
Syndication and Streaming Deals
Syndication and streaming deals can provide additional revenue streams for networks. "Blacklist" has been successful in this regard, with the show currently streaming on Netflix and available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes. These deals could potentially influence NBC's decision to renew the show.
What We Know So Far
As of now, NBC has not officially renewed "Blacklist" for the 2020-2021 television season. However, the show's strong viewership numbers, critical acclaim, and NBC's history of renewing the show provide a solid foundation for optimism among fans.
It's worth noting that NBC typically makes renewal decisions in May, around the time of the Upfront presentations to advertisers. Therefore, fans may have to wait a few more months for official news about the show's renewal. In the meantime, they can continue to enjoy the seventh season, which is currently airing on NBC.
In conclusion, while there is no official announcement yet, the prospects for "Blacklist's" renewal in 2020 appear promising. The show's consistent viewership, critical acclaim, and NBC's history of renewing the show all point towards a potential renewal. Fans can stay tuned for official updates from NBC in the coming months.
