When a TV show gets canceled, we want to know why. Was it the planned ending or a cancellation? Here’s a look at why ABC canceled Big Sky.
It was disappointing news for Big Sky fans earlier this year. ABC opted to cancel the show after three seasons. Of course, eyes were on why that happened.
ABC never offered an official reason, but we can look at linear ratings and costs to understand the decision. It does look like this was more about money than the quality of the series.
Big Sky saw a downward fall in the linear ratings
While the first season of the series performed well in the live ratings, it started to see a decline when it returned from its winter break. The second season continued that decline and the series was one of the lowest-performing shows in live ratings during the third season.
Broadcast networks need the linear ratings to remain strong. This is the best way to command the best prices for advertising revenue. After all, while they’re telling stories, the networks are still a business, and that means making decisions on a financial level.
Big Sky wasn’t the most expensive series on the network, but it still isn’t cheap to create. If it isn’t paying off financially, then ABC couldn’t realistically keep it going.
The good thing about the Big Sky seasons is that the main storylines are wrapped up each time. There are just a few personal storylines that we would have loved to see play out. There were questions about whether Jensen Ackles would return for the next season, but now that point is moot. At least we’re not left wondering who the killer is forever.
Big Sky is available to stream on Hulu.