Cinemax’s supernatural drama Outcast, based on the Robert Kirkman comic of the same name, had its debut on that premium cable channel back in June of 2016. At that point, it barely registered in the ratings, averaging only a 0.06 score based on same day viewing for the 18-49 demographic. But then the pay channels are not as heavily swayed by the Nielsen overnight stats, and the show had already been renewed for a second season before it debuted. So it seemed like it would get a second year to prove itself and hopefully build its audience. However, the show disappeared for an extended period of time with almost no news coming out on its status. There was a mention that it would return for its second year in late-Spring / early-Summer of 2017, but that time came and went and Outcast was not seen on the schedule. The second year aired overseas starting in April of 2017, but it was nowhere to be found in the States. Now, over a year later, the series finally had its second season debut this past Friday, but for all practical purposes it appears that the network has given up on the show and is just burning off the remaining episodes.
Back in April, Deadline Hollywood talked with network exec Kary Antholis about the show who commented that it is expensive to produce and since they waited so long to air the second season in the U.S., options for the cast members have lapsed. Antholis did say “In success, we left open the possibility that we could have a conversation about figuring out a way to bring it back”. But that hardly sounds like the network is committed to the show.
The early ratings for its second season are slightly higher than its first year, with it posting a 0.07 score for its debut on Friday. But those are still pretty low numbers and likely not enough to get the network to consider rounding up the cast for a third season. I have its status at Cancellation Likely, recognizing that it may already be cancelled. Don’t be surprised if this one wraps up and the network just lets it fade off to the TV Wasteland without even giving it an official cancellation announcement, similar to what Syfy appears to have done with Superstition. If there are any fans out there following this show, they need to get active with a Call to Action right now! Perhaps if they bring enough attention to the show Cinemax will make a third season happen or it could get picked up by another venue.
