Fox Cancels Lucifer, The Exorcist

Fox has given the axe to two of their genre series, cancelling Lucifer and The Exorcist on Friday. Deadline reports that the network has decided not to go forward with a third season of The Exorcist, while Lucifer’s cast and crew posted to social media to confirm the cancellation of that show.

Of these two decisions, Lucifer’s was the most surprising with ease. While the show has delivered lackluster ratings, it was paired up decently with Fox’s Monday lineups in The Gifted and The Resident which were both renewed. In addition, a fourth season of the show would have given it an optimal number of episodes for stripped syndication. Our renewal predictions had given it a tentative renewal prediction.

On the other hand, The Exorcist never really had a chance. The show was a borderline renewal after a critically-acclaimed but low-rated first season, and the second season dipped even further in the ratings. The show had done well in time-shifted (DVR) ratings and had international licensing that helped, but not enough to offset the ratings drop this year.

Lucifer star Tom Ellis commented on the cancellation, posting to his Twitter account:

It has been the most amazing experience over the past 3 years playing Lucifer and falling in love with you, the fans. It fills me with great sadness to confirm the rumours that some of you have been asking. Fox has indeed cancelled #lucifer I’m so sorry guys. #gutted

— tom ellis (@tomellis17) May 11, 2018