Why ‘Doctor Odyssey’ Hasn’t Been Renewed Yet (But Why It Should Be)
ABC has renewed almost all of its current scripted series, save for one: Doctor Odyssey. The cruise ship-set medical drama made a big splash when it debuted on the network last fall, premiering between proven procedurals 9-1-1 and Grey’s Anatomy. Yet, despite its buzzy arrival — with the teaser trailer becoming the most-viewed ever for a network show with 77.8 million views in two days — the show’s future is uncertain at this time.
We hear a decision is still being made by the network, but until any official announcement comes through, the soapy drama remains on the bubble.
So why is Doctor Odyssey currently on the bubble?
Well, ahead of the announcement of ABC’s renewals (for 9-1-1, Grey’s Anatomy, The Rookie, Shifting Gears, and Will Trent), Doctor Odyssey was reportedly being considered for cancellation due to a mixture of costs and lagging ratings.
Deadline reported that the expense of producing the show is giving the network pause — especially as the ratings took a slight dive from the premiere (down from 13.6 million cross-platform premiere viewers in the first week to an average of 3.5 million) — about launching another season. As such, the season finale is reportedly being made to potentially serve as a series finale. (Variety added some additional figures to the mix, reporting that Doctor Odyssey‘s pilot received 16.5 million cross-platform viewers in its first 35 days, with 5.96 million in the first week in September and 5.19 million for a more recent episode.) In other words, the show might be too expensive to make if the recurrent ratings don’t justify it.
Speaking to The Wrap, Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, said, “Doctor Odyssey is not currently on our schedule. We’re continuing to have creative conversations with Ryan about what a next chapter would look like.” He also said it’s “an ongoing conversation” about how Murphy might want to continue the show and didn’t answer a question about whether it might move to Hulu. “We talk to Ryan all the time. He has a lot of shows across the Disney platform, so these conversations take on a variety of subjects,” he told the publication.
Why should Doctor Odyssey be renewed?
There’s a lot of promise to the premise of this series that you won’t find anywhere else on TV right now, and the show takes full advantage of it, too.
Fans of the show have expressed their hopes that ABC will send out an SOS for Doctor Odyssey. Meanwhile, series lead Joshua Jackson also expressed his hopes that they’ll launch a second series of theme week fun, telling Vulture, “I’m really hopeful the reception is strong enough for them to give us a second season. I try as best as I can, just for my own psychological well-being, to not dive in too deep.”
Given the flexible setting of the ship-based show and its sizzling drama elements, we’re in the camp of hoping for its renewal as well.
The theme weeks keep the new arrivals fresh.
Each week, there’s a new theme and coterie of new characters (with buzzy guest stars clearly having a blast) that bring unique energies, backgrounds, and prerogatives to the story. The cases have so far been anything but ordinary and certainly not repetitive thanks to that framework. (At the same time, as Shania Twain proved, guests can still be recurring, so there’s potential for lengthier story arcs if they work.) As the central storyline progresses, with the Max-Avery-Tristan triangle backdropping the entire screen adventure, the introduction of a bevy of new passengers keeps the waters from getting too muddy on the show.
The love triangle is as engaging as any TV ‘ship.
Typically, it takes even the soapiest drama show a couple of seasons to get anywhere near love triangle territory, but Doctor Odyssey dove in feet first — with a threesome and a resulting pregnancy and baby daddy mystery, no less! The Ody3 fandom came together quickly as a result, and many fans are very, very serious about that ‘ship.
That kind of no-holds-barred storytelling deserves to be rewarded. If we’re getting all this in the first few episodes, imagine what kind of twisty territory would be waiting at the next port of call for this show.
Disney / Tina Thorpe
We have to find out if there’s an otherworldly element to this.
The constant references to heaven and bright lights sprinkled into the show — plus the fact that the title boat is named after one of the greatest epics of all time — have justifiably convinced some fans there’s another layer to this ship than meets the eye. So far, that theory hasn’t panned out, but that doesn’t mean there’s no room to explore it more. And as Jackson told Vulture, the cast and creatives are open to it.
“The only person on earth who gets to make that decision will be Ryan [Murphy], but he likes the idea,” he said. “Our writers are also in those message boards and are tweaking people along the way, but maybe they’re just laying the groundwork. I really don’t know, but I will find out a couple of weeks before everybody else if it does go that way. I’m legitimately all for it. I think it would be hysterical because then you could do crazy things. Are we in Dante’s Inferno? Do we go through the seven circles? Are we in purgatory one season, then it’s hell, then we’re in heaven?”
Even if the season finale does go there, giving audiences a bit of satisfaction on that theory front, we would definitely want to see more of it than a last-minute confirmation.
It’s just plain fun.
The best part about Doctor Odyssey is that it’s just plain fun. It’s the definition of an escapist show, and goodness knows we need all we can get of that in this day and age.
Doctor Odyssey, Thursdays, 9/8c, ABC
Conversation76 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
O
I love the show. It is edgy, funny and a lot of fun to watch. Please bring it back for season 2.....
38
-
O
I love the show great actors and great story lines! Please stay
37
-
R
I watched because Don Johnson is one of my all time favorites. They sort of lost me with the shark episode. But I do like the theme weeks. The baby drama is just stupid. But it's all my opinion.
27
-
R
I LOVE DR. ODYSSE!!! IT IS DIFFERENT AND FUN!!!!
I WILL SINCERELY MISS MY FBI NIGHT!!!!! WRONG DECISION TO CANCEL THESE TWO SHOWS!!!!
24
-
C
This is the best show on TV among all the new shows. It is funny, edgy entertaining. We need more things like this on TV in stead of the cops, robbers and murder shows. It is lighthearted and we need this in the world today.
23
-
R
So now ABC is getting into the cancellation game. PLEASE don't cancel Dr Odyssey. It is my Thursday night getaway show which I need. It is after all ENTERTAINMENT!!
19
-
O
We love this show and look forward to another season.
15
-
G
I love this show. Always, the best shows are canceled. The same thing happened to Blue Bloods.
9
-
G
Not a fan so I wouldn’t be sorry to see it go. To me there’s not one lead that’s not a self centered individual!
Sorry fans. Just my opinion 😜
8
-
O
Please, please , please don’t cancel Dr. Odyssey. This is the most entertaining show on TV. My whole family loves the entire crew, especially Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson. We look forward to Thursday nights lineup from 8pm to 11pm. Please don’t cancel my favorite show. Please!!!!!!!!!!
6
-
T
One I've always been a major fan of Joshua Jackson and when I noticed that he played in this show I had to watch it and then I fell in love with all the actors and the themes they had would have each week it was all great suspenseful thrilling romantic I really hope they keep having more seasons of this it's refreshing and different from all these others shows that have been coming out
6
-
R
We watch this every week but it's a really stupid show. We're big cruise fans and there's so much factually incorrect about how they portray the cruise (employees, ship and experience) that it's laughable.
6
-
O
OMG! It's such a fun show! That's what it is. A SHOW. Since you are a cruiser haven't you ever wondered what goes on between crew members. Now I can let my imagination run wild on my next cruise!
1
-
-
G
This show needs to be renewed! It is fun, the actors are great, and the theme weeks make each week unique, albeit in familiar surroundings. Networks need to stop relying so heavily on cops, hospitals and reality. Seen and seen again!
Stop canceling truly enjoyable shows.
5
-
G
Great show. I love the different people on the ship. A lot of variety.
5
-
D
Maybe they shouldn't have done the threesome! I know that wasn't my cup of tea & it was the talk at work. People were not happy with that. We all Love Joshua Jackson, just not this part of the storyline! Do better Ryan Murphy.
5
-
B
I’m not a big soap opera fan. Unfortunately, after the first couple episodes, it seemed like a soap opera. The acting is very good, and the sets are beautiful, but the soap opera feel to it made it rather boring for me. I like a little action, and a little sci-fi would be welcoming for me. I think they do need to do something with the show.
4
-
P
I loved this gem from the start. It seems to be very expensive , but I would still enjoy another season without the big budget episodes(shark attacks, tsunami…) the regular episodes are fun! I lost my other guilty pleasure Rescue Hi-Surf. Would hate to lose another one.
ABC/Disney and Ryan Murphy
Please give us another season!
4
-
G
I love this show. I am hoping and praying there is a another season. It is so unreal it is funny, but that is what we need right now. To be honest though I only watch because Joshua Jackson is in it.
4
-
B
It's a good show to just enjoy. No trying to figure out underlying messages. Guilty pleasure.
4
-
R
I love this show I think it should be renewed I watch it faithfully every week
4
-
B
Please bring it back! I love it!!
4
-
P
I loved Odyssey at first but when the three some happened, I was done. These are professionals for heavens sake. Not supposed to be a sappy soap opera. Every show afterwards was about "baby daddy". Done with it.
4
-
O
OMG! It's such a fun show! That's what it is. A SHOW. Obviously you have never been on a cruise. I have. Several, and I often wonder what goes on between crew members. Now I can let my imagination run wild on my next cruise!
8
-
G
I dont like the 2 with Joshua Jackson. The 3some was sickening.
-
-
R
@abc
We watch The Rookie, 911 & Dr. Odyssey on your channel. That’s it!
Grey’s is old & worn out.
Lots of trash on a Disney Family network -all the Bachelor Nation shows.
Give us more Dr. Odyssey!!!! My husband and I-in our 60s watch it. Our daughters -in their 30s & a 26 year old watch it. Don Johnson (Miami Vice) & Joshua Jackson (Fringe) Phillipa Soo (Hamilton) - all three are favorites for all of our family. You don’t find many shows that catch people in their 60s and their 30s.
It’s fun! Mostly lighthearted. Love the cast. Love the theme weeks! It’s like a combination of 911 & nostalgic shows like Love Boat, & Fantasy Island.
If you don’t renew Dr. Odyssey, you’ll be missing the boat (ship)!
3
-
R
I want it back. No long explanation needed. I just WANT IT BACK.
3
-
C
The threesome was hard to watch with my family. Embarrassing! That did it for me.
3
-
C
What? You can't change the channel on your TV. You didn't have to watch it. I knew right away by the looks they were giving one another what was about to happen. You must have been amused by it all or you wouldn't have watched. It's a great show, with or without the romance!
-
-
R
It Is Just Like The Love Boat Just Not Funny or Good
3
-
O
Seems it’s everything you want to know about sex, threesomes, or whoever. Almost each week it’s about sex. Also, this boat is outrageously insane with everything a hospital has. Very unreal.
3
-
C
You know, reality sucks right now! Our Country is a mess and this administration is doing a great job messing up every other country in the world! What's wrong with a little adult situation and fantasy. We all need a bit escapism right now..
a guilty pleasure, if you may. Trust me, in reality there IS a lot of sex on cruise ships. It's vacation, afterall!
-
-
G
I like Dr Odyssey I think it's good it's light, and it's just a fun program I also like high potential the rookie, and of course will Trent and they need to keep all of those all those game shows and bachelorette things they can dump them they're boring and it's the same garbage every season! I like paradise as well it's really good hope they keep that. And American idol! I really like the bad romance series 20/20, and of course 9/11. They can cancel all those game shows it's just so many! And they're pretty much all the same! I'm sure all the football will take over everything but you must know that not everyone over the age of 49 wants to watch football so now we've got ABC football and NBC football come on give us a break. There should just be a special channel with nothing but football and baseball stop interrupting our prime time programming!
2
-
B
I love this show! Bring it back ABC. Tired of the reality shows and game shows. Give us something we can relate to and sink our emotions into its drama. Please?
2
-
G
Dr Odyssey is our grown up version of the old Love Boat show on tv but this time it’s a ship!!!! Ha ha 😊 thanks captain for reminding us each week! Please renew it as it is refreshing and I don’t watch crime shows so this has suspense, great scenery and enjoyable story themes each episode ! We love seeing Don Johnson again and as I said his humor in reminding us it’s a ship! The cast is incredible and they have great chemistry together! please please continue a great show!
2
-
G
Please renew Dr Odyssey!! We love it! Look forward to it each week! It is unique and love all the actors and characters they play.please please give us another season!
2
-
P
I love the show. I think it’s different and I really like the main cast a lot. I hope they keep it on. There are other shows that I think should be canceled instead of this one.
2
-
R
Yes !!!!!! The beauty of the ship experiences the ocean the amazing cast. It lift spirits.
2
-
O
Doctor odyssey is not so entertaining. The throuple was not amusing. I am out not going to watch
2
-
C
Bye bye...
-
-
R
How many Bachelors and Bachelorettes do we need?
To answer your question......None. We don't need ANY of them!
Another 9-1-1. Another CSI. Another NCIS. Another FBI. Does NO ONE in Hollywood have an original idea?
1
-
G
I hope they renew it!!! They finally have a show that is so different from the same old medical and fire and police stories!!
1
-
C
Love this show! Please renew it🙏
1
-
O
Love the show.
Please bring it back.
1
-
O
We love Doctor Odyssey!! Must renew. Best new series ABC has.
1
-
F
ABC and Ryan Murphy please renew Dr. Odyssey! The show is so much fun and the cast and stories are fantastic! It's comforting to watch such a great ensemble! I love this show and The Odyssey!
1
-
B
IT'S HORRIBLE! Cancel it!
1
-
G
My soap never had a 3 some so watch what ya say about them.
1
-
G
Dr. Odyssey is a fun show to watch! Give it a chance! It keeps on getting better!
1
-
R
I'm a big Joshua Jackson fan and that's what drew me in.Initially, but you're right.It's just a fun show. The sets and setting are gorgeous. And there are endless storylines left to explore
1
-
M
most have a high cost to make it.
1
-
O
I love this show. Different from so many others out there. How many Bachelors and Bachelorettes do we need? Hope its renewed.
1
-
O
I think that Dr. Odyssey should be renewed. It is one of those shows that families can watch together, which there aren't that many recently. I don't watch reality shows or games shows at night. I want something that I can kick back and watch and laugh a little.
1
-
D
Do you think families enjoyed that threesome? 🤦♀️
7
-
G
Not for kids!!!!!!!!!
3
-
C
By the time that happened, kids should have long been in bed! It's a school night!
-
-
-
G
I love this show! I didn’t find it until later in its season. I binged watched all the previews episodes so I could get caught up. I certainly hope that it doesn’t get cancelled. A fan!
1
-
C
I believe that the very long hiatus contributed to the loss of viewership. November to March is far too long to be out of sight and out of mind.
1
-
O
I love this show and do not understand why it is even questioned for renewal.
-
P
Renew it It’s great and has future potential to grow!
-
S
Love the show it’s a breath of fresh air. I can’t believe there’s not gonna have a second season. I hope something changes and we see a second season.
-
C
Great show. Themes are so creative. Makes me smile. Please renew it
-
C
Please renew it. Many shows now a days are all the same and get renewed. This show isn't like all the others and is fun and great. Love Joshua Jackson and want to see more of him. Let's give it another season please oh plase
-
O
Renew Dr Odyssey!
-
O
I am really a big fan of dr. Oddessy. Love this show. It's a nice relaxing45 minutes and I absolutely adore Din Johnson. Please renew!
-
G
I think some shows take more then one season to get going!! A lot of people haven't seen it yet. Ryan Murphy please let it gain some traction!!
-
O
Love Doctor Odyssey
My favorite show. Please renew it.
-
B
I love the show. Please keep it. Great cast.
-
C
This was a nice show. Too bad it got canceled. Will miss it.
-
O
It’s a joke…never has there been so many medical catastrophes concerning one boat in the history of the world…so absurd …earthquakes, whale attacks,orca attacks,shark attacks,sunamis,and literally every viral outbreak known to man…so unrealistically stupid and far fetched…only started watching because I’m a big Don Johnson fan…he’s a tv legend and sadly this is way beneath him.
-
G
I watched the first 3 episodes and really couldn't get into it. I have episodes still in my queue and really haven't been motivated in watching them.
-
C
Yes Pat, I agree with what you said.
-
G
I love the show but Avery is really starting to get on my last nerve. She is becoming a completely unlikeable character .
-
G
The Shark episode was just too hokey, and the baby drama was stupid. I hope ABC cancels.
-
G
I hope they do not cancel but they need better writing. Too much tacky stuff like the plastic surgery show. I mean really. The actors are GREAT and ofcourse Don Johnson who does not like right. They got it all going just need better story lines. Get rid of some of the tacky crap.
-
-
G
So in your opinion, would you say that the show has (like Arthur Fonzarelli) jumped the shark? 🤣
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services