Doctor Odysseyseason 2’s fate is uncertain, but it isn’t ABC’s fault. Taking a medical drama out onto the open seas by way of a cruise liner, and then casting Joshua Jackson in the lead were two big decisions that made a lot of sense.
Despite the cluttered narrative and lighthearted silliness that sometimes detracted from the storytelling, the consensus seemed to be thatDoctor Odysseydeserved a season 2. There was plenty to expand upon, and a strong and diverse cast of great characters who could help to elevate the show’s future success.
However, amid some confusion,Doctor Odysseywas canceled after just a season. Many fans were left upset due to the show’s promise, and there were a lot of plot points and mysteries that will never be revisited. However, there is a lot of blame forDoctor Odyssey’s cancelation, which’s being apportioned in the wrong place.
ABC Clearly Wants Doctor Odyssey To Continue
If They Didn’t Want The Show They’d Have Simply Canceled It
Thequasi-cancelation ofDoctor Odysseyhas been shrouded in confusion, as the show was initially reported to have been canceled by ABC. However, the network rejected the notion, followed by the revelation that instead, thecontracts of the cast were not renewedbeyondDoctor Odysseyseason 1.
It seems clear that ABC would have liked for the show to continue, otherwise they would simply have canceled it officially, instead of letting options expire. With a bankable lead star and a unique and quirky concept, the show could have done very well long-term on ABC, and it seems that the network had little reason to cancel it.
Doctor Odyssey’s Fate Has Solely Been On Ryan Murphy’s Hands
The Creator Has A Lot On His Plate Right Now
Ultimately, the decision on whether to renew the show had very little to do with ABC. Indeed, Eric Shrier, who oversees 20th Television — the producers ofDoctor Odyssey,revealed back in May thatthe renewal decision ultimately lies with creator Ryan Murphy. This makes for an interesting situation, because it seems Murphy pulled the plug on his own show.
There could be a number of reasons behind this, but the most logical seems to be thatMurphy’s schedule is so packed, he doesn’t have the time to work on all of his shows. Murphy currently has seasons of9-1-1,Feud, andMonsterin development, and is also working on theupcoming spinoff show9-1-1: Nashville.
It might simply be that he doesn’t have the time to dedicate to all of his shows, so something had to give. The time involved in production onDoctor Odysseymight have been pretty intense, considering that it’s a network show in it first few years.
In addition to that, the budget for the show would have likely been high, considering the talent involved. From an outsider’s perspective, it seems like Murphy has made the decision to pull the plug onDoctor Odyssey, and focus on his other shows.
Doctor Odyssey
Cast
Doctor Odyssey is set aboard a luxury cruise ship where Max, the new on-board doctor, and a small, resourceful medical team confront unique medical crises and interpersonal dynamics while isolated miles from shore.
