Updates On “Son of Zorn”/ “Imaginary Mary” Renewal Chances

Do we agree with Deadline’s latest report?

Deadline.com has posted a “Bubble Watch”, and included in the report is the status as to whether or not FOX’s Son of Zorn and/or ABC’s Imaginary Mary will get picked up for a second season. Here are the highlights concerning both series:

ABC

The network’s newest half-hour addition, Imaginary Mary is also looking unlikely.

and….

FOX

Things are shaky for The Last Man On Earth, which has become more narrow in appeal with time, and freshmen Son of Zorn, which had been looking to find a new showrunner, and Making History. Neither has a made a strong argument to continue, but as all three come from top producers Pill Lord and Chris Miller, if one series should return, it may be Last Man on Earth.

While I agree with the assessment on Mary, I think if FOX were picking just one of the three Phil/Miller shows for a second season, I would think Son of Zorn would actually be the strongest candidate. I’m not going strictly by numbers, rather I am going on the ability for 20th Century FOX to license the franchise in other markets and for merchandise. Animated properties (even if a hybrid such as this case) are a bit easier to license in English-speaking countries than live-action ones. A Making History wouldn’t make sense in Australia, a show that criss-crosses the map of the United States like Last Man on Earth, probably a bit confusing in London, but an animated character, even with a live-action backdrop, you can still sell merchandise of in the aforementioned English-speaking markets thus offering a bit more value.

Even with that, it could be difficult for Son of Zorn to get the green light in time for a Fall return, as the show’s first season began production in April of 2016, which means season two would have to kick off…like…three weeks ago if you want it on time, otherwise it’s heading to midseason. That actually might be a better scenario, because then the show can just wait until after football season is over and not have to deal with getting bumped in some markets.

Update 4/20: The Wrap has both of these shows renewing.