Doctor Odyssey has still not been renewed for season 2, and while its delayed announcement is disappointing, it is also understandable. The future of Doctor Odyssey season 2 is in limbo after the medical show became the only ABC series to not have a confirmed renewal. The show has been compared to other ABC hits like Grey's Anatomy and High Potential, which have both been renewed for an additional season.

Since its premiere, Doctor Odyssey has added a fascinating twist to the medical procedure by featuring a star-studded cast, recognizable guest stars, and an intoxicating and messy love triangle. The ridiculous Doctor Odyssey theme weeks. Unfortunately, none of this has been enough to encourage an early renewal for season 2.

Why Doctor Odyssey's Delayed Renewal Was Controversial

Doctor Odyssey Is The Only ABC Show In A Bubble

In early April, ABC finally announced some major season renewals, but Doctor Odyssey was not one of them. Longtime favorites including 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy ed the list of renewed shows after the network had previously announced new seasons of Abbott Elementary and High Potential back in January. The announcement revealed the fates of all but one show, Doctor Odyssey, whose future is still undecided.

The controversy about Doctor Odyssey's delayed renewal comes partially from the long wait time. Similar shows were already renewed months ago, so it was expected that Doctor Odyssey would have ed the list of renewals along with the rest of them in April. The delayed announcement means that Doctor Odyssey is the last ABC show in a bubble, which means its future is still unclear. It is still not certain whether Doctor Odyssey will even have a second season or if it will end with the season 1 finale.

Aside from the fans and cast not liking the waiting, the show's lack of renewal is also controversial because it does not make much sense when looking at the numbers only. Doctor Odyssey's season 1 ratings are higher than the ratings of Grey's Anatomy season 21, and yet the latter received an easy renewal despite declining views. Based on ratings alone, Doctor Odyssey should have received a renewal over Grey's Anatomy.

ABC's Delayed Renewal Of Doctor Odyssey Was Because Of Ongoing Creative Conversations

The Direction Of Doctor Odyssey Is Still Being Decided

The fate of Doctor Odyssey season 2 does not look entirely negative, and major executives and producers still have some hope of renewing the show. In fact, Disney's Craig Erwich offered an update on Doctor Odyssey, and it seems optimistic. While ratings are lower than expected for the medical drama, Erwich revealed that ratings are not the only factor behind the decision to renew or cancel a show. This not only explains the network's decision to renew Grey's Anatomy, but it also helps to explain the delay behind Doctor Odyssey's renewal.

In an interview with Variety, Erwich shared that he and his team at ABC are having ongoing "creative conversations about the show with Ryan and evaluating." Given the high production costs for the show, which most likely come from the set and the rotating guest stars, Disney and ABC probably want to know what Ryan Murphy's long-term plans are for Doctor Odyssey. If the show maintains its low ratings and high production costs, it won't be worth it to continue the show. However, the hesitation to cancel the series shows a lot of optimism about Doctor Odyssey's future.

Why Doctor Odyssey's Format Makes Planning Its Future Trickier

Doctor Odyssey's Location Makes Things More Difficult

Doctor Odyssey is a procedural, which means there is a new case in each episode. For the most part, these cases have been medical, but the two-part Doctor Odyssey premiere also featured some action-adventure-type cases. The format works fine, but it also adds a challenge if Erwich, Murphy, and the other executives are looking for ways to change the show significantly to bring in more viewers. The procedural format has already been decided, so changing it in the middle of the season might actually end up losing viewers.

Doctor Odyssey airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

Doctor Odyssey's setting on a cruise ship is another thing to consider. First and foremost, it is a medical show, but its location adds an intriguing element that cannot be ignored. As ABC considers Doctor Odyssey's future, they can not turn the show into just another medical drama set in a hospital, or in The Odyssey's makeshift medical suite. They need to use the unique location to their advantage. This makes planning ahead tricky, but it could end up being worth it in the end.

Source: Variety

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