Why was Lucky 13 canceled on ABC? Explained

The Lucky 13 game show, hosted by Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez, was canceled after just one season on ABC. Although the show had a great premiere and high ratings, it wasn't able to get enough ad revenue, so the network and producer Studio 1 had to cancel it, as stated by Deadline on November 14, 2024.

When ABC first thought about renewing the show, changes in broadcasting priorities and the show's first-season budget problems caused it to end. Despite ABC's hints that Lucky 13 might come back in some other form, there are no plans for a revival right now.

The game show had an exciting format that involved contestants answering a series of 13 true-or-false questions, followed by a unique twist. The contestants needed to predict the accuracy of their responses to unlock the grand prize of $1 million.

Owing to the show's high stakes and suspenseful gameplay method, it turned out to be ABC’s most-watched summer premiere with 2.7 million viewers. However, this success wasn't enough to offset the low advertising revenue that drove its cancellation.

Lucky 13's last episode aired on September 19, 2024, ending a 10-episode season that fans loved but didn't make enough money for the network.

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The reasons behind Lucky 13 season 2 cancelation

The decision to cancel the second season of the game show was primarily due to its failure to generate adequate ad revenue. Unlike traditional shows greenlit with a direct commission, Lucky 13 followed a unique funding model where Studio 1 pre-funded the production.

The expectation was that advertising revenue would cover costs, but due to current market conditions, revenue fell short. This model became unsustainable, prompting ABC and Studio 1 to cancel the show.

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High ratings but low revenue

Despite strong viewership, Lucky 13 struggled to achieve the necessary ad revenue. The show was ABC’s most-watched summer series premiere, outperforming CBS’s Big Brother, yet this popularity didn’t translate into financial success.

While high ratings usually drive ad sales, the economic climate affected advertising budgets, which left the game show with insufficient funds to justify a second season.

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The unique format of Lucky 13

Contestants answered 13 true-or-false questions but were not immediately told their scores. They were then given the chance to change an answer using the "Pepsi Play" option.

To win, they had to accurately estimate their correct answers, adding a psychological element. If they predicted correctly, they had a shot at the $1 million jackpot. This innovative structure, combined with O’Neal and Rodriguez’s hosting, provided a fresh spin on game shows.

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The financial model behind the show

The show’s financial structure was both innovative and risky. Studio 1 funded the show upfront in exchange for a share of advertising profits, rather than traditional network funding.

Unfortunately, this model’s success hinged on achieving high ad sales, which didn’t materialize. As a result, Studio 1 is now working on restructuring to protect Lucky 13's intellectual property, hoping to find new ways to capitalize on the show’s potential.

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A look at the Hosts: Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez

Shaquille O’Neal and Gina Rodriguez brought unique charisma to the ABC game show. O’Neal, an NBA legend, provided a familiar and appealing presence, while Rodriguez’s charm added relatability.

Together, they created an engaging dynamic that contributed to the show’s initial success. Although their time on this game was short-lived, their involvement added value to the show, helping it become ABC’s most-watched summer premiere.

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For now, however, Lucky 13 remains a one-season wonder that struggled to balance high expectations with financial reality, yet it leaves behind a format that may inspire future game shows.