Why was Not Dead Yet canceled at ABC? Details explored

Despite bringing a unique spin to the comedy genre, ABC's Not Dead Yet has been canceled after its second season. The show, which features Jane the Virgin alum Gina Rodriguez, struggled with ratings that saw a significant decline from its first season.

Specifically, the series averaged 2.7 million total viewers and a 0.3 demo rating with Live+7 playback, marking a 21% and 40% drop, respectively. Ranking last among ABC’s sitcoms this season in both viewership and demographic measures, the decision to not renew it may not come as a surprise. The final episode aired on April 24, subtly concluding the show’s brief run.

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What was Not Dead Yet all about?

Not Dead Yet brought a unique twist to the typical sitcom formula by introducing Nell, a journalist who writes obituaries and has the unusual ability to talk to dead and deceased people she's writing about.

Gina Rodriguez played Nell, bringing a lot of heart and humor to the role. Her encounters with the spirits were more than just funny because they added a real depth to the show as it delved into themes of closure and the deeper reflections people often leave unsaid.

Each episode peeled back the layers of someone’s life, showing the hidden stories and truths behind the obituaries. This was more than comedic because it offered a fresh take that mixed supernatural quirks with the everyday dynamics of a workplace. All of these elements made Not Dead Yet stand out from the crowd, offering viewers a story that was engaging and new.

More than just making people laugh, the show encouraged viewers to think as Nell's conversations with the ghosts prompted her—and us—to reflect on our own lives, blending entertainment with moments of genuine insight. The clever mix of fun and thoughtfulness was what made the show special.

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Who starred in Not Dead Yet?

The cast of Not Dead Yet really brought the show to life, led by Gina Rodriguez who starred as Nell. Gina's performance was full of charm and perfectly timed humor, making her character a standout. Alongside her were several familiar faces who added depth and laughter to every episode.

Hannah Simone played Sam, Nell’s friend and coworker, who brought warmth and a sense of camaraderie to their office. Joshua Banday portrayed Dennis, Nell’s editor, who often found himself at the center of the office's more comical moments.

Lauren Ash took on the role of Lexi, the boss at the newspaper.

She delivered her lines with a mix of authority and humor that kept viewers entertained. Rick Glassman played Edward, Nell’s quirky roommate, whose eccentricities added a fun layer to the show. Angela Gibbs appeared as Cricket, a widow who forms a touching connection with Nell thanks to some supernatural help from her late husband.

In its second season, the show welcomed Brad Garrett as Duncan, Lexi’s father and the newspaper owner whose addition shook things up and brought a new energy to the series.

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Did Not Dead Yet season 2 end on a cliffhanger?

The series finale of Not Dead Yet, which unexpectedly became the show's last episode, wrapped up with a significant, albeit subtle, cliffhanger. In the episode, Brad Garrett's character, Duncan, temporarily becomes a ghost while undergoing surgery.

This supernatural experience, though initially forgotten, is later remembered by Duncan, revealing a turning point where he recalls the sensation of being a ghost in Nell's Prius.

The revelation was all set to shape what was coming next in the series, suggesting new challenges and changes for Nell. Duncan learning Nell’s secret, which she had kept so closely guarded, was a big deal.

It hinted at exciting new stories where Nell's ability to communicate with ghosts could play a bigger role in her life and affect those around her in new ways.

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However, with the show being canceled, these interesting possibilities remain unexplored which eventually leaves fans with a lot of what-ifs and adds a layer of unfinished potential to the show's legacy, making us wonder what could have been.