Fox Cancels 'Almost Human'

Almost Human launched to a strong 9.2 million viewers and a 3.1 rating in the adults 18-49 demogrpahic in live-plus-same day following a special Sunday launch, before settling into its Monday perch with a weaker showing (6.8 million, 2.3). Though ratings dropped as the season progressed, the March finale averaged 5.63 million viewers and a 1.5 rating, on par with fellow Monday drama The Following. (The Following, which just wrapped its season, has since been renewed for a third.)

Fox had heavily promoted the series during the MLB playoffs last fall in hopes of attracting male viewers, much like how it marketed serial killer drama The Following the previous year, and had planned on continuing the push throughout the World Series and NFL games.

With several dramas already receiving series green lights (Broadchurch adaptation Gracepoint, Backstrom, Hieroglyph), Fox has limited shelf space with new projects such as the high-profile Batman prequel Gotham, Terrence Howard's hip-hop effort Empire and Red Band Society with Octavia Spencer, in contention for pickups. The cancellation news also comes on the same day Abrams unveiled his cast for Star Wars: Episode VII.