A.P. Bio has officially been saved and will return for a third season. NBC canceled the well-liked comedy series after just two seasons earlier this year, largely due to the fact that it simply wasn’t a huge winner in the ratings department. But that led to massive outcry online for someone, anyone, to step in and save the show. NBC decided that they wouldn’t let anyone else have a crack at it and, instead, have revived the comedy for their upcoming streaming service.
According to a new report, NBCUniversal will air A.P. Bio season 3 as the first scripted comedy on their currently untitled streaming service. NBC has yet to detail much in terms of programming for the service, but they recently landed the rights to The Office, which will be leaving Netflix in 2021 as a result. Showrunner Mike O’Brien had this to say about it in a statement.
While ratings for the series, which is produced by Lorne Michaels, were pretty low initially, with the comedy averaging less than 900,000 viewers per episode in season 2, the audience has grown substantially on digital platforms. That motivated NBC executives, as well as the creative team and the cast, to try and find a path forward. Star Glenn Howerton responded to the news on Twitter. Here’s what he had to say.
“I’m so overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the fans. The cast and I are thrilled that we get to make more and I’m excited to work with the NBCU streaming platform.”
When news of the cancellation first broke, fans instantly started campaigning online for the show to be saved. It demonstrated to the network that this series had potential to grow over time and, for that reason, it may work best as a streaming show, as opposed to airing on a traditional network. Cast member Patton Oswalt also took to Twitter to show his gratitude.
“Thanks to huge streaming numbers and the support of our die hard fans, APBio is getting a 3rd season. I am overjoyed. Congrats to Mike O’Brien the most for creating such an amazing show. I’m so happy right now.”
“Apple in wastebasket. See you guys soon. And thank all of you, best fans ever!!! #APBio”
