ABC’s starry medical drama Doctor Odyssey, led by Joshua Jackson and Phillipa Soo, has entered uncertain waters. While the network hasn’t formally canceled the show, cast contract options expired on June 30 and were not renewed—leaving the series in limbo. Creator Ryan Murphy reportedly hasn’t ruled out a return via streaming platforms, given its strong performance on Hulu, but observers note the network has already replaced its original Thursday timeslot with 9-1-1: Nashville for fall 2025.
The Season 1 finale—marked by a massive earthquake and looming tsunami—ended on a classic cliffhanger, stranding Joshua Jackson’s Max on land while the ship sailed away. The suspense has spurred intense fan speculation and fueled hopes for a second season.
Meanwhile, 9-1-1, despite consistently strong storytelling and standout performances—especially from Angela Bassett and Jennifer Love Hewitt—remains frustratingly overlooked by major awards. TV critic Matt Roush argues that broadcast procedural dramas are often dismissed by prestigious voting bodies, even when they deliver compelling character work.
The full Ask Matt Q&A also addressed broader TV trends, such as the limitations of cliffhanger endings and the rewards gap for broadcast series. Roush urged caution for networks banking on cliffhangers for renewal, noting unresolved finales can backfire if shows end up canceled
