Despite strong critical reviews and a loyal fanbase, Fox has decided to not proceed with a second season of The Big Leap. The ballet-drama comedy, which starred Scott Foley and Simone Recasner, ended its freshman run in December.
The network did air all 11 episodes of the series order and decided to make a decision on its fate this spring. The Big Leap is one of two freshman dramas on Fox that was on the bubble after limited runs that had soft linear ratings. The other is Our Kind of People, which “Deadline” reports is looking more promising for a second season due to a strong showing on Fox’s streamer Tubi.
The Big Leap was a hit with the Fox higher-ups who loved the stage performances, music, and aspirational themes of the show. The show had strong pre-launch buzz which drew parallels to Fox’s breakout hit Glee. The problem was that The Big Leap was not the ratings juggernaut that Glee became and it ranked as Fox’s lowest-rated series this season.
Fox still liked the creative direction of the show and it did secure an 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which is rare these days for a network television series. Fox met with The Big Leap creative team to hear their season 2 pitch before making a final decision but I would assume that the numbers just didn’t justify a return.
The Big Leap was a show-within-a-show that took viewers on a journey of self-acceptance, body-positivity and empowerment at any age. It was described as a modern tale about second chances, chasing your dreams and taking back what’s yours. The show revolved around a group of diverse, down-on-their-luck characters attempting to change their lives by participating in a potentially life-ruining reality dance show that builds to a live production of Swan Lake.
Are YOU sad to see The Big Leap go?