It sounds like it’s the end of an era at TBS and TNT, although this writing has been on the wall for a while now. It has been announced, via Variety, that TBS and TNT are pausing scripted programming development following the Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
The entity will no longer develop new scripted programming for those particular outlets. They’re currently evaluating a strategy for those channels, including truTV, and will have a better idea of what their roles will be moving forward under the new regime.
The big question is what happens to their current scripted lineup? TNT’s Snowpiercer has frequently been renewed early and is still in the middle of its run. As of now, the show will be returning as planned. What might be in question is future renewals. It seems like all of this going to be taken day by day.
The decision to do this isn’t too surprising because after bulking up their scripted content in the last decade, TNT and TBS have scaled back on scripted content for the last few years. The only two remaining scripted shows on TNT are Animal Kingdom, which is ending after its sixth season set to premiere in June, and Snowpiercer. As mentioned above, Snowpiercer was renewed for an early fourth season before its third season premiere. Over at TBS, the scripted shows are all comedies including The Last OG, Miracle Workers, Chad, and American Dad. The Last OG aired its fourth season in October of last year and there has been no word about a fifth season. Miracle Workers aired its third season last July and a fourth season was ordered back in November. Chad’s first season aired in the summer of 2021 and its second season will premiere this year while American Dad, which moved from Fox to TBS in 2014, earned a two-season renewal back in December. If I were to guess, these shows will play out their orders and may be done after that.
What are YOUR thoughts on Warner Bros. Discovery cutting scripted programming from future development at TBS and TNT?