‘Katy Keene’: Why Was the ‘Riverdale’ Spinoff Canceled?
After just one season, Katy Keene has been canceled by the CW. The Riverdale spinoff was beloved by fans, which is why many are wondering why the network decided to cancel the series. Here’s a breakdown of the show’s ratings and what the cast and crew think about the CW’s decision.
‘Katy Keene’ is connected to ‘Riverdale’
After months of buzz and hype, Katy Keene premiered on the CW in February 2020. The show is centered around four Archie comic book characters — up and coming fashion designer, Katy Keene (Lucy Hale), the Riverdale singer/songwriter Josie McCoy (Ashleigh Murray), performer Jorge Lopez aka Ginger (Jonny Beauchamp), and socialite Pepper Smith (Julia Chan).
The first season featured crossovers with Riverdale characters Hiram Lodge (Mark Consuelos) and Sierra McCoy (Robin Givens). And Katy Keene makes an appearance on a Season 4 episode of Riverdale.
Because Season 5 of Riverdale is taking its characters years into the future, there was speculation that Veronica Lodge (Camila Mendes), would make a cameo as a New York City college student in the second season of Katy Keene. Series lead Lucy Hale also confirmed that Veronica’s father, Hiram, was scheduled to appear on the series.
Why was it canceled?
The COVID-19 pandemic shut most of the country down in mid-March, just weeks after the premiere of Katy Keene. Many TV shows stopped mid-production, and others took substantial rating hits as viewers started focusing more on the news than entertainment.
The first episode of Katy Keene had approximately 600,000 viewers, and by the end of its season in mid-May, it averaged out at 480,000 viewers per week. In comparison, Riverdale averaged over a million viewers in its first season. And Season 4 — which was cut short due to the pandemic — averaged out at 733,000 viewers.
Despite being left with some major cliffhangers, as reported by TV Line, the CW canceled Katy Keene. The network hasn’t issued a statement indicating why, but it likely has to do with the show’s ratings and reception. Warner Bros. is reportedly shopping around to find the show another home, but there is no guarantee it will be picked up.
‘Katy Keene’ cast and creators react to cancellation news
With news of its cancellation, Katy Keene and Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa took to Twitter to share kind words for the show’s cast and crew.
“From the first #katykeene table read,” Aguirre-Sacasa wrote above a picture of the cast. “It seems like a dream. So proud of this show and the beautiful souls who came together to make it.”
Lead star Lucy Hale also shared her sentiments on social media. She posted a video, tearfully addressing the cancellation of her show.
“Sad to deliver this news,” she wrote in the caption. “But I love the show. I love what it stands for. And mostly I love YOU. To the cast, crew, and all involved…”
Julia Chan, who plays Pippa on the series, also shared kind words for the crew and her co-stars. “Got nothing but love for these folks,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “What a dream it was to be a part of this with you all. I count my lucky stars.”
