Will Netflix save Cobie Smulders' crime drama?

After ABC canceled Stumptown, could the Cobie Smulders led crime drama find a new home at Netflix? 

In a surprise and unexpected twist, ABC has decided not to proceed with a second season of its Cobie Smulders crime drama Stumptown.

The decision to cancel the series comes after ABC previously renewed the series for a second season after a well-received first season which debuted in the fall of 2019. Interestingly, it also comes just three months after ABC touted plans for the series to return as part of its fall 2020 line-up as part of its Wednesday night block once more. So just what led to the show’s sudden cancellation?

Typically, when a series is canceled it’s due to one of a handful of reasons such as declining ratings, a struggle to establish an audience, creative reasonings or simply because the show has run its natural course. However, ABC’s decision to cancel Stumptown came as a result of far different circumstances.

According to Deadline, who first reported the news, the decision to cancel Stumptown was a result of COVID-19 related production delays.

As Deadline reports, “a timing issue related to the production start delay made it impossible for the show to be ready for a fall launch.” Part of this delay stems from the fact that the series films in Los Angeles, where production has not been able to get started.

It didn’t help that the series was in midst of a creative shift behind the scenes with a showrunner change heading into season 2 with a delay in getting scripts prepped for the season.

While ABC has decided not to proceed with a second season of the show, there is some good news for fans. ABC Signature, the studio that produces the show, plans on actively shopping the show around in hopes of finding it a new home which begs the question: will Netflix save Stumptown?

Although the show wasn’t the strongest in traditional ratings, it was a strong performer among digital viewers making it a natural fit for a streaming service such as Netflix. Additionally, it features a buzzy cast which includes Smulders, Jake Johnson, Camryn Manheim and Michael Ealy and high-end look.

It also wouldn’t be the first ABC series to be saved by Netflix. Following its cancellation in 2018, Designated Survivor was picked up by a third season by Netflix after ABC pulled the plug on the Keifer Sutherland political drama.

At this point, it’s too early to determine whether Netflix might decide to toss its name in the hat and consider picking the show up but the series does seem like a perfect fit for the service. We can only hope the Netflix execs feel the same and give the series a chance to continue its run as Stumptown‘s new home.