A Popular Sci-Fi Reboot Just Got Saved From Cancellation
While the first season was off to a rocky start, NBC has confirmed that Quantum Leap will be given the chance to continue its story through season 2. The Hollywood Reporter revealed the good news, which comes just weeks after the network ordered six extra episodes of the rebooted series, leaving fans with 18 total for the first season. Overall, it seems that Quantum Leap has leaped into the hearts of Americans everywhere, raking in great numbers via Nielsen.
Quantum Leap’s season 2 renewal wasn’t only celebrated by fans of the sci-fi project, but also by the higher-ups at NBCUniversal including Lisa Katz who serves as the network’s president of scripted content. Praising the decision to move forward with the story, Katz gave a big round of congratulations and thanks to those backing the production. She added to her statement by saying that it was “gratifying to know” that the show’s story has been such a hit with audiences and that it will continue its run via linear television as well as streaming the following day on Peacock.
The show stars Raymond Lee (Top Gun: Maverick), as a physicist named Dr. Ben Song, who works on the highly regarded and secretive Quantum Leap project. But while his peers are busy working, Dr. Song has other ideas for the top-notch machinery, launching himself back through time and into the bodies of people from years in the past. While a cast for Quantum Leap season 2 has yet to be confirmed, we can expect to see more of Ernie Hudson, Caitlin Bassett, Mason Alexander Park, and Nanrisa Lee, who have all starred alongside Raymon Lee in the show’s debut season.
For fans of the original series, which aired between 1989 and 1993, Quantum Leap’s season 2 renewal won’t come as a major shock. The hit show starred Scott Bakula as physicist Dr. Sam Beckett who time-hopped alongside his best friend Admiral al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell). The duo would travel back through the ages to right major historical wrongs in hopes of achieving a better present day.
Quantum Leap’s season 2 renewal comes during a time of major shakeup for scripted programming airing linearly. It’s no shock to anyone that over the last several years, streaming services have taken over the airwaves, leaving audiences with a thirst for binging projects and not tuning into scheduled television like they used to. It seems that to have a hit, companies need to be willing to drop loads of money and take the gamble that their project may end up being a dud.
Unlike NBC, The CW is having a very tough time moving forward with once-loved shows as their budget doesn’t offer the same wiggle room that it once did. Because of this, fans will soon be bidding adieu to favorites including Riverdale, Nancy Drew, and The Flash as the network moves towards less scripted – and therefore cheaper – programming. Lucky for Quantum Leap, the fans have spoken and they’ll be receiving the story’s next installment in season 2.
