Disney reportedly wouldn’t let Agents of SHIELD die so easily

It’s been reported that ABC would have canceled Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD after its fourth season if not for Disney stepping in.

You cannot call Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD a ratings beast. As every season starts to come to an end, we fans hope that we might get one more season.

And as every season ends, we are somehow rewarded with another.

But don’t think it’s been so easy for the show to survive. Dwindling ratings, a later time in ABC’s schedule, and fans started to wonder if the fourth season was the end.

It’s been reported that Disney pulled rank on ABC and refused to let them cancel the show. Here’s the exact quote from Variety:

"Earlier this year, the mandate came down from Disney for ABC to renew its other Marvel drama, “Agents of SHIELD,” despite the desire by some at the network to end the series after four seasons."

Look, we all know that Agents of SHIELD will end one day. We who have been here since the premiere remember the reports of viewership dropping by the millions week over week. And it never really recovered, not in any way that matters to ABC, at least.

MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. – “What If…”  (ABC/Jennifer Clasen)

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Except Disney is a powerhouse. And when they want something done (and they own you), it’s a little hard to say no.

I, for one, thank them, as ridiculous as this report is. Agents of SHIELD‘s fourth season was certainly its best. From the three story arcs to create the season to sharp action and dialogue to the fun callbacks to previous seasons, it showed that it knew what it was good at — and they did it well.

Plus I want to know why the hell they’re in space this season. It’s just sad that Disney had to interfere to keep it alive. Here’s hoping maybe we’ll get a crossover with the MCU this season? How hard is it to get Chris Pratt to show up as Star-Lord or Burt Macklin? Wait, wrong show…

Next: Star Wars: The Last Jedi will drop its second trailer on Oct. 9

Marvel’s Agents of SHIELD returns this winter to ABC’s lineup.