Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. was a ratings phenomenon when it first premiered back in 2013, bringing in 12.1 million viewers with its pilot episode. However, over the course of five seasons, the series has seen a massive drop off in viewership and it’s been reported that the current season could very well be its last. However, a new report seems to suggest there may still be life in the superhero drama as it’s rumored to have been renewed for a sixth season.
The rumor stems from Movie Tech Geeks, with the site stating it’s received news of the show’s renewal from three sources, including Disney. Interestingly enough, according to the site, along with a renewal, the show looks to be headed back to its original Tuesday time-slot after airing on Fridays for the past season.
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Now, it’s worth noting that for the time being, any news of a renewal for Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, the news is not coming direct from the network or any parties involved in the show. However, the timing does make this report rather plausible. With May upfronts on the horizon, news concerning renewals and cancellations — here’s looking at you, Inhumans — are not far off now. And while the ratings have been less than stellar, with a majority of the viewership coming courtesy of delayed viewings, Disney has proven in the past that the show is vital to the Marvel Cinematic Universe — even if the films don’t necessarily reference the series.
Unlike the CW, which renewed every one of its superhero shows this past week, ABC generally waits until closer to upfronts to announce much of anything. And as it stands, ABC network president Channing Dungey isn’t set to take the stage at upfronts until May 15, suggesting confirmation regarding Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.‘s rumored renewal is still a ways off. Should the series be officially renewed, though, it’ll be surprising as showrunners Maurissa Tancharoen and Jed Whedon have previously stated they were treating the season five finale as a possible series finale. Either way, whether the show receives a season six order if this is the very last season, Tancharoen and Whedon seem at peace with the story they have planned for the forthcoming finale.
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Airing Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Season 5 stars Clark Gregg, Ming-Na Wen, Chloe Bennet, Henry Simmons, Ian De Caestecker, Natalia Cordova-Buckley and Elizabeth Henstridge.