Explaining ABC’s Decision to Cancel Doctor Odyssey After Season 1
Doctor Odyssey stood as the only show still uncertain at ABC — so what caused such a delay in the network’s decision regarding its renewal status?
The medical drama premiered in September 2024, showcasing Joshua Jackson‘s character, Max Bankman, as he embarked on becoming the new onboard doctor aboard the cruise ship, the Odyssey. Each week, the crew navigated various medical crises that aligned with their thematic voyages, such as Singles Week, Plastic Surgery Week, and Quackers Week.
Despite its promising start, Doctor Odyssey found itself on the bubble, awaiting a renewal. Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich shed light on the holdup, explaining that the ultimate decision rests with creator Ryan Murphy.
“I truly love Doctor Odyssey; I believe it’s an incredibly inventive show, and we’re doing everything we can to support it,” he conveyed in a May interview with Deadline. “That decision ultimately rests with Ryan Murphy, and it’s up to him to determine if there are stories he feels confident in telling.”
The show’s uncertain future occurred alongside various controversial TV decisions. In 2025, ABC, CBS, and NBC garnered headlines for axing numerous beloved characters from popular series like Fire Country, 9-1-1, One Chicago, and others.
Adding to the shock was NBC’s decision to cancel Lopez vs. Lopez, Night Court, Found, The Irrational, and Suits LA in May. NBC has renewed just a couple of freshman shows, The Hunting Party and Brilliant Minds, leaving others like Grosse Pointe Garden Society still on the bubble.
The harsh cuts came after NBC secured an 11-year deal with the NBA, valued at nearly $2.5 billion annually, which limits the network’s original programming for the upcoming fall.
Unlike NBC, ABC lacks a similar arrangement, which has made Doctor Odyssey‘s unresolved status even more perplexing before its cancellation. Stick around for a breakdown of why Doctor Odyssey lingered on the bubble — and what happens next:
The Key Players
Alongside Jackson, the cast of Doctor Odyssey features Phillipa Soo, Sean Teale, Don Johnson, and a host of stars in cameo roles.
The Gist
Doctor Odyssey was initially hyped as a likely success for ABC, setting a record with 77.8 million views within its first 48 hours for a new broadcast TV show trailer.
However, by the Disney Upfronts eight months later, Doctor Odyssey had lost its momentum due to a midseason break and was left as the sole show without a renewal or cancellation.
Erwich commented on the show’s future ahead of a potential series finale in May, stating, “Doctor Odyssey isn’t on our [fall 2025] schedule right now. We’re communicating with [series creator] Ryan [Murphy] and are keen to see what the next chapter might entail.”
He noted that Murphy, 59, has numerous projects occupying his time, contributing to Doctor Odyssey‘s unclear trajectory.
“Ryan’s incredibly busy,” the ABC executive remarked. “With 9-1-1, the forthcoming spinoff 9-1-1: Nashville, and All’s Fair [for Hulu], he’s also engaged in various projects for FX that they’re excited about.”
Deadline confirmed that a decision needed to be reached by June when the cast’s options would expire, and it was later acknowledged that the contracts lapsed without ABC making any moves to reinstate the series in their upcoming lineup.
Why It’s a Big Deal
Few other shows have made headlines like Us, with stories such as “Doctor Odyssey Now Has Shania Twain Expecting a Baby With Don Johnson in 2nd Pregnancy Twist” or “Doctor Odyssey Pairs Off Mean Girls’ Aaron Samuels and Parks and Rec’s Jerry in Age Gap Romance,” meriting its renewal.
This medical drama also signifies Jackson’s return to television, which Us consistently supports.
“[Cocreator] Ryan [Murphy]’s imagination is extraordinary and strangely encompasses both the grotesque and absurd alongside his lighter offerings. Having all of this emerge from one person’s creativity is astounding,” Jackson exclusively told Us Weekly in March. “I have wished to collaborate with Ryan for years.”
Jackson attributed his decision to join Doctor Odyssey directly to Murphy. “His directive was ‘sparkle.’ He said, ‘Ensure my show sparkles,’” he recounted. “We have made an effort to infuse as much sparkle as we can, hoping that the joy we share in performing translates through your viewing experience.”
What People Are Saying
Fans, including some celebrities, have chimed in on the perplexing delay.
On Last Week Tonight in May, John Oliver criticized ABC for failing to make a formal decision regarding Doctor Odyssey, humorously stating, “ABC should be ashamed — considering that, as of this taping, they still haven’t renewed Doctor Odyssey for season 2. What on Earth are you doing, ABC? It’s like sexy ER on a boat! It’s The Pitt with sharks! And I won’t even attempt to rival their tagline — ‘Big deck energy.’”
Oliver showcased a clip from the Doctor Odyssey pilot before comparing it to other ABC shows, questioning, “How can ABC renew shows like The Rookie and Will Trent — whose premise seems to be just, ‘Despite being dyslexic, he’s now a special agent in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’? Yet, they don’t renew the only show bold enough to tackle the question, ‘What if sick, but boat?’”
He admitted he “shouldn’t complain” about other shows, stating, “I shouldn’t be concerned that a series called and about a rookie is returning for its premise-defying eighth season, and I don’t hold any audience members accountable for sticking around to discover the fate of their beloved characters.” He added, “All I’m saying is, ABC’s The View has been airing since 1997, and Doctor Hot Boat remains in limbo.”
Oliver concluded candidly by criticizing the network further. “You’re a disgrace, ABC!” he declared. “Your network is a disaster!”
What’s Next
In May, ABC revealed that 9-1-1: Nashville would take over the Thursday slot previously assigned to Doctor Odyssey amid its uncertain status.
Jackson, seen sporting Doctor Odyssey merchandise in public, was inquired about the show’s fate during a red carpet event in June. “They haven’t informed us yet,” he said in a clip from the interview.
Variety confirmed in June that the cast’s contracts had expired, with no actions from ABC to bring the series back.
