This latest Doctor Odyssey Season 2 update reveals who will take the renewal "decision ultimately" (& moving forward doesn't seem decisive yet)

ABC's soapy medical drama Doctor Odyssey, which debuted in September 2024, is in for a challenging ride for Season 2.

Since the network has already renewed all its major shows, including 9-1-1, Grey's Anatomy, and more, all eyes were on the newest medical procedural, which has yet to receive a sophomore season renewal.

Created by Ryan Murphy, Jon Robin Baitz, and Joe Baken, the show follows a group of medical professionals on board a luxury cruise ship as they handle unique medical cases and their personal and complicated relationships.

The show's cast includes Joshua Jackson, Phillipa Soo, Don Johnson, Sean Teale and many more.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Disney Television Studios president Eric Schrier broke his silence on the show's Season 2 renewal. According to Schrier, the decision to renew the show for a sophomore season lies entirely with creator Ryan Murphy, and they are also awaiting an update.

More on Doctor Odyssey Season 2 in our story.

Doctor Odyssey Season 2 renewal is in creator Ryan Murphy's hands

Since the network had renewed all its major shows and comedies for the new season, Doctor Odyssey's future was looking uncertain. However, the latest update from 20th Television's head suggests that the decision ultimately lies with creator Ryan Murphy, who may be reconsidering whether to continue with the medical drama.

When asked about Season 2's renewal status, Eric Schrier told Deadline:

''I really love Doctor Odyssey, I think it’s a wildly inventive show, and we’re doing everything we can to support it. That decision ultimately lies with Ryan Murphy, whether Ryan wants to continue to do it, and he feels like there’s stories to tell that he feels confident in.''

From Schrier's comment above, it is clear that the delay in the Season 2 renewal is not from the network's side but from Murphy. Since he already has many upcoming projects lined up with Hulu and FX, alongside 9-1-1, Netflix's Monster anthology series, and his other shows, Murphy might be reconsidering his decision.

Additionally, a medical show like Doctor Odyssey is a costly production, involving expensive set pieces and equipment. Moreover, the show has not been able to justify the high cost with ratings, which have decreased in number since the Season 1 premiere.

While Season 1 opened to more than seven million viewers, the latter part of the show experienced a decline, dropping to only four million viewers, which may not be in the show's favor. While the show became ABC's most-watched drama series on its debut in four years, it was able to retain only 87% of the total audience going forward in the season.

With the show's declining ratings, high production costs, and a pricey ensemble cast with veteran stars and guest stars, Murphy surely has a difficult decision to make. It was also reported that the show's finale is written as a series finale, given that it might not get a Season 2 renewal.

Doctor Odyssey airs weekly episodes on ABC at 9 PM ET.

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