PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – ABC announced Thursday that it is canceling several prime time shows, including "The Muppets" after just one season.
Also getting the ax is the comedic-themed crime drama "Castle," the country music drama "Nashville" and a suspense drama, "The Family."
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"The Muppets" was announced with much fanfare before its premiere last fall, but dwindling ratings ultimately led the network to give up on Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang.
Not even a slew of big-name guest stars and a mid-season change in showrunners could save the fate of the family comedy, which dealt with more adult-themed conflicts than its syndicated variety show predecessor, "The Muppet Show," which aired from 1976-79.
"Castle," which debuted in 2009, was canceled after eight seasons. The show revolves around the lives of mystery novelist Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and police detective Kate Beckett (Stana Katic).
"Nashville" also departs after four seasons. The city's mayor, Megan Barry, called the news "incredibly disappointing."
Barry said the state of Tennessee and Nashville were prepared to support production in the city for a fifth season. She called it a loss for ABC and the show's fans.
"The Family," starring Joan Allen and Andrew McCarthy, joins "The Muppets" as another ABC show to only last one season. The story involves members of a Maine family whose lives begin to unravel after a boy who was kidnapped and presumed dead returns home 10 years later, or does he?
It's not all bad news for ABC television viewers. "American Crime," "The Catch," "Dr. Ken" and "The Real O'Neals" will return next season, the network also announced.
They will join popular scripted favorites "Blackish," "Fresh Off the Boat," "The Goldbergs," "Grey's Anatomy," "How to Get Away with Murder," "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "The Middle," "Modern Family," "Once Upon a Time," "Scandal" and "Quantico."