Notorious Edges Closer to Cancellation as ABC Trims Episode Order

Things aren't looking good for ABC's freshman drama Notorious.

The network has trimmed the Season 1 episode order for the series, starring Daniel Sunjata and Piper Perabo, from 13 to 10, TVGuide.com has confirmed.

The decision is not an outright cancellation, but chances for a second season are not looking good, according to The Hollywood Reporter, which first reported the news. However, a rep for the show tells TVGuide.com that the network is retaining actor options and still has the option of ordering a second season. All 10 episodes of Notorious are expected to air.

Notorious is the first of the freshman dramas on any network to get a reduced episode order. ABC has already ordered full seasons of drama Designated Survivor and comedy Speechless, and has yet to make a decision on the new drama Convictionand new comedy American Housewife.

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In terms of scheduling, Notorious was given the prime Thursday at 9 p.m. time slot previously occupied by Scandal, sandwiched between Grey's Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder. But the show has failed to connect with audiences since its debut, with last week's episode drawing just 3.9 million total viewers. Scandal is scheduled to take over the time slot when it returns midseason, along with the other Shonda Rhimes projects The Catch (returning for Season 2) and new series Still Star-Crossed.

Are you disappointed we'll be seeing less Notorious?