The CW and Fox have found success this fall with their new DC Comics shows "The Flash and "Gotham," respectively, but the lesser-known "Constantine" has struggled to find an audience on NBC.
The Peacock network halted production on the show, based on characters from the comic book series "Hellblazer," after completing production on the first 13 episodes, according to Deadline. The show, starring Matt Ryan, will air the remaining eight episodes in its regular timeslot on Friday at 10 p.m.
"Constantine" remains in contention to return for a second season. The comic books produced by DC imprint Vertigo has provided a strong fans base, who thought the show made a strong creative turn in its fourth episode. The show saw a ratings bump for its latest airing on Nov. 21 and the numbers usually go up after DVR playbacks are included.
"Constantine" premiered on Oct. 24, later than most of NBC's fall schedule. The network had to make its decision after only four episodes aired rather than the usual seven.
NBC has at least five options to replace "Constantine" on Fridays early next year. "Hannibal" could premiere its third season in the time slot, or new shows like "Allegiance," "Odyssey," "Aquarius" as well as the miniseries "The Slap" could take its place, according to Deadline.
The SyFy channel, a cable sibling of NBC, ran a mini-marathon of "Constantine" episodes over the weekend and some cast members will appear on the network's broadcast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, hosted by "Today" co-anchors Matt Lauer, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie.
In addition to Ryan, the show co-stars Angélica Celaya, Charles Halford and Harold Perrineau with executive producers Daniel Cerone and David S. Goyer. "Constatine" will air its next new episode on Friday, Nov. 28 at 10 p.m. on NBC.
The CW and Fox already gave their DC Comics shows full season orders with a second season renewal likely.
