RENEWAL ALERT: The Blacklist

On the heels of big numbers for its fall finale last night, NBC has renewed The Blacklist for a second season even though it has more than half of its season still to go. The show was the latest to follow The Voice but it has shown more promise than past occupants Revolution and Smash because The Voice's numbers have been down while The Blacklist has been doing better than those shows. If last night's preliminary numbers hold, it actually tied The Voice in the demo.

This news for NBC's new hit drama came on the heels of news yesterday that it would not take a long winter hiatus. Instead it will air three original episodes in January before the Winter Olympics. It will be interesting to see how it can do without its comfy lead-in but I think it will hold up pretty well. Neither Smash or Revolution had a chance without that lead-in as freshman and they both struggled in year two, especially Smash.

The Blacklist joins FOX shows Bob's Burgers, Glee, The Simpsons, and Sleepy Hollow as early renewals for next season. No other decisions have been made on NBC shows except for the cancelled Ironside and Welcome to the Family.