Grandfathered, The Grinder Cancelled

Fox just wiped out half of its Tuesday-night comedy block.

The network has cancelled rookie sitcoms Grandfathered and The Grinder, TVLine has learned. Also axed: Fellow freshman comedies Bordertown. and Cooper Barrett’s Guide To Surviving Life.

Grinder leading man Rob Lowe broke news of his show’s demise on Twitter Thursday.

#TheGrinder was not renewed by @FOXTV It was unapologetically original, smart, funny and had a murder’s row of talent. #GrinderRests.

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) May 12, 2016

The great news is, that film is forever. And I’m thrilled to have 22 episodes that were as acclaimed as they were. Time well spent!

— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) May 12, 2016

Despite launching to sluggish ratings last fall, both series scored full-season orders from Fox back in October. There was buzz Fox might spare one of the shows — possibly The Grinder, which enjoyed near widespread acclaim — but ultimately the network opted to roll the dice with their new pilots.

As the broadcast networks’ annual Upfronts Week nears, the fate of the last remaining “bubble” shows will be determined, as ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and The CW get ready to reveal their schedules for the 2016-17 TV season. For easy reference, TVLine’s handy Renewal Scorecard keeps tabs of where each show stands.

During Upfronts Week, the broadcast networks take turns announcing and touting their shows and stars for the fall and midseason. NBC and Fox are up first, delivering their respective morning and afternoon presentations on Monday, May 16, followed by ABC (on Tuesday, May 17), CBS (Wednesday, May 18) and The CW (Thursday, May 19).