'Prison Break' returns
"Prison Break" is a 2005 Fox hit that was canceled after four seasons. Last week, Fox aired the fifth season. The new season picks up a few years after where season four ended with the death of leading man, Michael Scofield (played by Wentworth Miller). In the premiere episode, the audience learned that Lincoln Burrows (played by Dominic Purcell) has returned to his old habits. He has not kept in contact with Sara (played by Sarah Wayne Callies). Sara is the mother of his nephew and the love interest of Michael Scofield. She has a new husband and is trying to move on with her life.
The premiere follows Lincoln's journey to learn the truth about what happened to Michael. After digging up Michael's grave, Lincoln is convinced that the guy in the Yemen prison could be Michael. He takes a trip with former inmates to Yemen. In exchange for his passport, Lincoln is granted entrance into the prison. When the brothers come face to face for the first time in years, Michael denies that he is Lincoln's brother.
This exciting return should have had the audience anticipating the next episode. Although the episode was top quality, the ratings do not reflect that. The second episode aired last night, and the ratings are lower than the premiere last week.
"Prison Break" is the third show Fox has revived in the last few years.
In 2016, "X-Files" saw 16.2 million viewers. "Prison Break" has come up short by comparison. The premiere saw 3.8 million viewers with a 1.5 rating in demo. The second episode aired to only 3.2 million viewers and a 1.1 rating in demo. Another Fox reboot, "24: Legacy" also has higher ratings when compared with "Prison Break."
Fox ratings struggle
Fox is struggling with their ratings.
"Empire" is the only drama to get above a 2.0 in demo. Long-running hit "Bones" had its series finale last month. Fox is in desperate need of a new hit. Sophomore shows "Rosewood" and "Lucifer" are in a sophomore slump. Freshmen shows, "Lethal Weapon," "The Mick" and "Star" have been renewed. There is no news on a renewal for "Rosewood," "Sleepy Hollow," or "Shots Fired."
Fox will announce their fall schedule on May 15th in New York City.
Will "Prison Break" be renewed? Fans hope that low-rated shows such as "Sleepy Hollow," "Gotham" and "Lucifer" are renewed during the Upfronts. In the meantime, tune in to Fox on Tuesdays to see if Lincoln Burrows can break out Michael Scofield when "Prison Break" continues.
