Is "Agent Carter" nearing its end on ABC? The Marvel series, which is currently on its second season, has been drawing less than stellar ratings since it premiered last month. While poor ratings may result in a show getting cancelled, it has been reported that the series' lead, Hayley Atwell, has signed on to star in a new ABC pilot, "Conviction."
According to Deadline, "Conviction" tells the story of Carter Morrison (Atwell), the brilliant but irresponsible daughter of a former President who is blackmailed into taking a job as the head of Los Angeles's newly formed Conviction Integrity Unit. Morrison, along with a team of lawyers, investigators, and forensic experts, work together to review cases where there's evidence that may prove that the wrong person may have been convicted of a crime.
The project is co-created and written by Liz Friedman ("Marvel's Jessica Jones") and directed by Liz Friedlander ("The Following"). A premiere date for "Conviction" has yet to be announced.
"Agent Carter" premiered its second season with 3.3 million viewers and a 1.0 demo rating, and viewership has steadily decreased over the following weeks. The fifth episode, which aired this week, only had 2.66 million viewers.
The season 1 premiere did a lot better as initial curiosity about the Marvel series drew 6.91 million viewers on Jan. 6, 2015. But throughout its eight-episode run, each week saw a steady drop in numbers, and only 4.02 million viewers tuned in to the finale.
While it is unknown at this time whether "Agent Carter" will be renewed for another season, ABC sources told Deadline that there is a scenario in which Atwell could possibly do both shows, both as limited runs. The website claims that Atwell's casting as the lead of a new show indicates that "Agent Carter" is probably not going to be renewed, and that the network wants to keep the actress in its roster of leading ladies.
"Agent Carter" airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on ABC.
