Midseason TV is crowded with just as many new shows as the fall these days, making it tough for any show not called “Empire” to break out.
With two more winter entries debuting Tuesday (NBC sitcom “One Big Happy” and The CW’s “iZombie”), here’s a look at which series are likely to be gone by summer and which ones may last for seasons to come.
Winners
“Empire” (Fox)
The hip-hop Lyon family soap opera is TV’s biggest hit in years, accomplishing the unheard-of feat of growing its (live) audience every week since its January premiere. Averaging 15.8 million viewers, it was quickly renewed for a second season after only two episodes.
“The Odd Couple” (CBS)
Matthew Perry has had a string of post-“Friends” flops (“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Mr. Sunshine,” “Go On”), but his turn as Oscar Madison in this sitcom reboot has flourished leading out of “The Big Bang Theory” (averaging 12.8 million viewers), and looks likely to earn a second season.
“American Crime” (ABC)
It’s early, but John Ridley’s race-relations drama got off to a strong start with 10.9 million viewers for its March 5 premiere.
“CSI: Cyber” (CBS)
Ditto for the latest iteration of the “CSI” franchise starring Patricia Arquette. It’s averaging 10.1 million viewers, making the Oscar winner’s procedural a solid addition to the network’s Wednesday lineup.
“Fresh Off the Boat” (ABC)
The family sitcom based on chef Eddie Huang’s memoir is averaging a respectable 7.8 million viewers and a 2.5 rating in the “money” demo of adults 18-49, solid numbers considering it airs Tuesday nights with no lead-in.
“The Last Man on Earth” (Fox)
This Will Forte apocalyptic comedy had a surprisingly strong debut and is averaging 7.4 million viewers and a 3.2 rating through two weeks — early signs point to it surviving for another season.
Losers
“Allegiance” (NBC)
Viewers pledged apathy to this copycat of FX’s “The Americans.” It was swiftly canceled after five weeks (burning off its remaining eight episodes online).
“Galavant” and “Marvel’s Agent Carter” (ABC)
These two eight-episode shows came and went in January and February without much fanfare (each averaged about 6 million viewers), making the “event” series likely to be one-offs.
“Battle Creek” (CBS)
“Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan’s buddy cop drama is no hit. Though it’s averaging 9 million viewers, its 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demo is dragging down its renewal prospects.
“Secrets and Lies” (ABC)
The 10-episode drama was designed to have Juliette Lewis’ detective character taking on a new case each season in succession — but it’s on the bubble, averaging 7.8 million viewers and a 2.1 rating on Sundays.
“Backstrom” (Fox)
This Rainn Wilson crime-solver has similarly struggled on Thursdays, averaging 6.3 million viewers and just a 1.7 rating in the 18-49 demo.