Accused came in hot with a unique premise and a revolving door of acting talent. It did not prove to be enough to secure renewal for the 2025-26 season, however. FOX noted that it does not have any immediate plans to bring the show back during its Upfront presentation on May 12.
Accused is one of four FOX dramas with an uncertain future, but it is the only one that had actually completed its most recent season. The show received decent reviews for its sophomore outing, with particular emphasis on its versatility and wide-ranging stories. These virtues, ironically, have made it less of a priority to FOX. At least, for the time being.
The show's "timetable" hurts its renewal chances
Michael Thorn, the President of FOX Television Network spoke on Accused during the Upfront, and he noted, per Deadline, that the show's flexibility and lack of a fixed cast actually made it easier to sideline when the network was looking at what to prioritize in the fall.
"We love the show and [executive producer] Howard Gordon," Thorn explained to those in attendance. "As you know, it's anthological, which means it doesn’t have the same timetable on renewals as shows that have locked casts." It was not the most encouraging sign for fans of the series, but Thorn did say that Accused still had the potential to live on in a different capacity.
While other FOX dramas were dropped into limbo without much in the way of hope, Thorn told those attending the Upfront that Accused could return in the future as a television "event" as opposed to a weekly show. "Right now, we’re talking with Howard if there’s an opportunity down the line to eventize a return," he revealed. "Something that can really work for us and Howard, we’d love to do it."
FOX is optimistic about the show's future
The President of FOX Television Network clarified that there are no plans set in stone, but he feels good about the show's future, and the network's working relationship with Gordon. "There’s no plan but there could be down the line," he remarked. Thorn's desire to revive Accused makes sense, given Howard Gordon's pedigree within television history.
The writer and producer got his start writing for Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The X-Files before eventually becoming the showrunner for 24. All three shows were FOX staples during their original run, but Gordon arguably found his greatest critical success with the Showtime series Homeland, which ran from 2011 to 2020 and netted several Emmy nominations.
TV is more fluid than ever, as evidenced by the irregular episode counts and runtimes of "prestige" fare. Accused may not be in an opportune spot at the moment, but we will continue to hold out hope that it will resurface in another form courtesy of FOX. It has a better chance now than any other time in the medium's history.