The CW recently announced its fall schedule, which includes new unscripted series like Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble for a game show night on Mondays. However, one of the network’s long-running hits, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, did not find a spot in the lineup. With the show having run for ten seasons and over 150 episodes since its launch in 2011, the network’s President of Entertainment, Brad Schwartz, mentioned that if there is a new season, it will likely be at the top of 2025. Schwartz praised the show for being a consistent performer and emphasized the importance of finding a suitable replacement to pair with it.
FBoy Island was one of The CW’s big bets in the unscripted genre, but despite launching its third season and a female-skewing spinoff, Lovers and Liars, the show’s high production cost makes its return unlikely. Schwartz noted that the show may have been too young for broadcast television. While some unscripted shows like 24/7 Police have performed well for the network, others like The Big Bakeover, set to premiere in June, hold promise according to Schwartz and unscripted boss Heather Olander.
With the fall lineup set, The CW faces tough decisions regarding its unscripted offerings. While Penn & Teller: Fool Us remains a fan favorite, the network must decide on a suitable replacement show to pair with it. The cost of producing shows like FBoy Island raises concerns about their viability for broadcast television. Shows like 24/7 Police and The Big Bakeover offer a glimpse into the network’s continued commitment to the unscripted genre. As Schwartz mentioned, there are still many unscripted shows set to premiere, presenting both opportunities and challenges for The CW.