NBC must be happy with how things are going forQuantum Leap, the new revival of the hit sci-fi series, as the network has just ordered six more episodes to be included in the freshman season. At this point, just three episodes have aired as part of the season’s 12-episode order at NBC. PerTHR, season 1 has now been bumped up to 18 episodes, makingQuantum Leapthe first freshman series of the current TV broadcast season to get an extended season order.
After premiering in September to 3.35 million viewers, subsequent episodes have been reportedly averaging just under 3 million same-day viewers on NBC. Its availability on Peacock has also helped asQuantum Leaphas become one of the streaming platform’s top five shows. Better yet, the show is ranking as the broadcast season’s No. 1 new show in the 18-49 demographic, exactly what NBC had been hoping for in that regard. If these numbers stick as the series moves through its first season, it seems very likely that a season 2 renewal will follow.
The cast might be different, as Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell are no longer around; Raymond Lee now serves as the main character while Caitlin Bassett plays a role similar to Stanton’s. In arecent chat with MovieWeb, cast member Anastasia Antonia commented on how she hopes fans are still walking away with that same “sense of adventure” they got from watching the original series years ago.
“I hope people take away the same sense of adventure they got from the original series — feeling free to be creative and to use your imagination,” she said. “And the idea that anything is possible. I love that about the show.”
On what makes this new version special, she added, “What really stands out for me is the cast and the relationships in the show. It reflects more of today or the distant future. You still get that sense of adventure. The talent is just incredible to watch. I also think there’s an endearing quality to the show that stands out. There are different spices and flavors to it.”
Related:Exclusive: Breakout Star Anastasia Antonia on Starring in NBC’s Quantum Leap Reboot
Will Scott Bakula Return?
As it stands, there are no plans to bring back Scott Bakula for theQuantum Leaprevival. Bakula has stated that he turned down the offer to return, a decision he described as “difficult,” though he offered his support to the new cast and crew.
“I have no connection with the new show, either in front of the camera or behind it,” Bakula said. “As the show has always been near and dear to my heart, it was a very difficult decision to pass on the project, a decision that has upset and confused so many fans of the original series.”
He went on to say, “However, the idea of anyone ‘leaping’ around in time and walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, remains a very appealing concept and so worthy of exploration, especially given the current state of mankind. In that spirit, I am crossing my fingers that this new cast and crew are lucky enough to tap into the magic that propelled the originalQuantum Leapinto the hearts and minds of generations past and present.
I wish them good luck and happy leaping!”
Perhaps with the series performing well thus far and getting an extended season order, the show’s creative team might come up with an idea that’s solid enough to convince Bakula to return. For what it’s worth, the show’s staffershave not given up on the idea.
To catch up with the series, you’re able to stream episodes on Peacock.
