Dollhouse Gets That Second Season

I thought it was April Fool’s Day when I saw the news circulating that Dollhouse had been picked up for a second season.  Earlier today, Matt Mitovich at TVGuide and Michael Ausiello over at EW were reporting that it was looking good but that we’d all have to wait until Monday for the official announcement.

A few hours later and James Hibberd (one of my favorite sources) is saying it’s for sure. His post is titled Surprise: Fox RENEWS Dollhouse.

Surprise doesn’t begin to cover it. Here’s what Hibberd had to say:

“Dollhouse” might very well be the lowest-rated in-season scripted drama to ever get a renewal on a major broadcast network. Almost certainly if based on where the show concluded — a 1.0 among adults 18-49.

So what happened? Is it possible that the phone call barrage that was reported in the fandom a factor? Was it the fact that Joss Whedon proved he could make the show cheaper if he got another shot? Or was it that Fox simply doesn’t have anything better for that Friday night slot?

The one thing Dollhouse did have going for it was the kind of cult following that turns into time shifted watchers, DVD buyers and media buzz. I’ve always thought those things should count for something and maybe Fox finally saw the light. And hey, if Dollhouse can get a renewal, then I’m holding out hope for Knight Rider. Come on NBC, KITT needs a comeback!

©2009 Fox Broadcasting Co. Cr: Carin Baer/FOX