The Big Leap will not be renewed for a second season by Fox. The 11-episode initial run of the ballet drama-comedy, starring Scott Foley and Simone Recasner, ended in December, with the network delaying a decision on the show’s future until the spring.
It’s one of two Fox rookie dramas on the bubble, alongside Our Kind Of People, which I’ve heard looks potential for a second season thanks to a solid performance on Fox’s streaming service Tubi.
The Big Leap was a favorite of Fox brass during the creation process, with its music, stage performances, and aspirational themes, and it debuted with a high pre-launch buzz, garnering comparisons to Fox’s breakout smash Glee.
The Big Leap, on the other hand, did not follow Glee’s ratings trend. The dramedy was Fox’s lowest-rated series this season in terms of linear ratings.
Nonetheless, Fox executives praised The Big Leap’s artistic merits, noting that it had a perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating, which is unusual for a broadcast series. Before making a final choice, the network visited with The Big Leap crew to hear their Season 2 pitch.
The Big Leap was a show-within-a-show that brought people of all ages on a journey of self-acceptance, body positivity, and empowerment. It was described as a contemporary story of second chances, pursuing your aspirations, and reclaiming what is rightfully yours. The show followed a collection of different, down-on-their-luck folks as they attempted to transform their lives by competing in a possibly life-changing reality dance competition that culminates in a live performance of Swan Lake.
The Big Leap was co-produced by Fox Entertainment and 20th Television. The programme was conceived by Liz Heldens and is based on the British reality show Big Ballet. She co-executive produced with Jason Winer, the show’s director, and Sue Naegle of Annapurna TV.
