Full Breakdown
Fox Cancels *Going Dutch* After Two Seasons
5/5/2026, 1:21:40 PM
Core Cancellation Details
Fox announced that the live-action comedy *Going Dutch* will not return for a third season. The series’ final episode aired on April 23, 2026, concluding a two-season run that began in 2025. The decision was disclosed a week before Fox’s May 11 upfront presentation, marking the network’s first cancellation of the 2026-27 cycle.
Background: Fox’s Shift Away From Scripted Comedy
In recent years Fox has reduced its scripted slate, emphasizing unscripted formats, game shows, and its long-running Animation Domination block. The network’s 2026-27 lineup already includes renewals for the animated series *The Simpsons*, *Bob’s Burgers*, *Family Guy* and *American Dad*, as well as live-action comedy *Animal Control* (renewed for a fifth season). *Going Dutch* was the only scripted half-hour comedy slated for the season, making its cancellation part of a broader strategic move toward non-scripted content.
Key Figures & Production Team
- Denis Leary – star (Colonel Patrick Quinn) and executive producer (via Amoeba Productions).
- Taylor Misiak – co-star (Captain Maggie Quinn).
- Joel Church-Cooper – creator, co-showrunner, and executive producer.
- Hilary Winston – co-showrunner and executive producer (joined for season 2).
- Jack Leary – executive producer (Amoeba).
- Fox Entertainment Studios – production studio; Fox Entertainment Global – distributor.
Ratings and Viewership Data
- The series averaged under 2 million viewers per week in linear viewing (streaming figures not disclosed).
- *Going Dutch* was described as the lowest-rated entertainment program at Fox during the 2025-26 season.
Critical Reception vs. Network Decision
Critics gave the show a strong 85 % Rotten Tomatoes rating, praising Leary’s charisma and the ensemble cast, though some noted a need for tighter focus. Audience scores were lower, at 54 %, indicating a split between critical acclaim and viewer engagement.
Official Network Position
Fox has not issued a detailed public statement explaining the cancellation. Network coverage frames the move as part of its ongoing realignment toward unscripted programming and notes that *Going Dutch* “was the only true bubble scripted series on Fox this season.”
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers highlighted the paradox of canceling a series that received positive critical reviews yet suffered low viewership. Some commentators suggested the decision reflects a preference for shows with broader commercial appeal, such as *Animal Control*, which benefits from higher ratings and a Netflix licensing deal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree on the cancellation and low ratings, but no precise Nielsen rating or streaming data have been released, leaving the exact audience size unclear. Additionally, Fox has not publicly confirmed whether the decision was driven solely by ratings or also by strategic programming considerations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The arrogant, loudmouth U.S. Army Colonel Patrick Quinn (Leary) — after an epically unfiltered rant — is reassigned to the Netherlands, where he is punished with a command position at the least strategic army base in the world, notable for its Michelin Star-commissary, top-notch bowling alley, lavender-infused laundry and the best (and only) fromagerie in the U.S. Armed Forces,” — *Going Dutch* official synopsis
- “Meanwhile, Going Dutch is the lowest-rated entertainment program at Fox.” — Deadline report
- “Army colonel assigned to the least strategic base in the world, after two seasons.” — The Hollywood Reporter
- “As Deadline reported in February, Going Dutch was the one true bubble scripted series on Fox this season.” — Deadline analysis
- “Fox has largely moved away from scripted programming in recent years, focusing instead on a wide variety of unscripted formats and game shows.” — Variety reporting
What’s Next for Fox
At the May 11 upfront, Fox will unveil its 2026-27 schedule, featuring renewals for *Animal Control* (season 5), *Best Medicine* (season 2), *Doc* (season 2), and new unscripted projects such as the dating show *The Marriage Market* hosted by Whitney Cummings. The cancellation of *Going Dutch* leaves the network with a single live-action half-hour comedy for the upcoming season.
