Michael J. Fox’s foray into the world of sitcom is looking like a short-lived affair. NBC confirmed last night (Feb 5) that the show – which is 15 shows into its 22 – will not be returning for a second season. There are also question marks over the final episodes; with the show being replaced on Thursday nights by Hollywood Game Night, no one knows when or if the final 7 episodes will get an air-date.

Michael J FoxMichael J Fox's show didn't have the legs to keep running

Entertainment Weekly reported troubles with the show back on Jan 19 when NBC’s entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt was answering questions renewal odds for several prime-time shows on Sunday at the TCA press tour.

“Both were notably absent from the network’s prime-time lineup hype reel — not a good sign. Greenblatt also said he’s not happy with the recent 0.6 adult demo rating for MJFS and noted the show faces an “uphill battle,”” wrote the site’s James Hibbard on both Sean Saves the World and The Michael J. Fox Show.

After the meek ratings for SSW and TMJFS, Greenblatt said NBC will be more careful in the future about giving the go-ahead for projects based solely on names. "It's hard to launch comedy even in the best of circumstances, so I guess I would say I'm more weary. It just means we have to work harder. Comedy is hard," he said.

Anticipation was initially colored with a positive tint when the show was announced: a Curb Your Enthusiasm-style comedy, bringing in elements of Michael J. Fox’s Parkinson’s. It was a brave premise, which probably had people excited. Unfortunately that bravery didn’t translate into viewers.