Deadline has given word that they are in the works with ABC to give family drama Brothers & Sisters an abbreviated final sixth season. The show was on the bubble during last season’s fourth year. It was given an 18-episode order and was expected to end early this spring. However, after the show premiered to strong ratings, ABC gave Brothers & Sisters a full 22-episode commitment, giving hope to fans that the show could still live on.
Since the full season order, Brothers & Sisters has slipped in the ratings with critics and fans alike believing that the show could be doomed. The writers have stated that the season finale will be a cliffhanger so a shortened season will help tie up loose plotlines.
There are some caveats in bringing back the series. Most of the cast would have to reduce the number of episodes they appeared in (again), with Calista Flockhart only reportedly being in 6 of them. The episode order would be anywhere from 6 to 18 with a 13 minimum. If ABC doesn’t produce at least 13, they must renegotiate with each actor individually.
Stay tuned for the updates on the negotiation.