CW's 'Walker' sets dismantled as show's fate hangs in balance
The popular CW drama series Walker, featuring Jared Padalecki, is facing an uncertain future as the network has not yet decided on its renewal for a fifth season. The CW's fall 2024-25 schedule was announced during Upfront week (May 13-16), with no decisions made regarding its legacy drama series, including Walker and All American. Following this announcement, the sets for Walker in Austin, Texas have started to be dismantled.
Dismantling of 'Walker' sets: A temporary measure?
The dismantling of the Walker sets is not necessarily a permanent move. Crew members were informed about this decision a day after the CW schedule reveal on Friday, reportedly. Besides dismantling sets, crew members have begun seeking other jobs. Should a renewal be confirmed, the sets can be reassembled. This interim measure allows producer CBS Studios to save money on stage rental, but it also underscores how close Walker is to cancellation.
CW president discussed 'Walker' renewal delays
CW's President of Entertainment, Brad Schwartz, confirmed that discussions between the network and CBS Studios are ongoing. Schwartz stated, "We didn't feel any need to rush to meet some Upfront deadline," explaining why no renewal decisions have been made yet. "I feel like we have really gotten to a 12-month-a-year development and greenlight cycle," he added. Despite Walker being CW's most-watched series, financial considerations complicate the renewal process.
Financial hurdles in 'Walker' Season 5 renewal
The show cannot continue without a significant increase in its license fee, currently estimated to be between $500k-$550k per episode. This is lower than other "old CW" dramas and below the average cost of producing a broadcast drama. The goal is to raise the license fee close to $1M per episode, making it financially viable for CBS Studios to continue producing the show.
'Walker's next original episode airs Wednesday
Walker was developed by Anna Fricke as a reboot of the 1990s western drama Walker, Texas Ranger. Starring Padalecki, who also serves as an executive producer, the show was ordered straight to series in 2020 and premiered on January 21, 2021. The CW has until the end of July, when the actors' options expire, to decide on the show's fate. The next original episode of Walker airs on Wednesday.
