‘Quantum Leap’ Didn’t Make The Jump To Peacock Because Of One Factor, Says Exec

Jeff Bader, president of program planning strategy at NBCUniversal Entertainment, has explained why Quantum Leap has been canceled after two seasons.

In an interview with TVLine, Bader called Quantum Leap “softer” than some other shows that transitioned to the streamer.

“Organized Crime is a VERY successful show; this isn’t a show that was on the bubble,” Bader said. “It’s a show that works across the board, and it’s very, very strong on streaming. [Moving Season 5 to Peacock] is a win-win for us — 80% of its viewing isn’t in the time period where we schedule it, it’s delayed on Peacock, so it just made sense to move that to free up the time period.”

However, it’s a “different discussion with Quantum, which was just a much softer show, performance-wise.”

Quantum Leap Season 2 was down steeply from its first-year numbers. Out of the 12 original or acquired dramas that NBC aired this TV season, its audience only beat Season 4 of Transplant.

Organized Crime matched last season’s numbers and ranked much higher among NBC’s drama slate.