‘Quantico’ Season 3 Update: Priyanka Chopra Starrer Gets 13 Episode Renewal, New Showrunner

ABC announced the renewal of “Quantico” for a season 3 but some big changes are going to happen. First, the Priyanka Chopra starrer has a shortened 13-episode order which will undoubtedly disappoint the show’s fans who were expecting a full season order. But, it’s better than a cancellation which the show was dangerously close to getting. The other big change is that of series creator Josh Safran stepping down as showrunner. He will, however, stay on as a consultant.

Safran told The Hollywood Reporter that his deal on the show is only for two years and it is up. He is confident that he is leaving the show in a good place and capable hands. It has been a rather disappointing season for “Quantico” after a strong first season. ABC moved its slot to Monday nights in January as it had hoped that a “Bachelor” lead-in would increase the FBI drama ratings.

Russell Toveywas also brought in to “Quantico” Season 2. The “Looking” actor had to leave the show momentarily to star in “Angels in America” in London so his character Harry was made to disappear earlier in the season. Safran has previously said that he will brought back if the series gets green lit for a new season. But, many note that it might have not been the change in the time slot and addition in the cast that scored another season for the show. It could very well be the shift in focus to politics in the storyline plus the new deal with Netflix didn’t hurt at all.

So why just a 13-episode order? The most probable reason is ABC’s already packed schedule according to TV Guide. “Quantico” joins “Once Upon a Time”, “Grey’s Anatomy”, “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Scandal’s” final season on the network’s returning drama shows. In addition, there will be eight new dramas and, the “American Idol” revival.

The season 2 finale of “Quantico” saw Alex (Chopra) making the great sacrifice for the greater good by killing US President Roarke (Dennis Boutsikaris). This obviously makes her a criminal but she was not alone by the end of the episode. Ryan (Jake McLaughlin) was there for her. Although Alex had a fling with Owen (Blair Underwood), Safran revealed that Alex and Ryan were always meant to be the endgame.