Bob's Burgers will be flipping over to a new night, as the Belcher family —led by the delightfully quirky Bob — this summer. The move might be an adjustment, as we're accustomed to watching the animated comedy on Sunday nights, but it could also be a good thing, as it symbolizes a potential ratings boost.
Starting on Thursday, May 29, Bob's Burgers will lead the FOX Animation Domination block at 8 PM EST/7 PM CST. The summer schedule was implemented so that Sundays can be freed for something else. The network didn't disclose what Sunday nights will entail, but taking an experienced guess, I'd say it's for sports or reality programming.
The last Sunday (and return) for Bob's Burgers season 15 episode 12 ""Mr. Fischoeder's Opus" will be on May 18th, likely following Family Guy.
Why the Thursday night move could be good for Bob's Burgers
Shifting shows on networks is an old practice that builds momentum for freshman premieres, especially on Sunday or Tuesday nights. However, it's also "show murder" when something is rescheduled on an undesirable night, such as Fridays or Saturdays, as ratings can decline significantly, and lead to cancellation.
Luckily, Bob's Burgers has been renewed by Disney and FOX for at least four more seasons, but scoring higher ratings is always a bonus.
With Bob's Burgers securing an 8 PM time slot, it has the potential for favorable ratings. Season 15 started with under a million viewers, gradually building up to 1.20 million with the mid-season finale, "Advice Things Are Ad-Nice," which aired on December 29. If this remains consistant throughout the second half, the ratings will average just over one million.
Ahead of Bob's Burgers' summer launch is the description for upcoming episodes.
"Emmy Award-winning Bob’s Burgers continues this summer with all-new episodes where Linda forces everyone to go on a family walk; Tina, Gene, and Louise strike it rich in the illegal snack business at school; The Belchers have a wild night at a casino; and Linda learns more about her late grandfather than she wanted to know."
I genuinely love the Belcher kids' relationship as their adventurous scheming brings them even closer. It's clear that Louise is the main brain of the group, despite her young age. She always speaks her mind and tries to make amends before things boil over. Tina and Gene admire Louise for being herself, even if she sometimes behaves brattily.
Bob's Burgers will make summer a little more fun and exciting, if a little weird.