'Houdini & Doyle' Has An Uncertain Future

History, mystery, and supernatural elements initially sound like a strange combination for a TV show — but the formula proved to be a success for the FOX series Houdini & Doyle. Part of what makes the show so enjoyable is the dynamic between Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini — an unlikely duo who were indeed good friends in real life. They didn't actually engage in any detective work together, but the show makes me wish they had. Season 1, which concludes on July 4, covered a number of historical events and added a supernatural twist to each. From poltergeists to alien abductions to vampire hunters, each episode was different and exciting. I'm sure showrunners have more ideas up their sleeves, but will Houdini & Doyle return for a second season?

There has been no official word on whether or not the series will return — but, unfortunately, its Season 1 ratings were less than stellar. After Houdini & Doyle's May 2 premiere, Variety reported that the number of viewers was "tiny" — and the ratings have declined throughout the season. The June 27 episode brought in just 1.75 million viewers and ratings haven't broken the two million mark since the June 6 episode.

Although the future of Houdini & Doyle looks bleak, we can comfort ourselves by watching other supernatural mysteries. Here are four series to marathon this summer after we bid farewell to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini.

The X-Files

With all due respect to Houdini & Doyle, no TV series has ever pulled off "the skeptic and the believer" dynamic as perfectly as The X-Files. (There's a reason millions of fans continue to clamor for new episodes 23 years after Mulder and Scully first graced our small screens.) If you haven't watched TV's best duo of all time investigate "spooky" cases, what are you waiting for? And, if you have, summer is the perfect time to re-watch every season on Netflix. (I'm kidding, it's always the right time for a re-watch.)

Being Human

Werewolves, vampires, and ghosts — oh my! Houdini and Doyle encountered all these creatures, but never all at the same time. In the critically acclaimed BBC series Being Human, a werewolf, vampire, and ghost move in together and try to make things work. Spoiler alert — it doesn't always go smoothly. All five seasons of this comedy-drama are currently streaming on Netflix.

The Returned (Les Revenants)

Several episodes of Houdini & Doyle featured characters who may or may not have risen from the dead. The French series Les Revenants focuses on a small village where deceased individuals suddenly begin to return home with no recollection of how they died. As the dead return home, a series of murders occurs — and they bear a striking resemblance to a string of killings committed by a serial killer who has been inactive for years. Both seasons are on Netflix, as well as an American adaptation of the French series.

Sherlock

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, who are the creations of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, get a modernized treatment when their characters are placed in 21st century London. Holmes acts a consultant to the Scotland Yard police and he's assisted by Watson, who has recently returned from serving in Afghanistan. If Doyle is your favorite character in Houdini & Doyle, you'll definitely want to see how his fictional characters would spend their time if they were around today. The first three seasons are streaming on Netflix.

Hopefully some magic will happen and Houdini & Doyle will get a second season — but, until then, we have plenty of similar TV shows to enjoy.

Images: FOX; Giphy (4)