No more boy without a navel.

A representative from ABC Family has confirmed reports that it will not be renewing teen sci-fi series Kyle XY for a fourth season, citing a slump in the ratings.  Last night's episode is the fourth this third and final season, with six more to go until it finally says goodbye.

With 2.6 million viewers on the average, Kyle XY was ABC Family's highest rated original series from June 2006 to July 2008, right before the debut of highly controversial series The Secret Life of the American Teenager, which reeled in 2.8 million viewers.  Kyle XY's third season, however, saw a major slump, averaging around 1.5 million viewers per episode.

Apparently, the success of The Secret Life has prompted the network to gear its programming toward the female audience, with 10-episode orders for three new “female-oriented” series, comedies Ruby and the Rockits and 10 Things I Hate About You and the drama Perfect 10.  It has also renewed Greek for a third season and Lincoln Heights for a fourth.

ABC, for its part, recently canceled Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money, much to the disappointment of its fans.

Last night on Kyle XY, Kyle (Matt Dallas) was understandably heartbroken after being dumped by Amanda, and everyone was powerless to cheer him up, even Declan and Josh, who took him to a local bar that didn't check IDs.  Drunk, Kyle decided to show off with his abilities to impress girls.  Finding Josh's car towed and not wanting to call the parents, they decided to steal the car from the impound.

Kyle XY, just like Smallville whom it eerily resembles, has been known to have a sturdy fan base.  The tale of the young boy found in the woods with no memory of who he is was fascinating to say the least.


- Glenn Paul Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Hollywood Reporter
(Image courtesy of ABC Family)r