Canceled shows: All over but the shouting

Posted: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 5:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: TV

The networks have been letting news about their various renewals and cancelations trickle out all year, but their upfront presentations are this week, and this means much more news. Some of the news is good ("Friday Night Lights" is back), some not so good ("Gilmore Girls" is done, although even some fans didn't like this last season) and some shows are still on the bubble.

While I can't possibly rehash every cancelation here, I'll share some thoughts on five for now, and you're welcome to add your thoughts in the comments.

"Jericho": I tried to regularly watch this apocalyptic drama, though when I missed it, I didn't feel I'd missed that much. The concept -- nuclear bombs go off across America, shredding the country and forcing a small Kansas town to depend on itself -- was both depressing and intriguing. It was hard not to watch Jericho struggling for power, medical care, and fighting violent wars with the neighboring town and not realize how dependent we are on our modern infrastructure and way of life. The show wasn't 100% there, but I'll miss it.

"Close to Home": I loved Jennifer Finnigan on "The Bold and The Beautiful," and followed her to this law drama. The first season, which wrapped her job as a prosecutor with her happy family life at home with hubby and adorable baby, clicked for me. But in the finale of season one, they killed off hubby in a drunk-driving accident, hoping, apparently, to bring on new love interests for Finnigan's Annabeth Chase. Bad, bad idea. The second season dragged, we never saw the cute baby any more, and the cases got more complicated and less "close to home."

"The Class": I thought this was a sweet, funny comedy when I saw it. Liked Jason Ritter, liked the concept of kids from the same grade-school class reuniting as adults. But it never earned the attention of other comedies ("Two and a Half Men"?), and the cancelation was no surprise.

"Knights of Prosperity": Loved Donal Logue, didn't mind the concept of a group of misfits plotting a big celebrity robbery. But back at summer press tour, when the show's producers announced that they'd changed the name from the catchy "Let's Rob Mick Jagger," the show seemed to start making mistakes. Never underestimate the importance of a good title.

"Gilmore Girls": Easily the biggest cancelation news of the season, though it had been rumored forever. I enjoy the rapid-fire dialogue and the Rory-Lorelai relationship, but I'll leave it to the true "Gilmore" faithful to fill in their thoughts in the comments, since they'll have more to say about how this season compared to others. The loyal fans I've spoken to think "GG" wasn't the same once creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband, Daniel, left the show.

Update: It's official. "Veronica Mars" has joined the ranks of the canceled. Instead the CW is getting behind..."Gossip Girl"? New York city folk go to Africa? And a reality show that sounds like "The Bachelor" in the country? Ay-yi-yi...

More cancelation/renewal news:
--'24' renewed
--CBS: 'Christine' returns, 'Jericho' bombs
--ABC adds 'Grey's spinoff, more
--NBC saves 'Law & Order'

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Comments

My family and I love the shows The Class and Close to Home. Is there any chance that they will return? We would love them to remain on the air!!!!!

Colleen Norton (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 10:17 PM)

What about 'Raines' that was on NBC? I really liked that series and I have not heard about this? Can you elaborate? Thank you

Holly VanMeter, Frankfort, Kentucky (Sent Wednesday, May 16, 2007 11:45 PM)

Lost in all the headlines for higher rated shows..I mourn the cancellation of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. NBC just let it fall off a cliff..never resolving the two love affairs of Matt Perry & Bradley Whitford. I guess I was the only one watching. Will there ever be an end game?

Lynda R, North Potomac, MD (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:01 AM)

We "Studio 60" faithful are weeping. I'm at a loss as to how this show didn't catch on. The writing was there, the great cast was there but where was the audience? I'm at a loss.

Melanie Brooks (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:33 AM)

Jericho was one of the best shows on TV and the only one I watched every week. It was science fiction, mystery, action, and family drama all mixed together. I thought it had a great premise and inspired writing. Unfortunately, after pushing viewers to invest their time and interest in a program, CBS cancelled it because it wasn't getting quite the numbers they wanted. Soon all we'll have are crime dramas and reality TV. Why can't networks give the rest of us something to watch? I will miss Jericho a lot. Now I have no reason to turn the TV on at all.

Howard Scheim (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:46 AM)

Even though I'm not a devoted fan of any of these five shows,I enjoy watching Lauren Graham.Saw her recently on Ellen(I am retired and occasionally watch daytime TV.) Glad that Law& Order will still be on.

Bill McGovern Hoosick Falls,N.Y. (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:45 AM)

Jericho was/is the best show on network television CBS should bring it back and fired their execs for cancelling it.

Mark Brown, Westerose Alberta Canada (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:48 AM)

I just "found" Gilmore Girls" this season by accident and fell in love. I was watching season 6 on FAM and season 7 on CW simultaneously. Then I got seasons 1 & 2 from the library and fell in love. The relationship with Lorelei and Rory was wonderful, and I watch mother & daughter grow up and in love together. But even better was the Emily-Lorelei one. The banter was brilliant and the acting top rate. Every character on that show was beautifully constructed (except Kirk who drove me nuts!) & the episodes made me laugh and cry. I wish it never had ended, but then I still miss "Judging Amy" and "NYPD." May their reruns continue forever!

Fran - Flordia (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:28 AM)

CBS knew it was going to cancel Jericho but still ended the season with a cliff hanger. Same for The Class. The Class won or was nominated for Best New Comedy. CBS = Cancelling Best Shows

Rich, Newport News (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 7:43 AM)

I just wanted to vent my HUGE disappointment in NBC's cancellation of Crossing Jordan. It was/is a great show! To the nuckle heads who decided it wasnt worth promoting you should be canned.

Autumn, somewhere, Connecticut (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 8:14 AM)

Black Donnelys was a great show and should have never been cancelled.

Kevin O., Chicago,ILL (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 8:15 AM)

CBS replacing Jericho with some idiotic, ridiculous, moronic show about kids building a town from scratch (hmm...sounds similiar to Jericho) is going to bite them. Jericho ended with 8 million viewers. I'm willing to bet a million bucks that the new show averages less than 4 million and is cancelled after 3 episodes. Then CBS will be kicking themselves because TNT, FX or Sci-Fi picked Jericho up and are very happy with 8 million views.

Rich, Newport News (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 8:21 AM)

I loved Gilmore Girls and I'm really going to miss it. Yes, the show went down hill in the last two seasons and had a few "jump the shark" moments (Luke has a daughter? Lorelie eloped in Paris?), but the show was almost like family. Despite the fact that the last two seasons didn't live up to its early glory, I stayed devoted. And the last few episodes were really great. Yes, I wanted a wedding (dang it, it was fated from the first scene of the first episode!), but the ending was still great. I'm going to miss this show. RIP Gilmore Girls.

Rachel, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 8:56 AM)

The writers should have never messed with Luke and Lorelai. They truly loved each other, complemented each other... and why would Luke take the chance of losing someone he loved so much by ignoring her feelings? The last two years have been totally out of whack! I love the show, though, and wish the network would bring them back, with a much better writing staff who know about the characters, AND loving relationships! Thank you.

Cathy Johnson, Tenino, Washington (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 8:58 AM)

Jericho was one of my favorite new shows. I can't believe they are willing to just cancel it and not answer key questions. Who was responsible for the bombs and Why? How is the rest of the world affected? Can the country recover? What a bummer! And The Class was a sweet comedy that we will miss too. Loved the characters.

Melinda, Atlanta, GA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:09 AM)

what about "HOUSE" is that under the renewal list? If anyone watches it...I'm not sure on what to think of Wilson's attitude, looks like he's turning into house. Plus I dont think he'll leave.

** (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:11 AM)

Gilmore Girls was a staple at my house. My daughter and I were just like Lorelai and Rory. We were devastated to learn it is over. Please at least keep the reruns on!!!! I don't understand how shows that are decent to watch as a family are becoming a thing of the past and being replaced with shows I would not let my dog watch! Like Desperate Housewives! Yeah, that is something I want my children watching...NOT!!!!!!!

Lorelai Gimore, Magnolia, AR (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:12 AM)

I'm so sad The Class got canceled. I loved that show! I hope another network considers picking it up.

Laura, Dayton, Ohio (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:12 AM)

In my opinion - The Class was the best new comedy to come out in years. It was the one out of the Monday lineup we watched first off the DVR... I will truly miss it. They should have cancelled Christine instead... Speaking of Christine, can they dump that show and just give the 2 snarky blondes their own show? It'd be much more entertaining.

guppyman (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:20 AM)

I think it is sad that because a show does not WIN it's time slot that it gets cancelled there are still a good number of people who watch I liked Jericho and Close To Home will they at least have a wrap up show?

cattyjean Mechanicsville, Md (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:23 AM)

i am still very sad over gilmore girls not returning and i hope the producers come to there senses as with 7th heaven and return it to the next season lineup

Lorraine C Bronx New York (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:24 AM)

I LOVED Jericho! I thought this was one of the most intelligent, well written series on TV. I'm so disappointed that it was cancelled without closure. A grass roots effort of saving the show is underway -you can visit the Jericho message boards. I hope they are all successful!

Carolyn, Norridge, IL (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 9:46 AM)

I was very disappointed with Gilmore Girls cancellation. It was one of the best series I have ever tried to keep up with. I was always upset when I missed a new episode and couldn't wait for the re-run to see what I missed. This season was not as good as others, but I enjoyed it just the same. I will truly miss it.

Deborah Thigpen (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:02 AM)

I liked Jericho it was better then all the reality shows that are out there now. May be they just needed better writers it was a good show and I will miss it.

Maria Verdin, austin, texas (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:14 AM)

It's true, 'Gilmore Girls' just has not been the same. The witty repitoire has been lacking, Amy and Daniel were really the driving forces of the show. Although I am sad to see it go, it ended at a good time. It bowed out gracefully and with class.

Gilmore Gal (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:23 AM)

I was really sorry to see Gilmore Girls get cancelled I've watched that since its inception and its sad that a show that always was entertaining just good clean TV just doesnt hold up anymore It was always well done and even this year was heads above most other shows that rely on gimmics, violence or sex. It was just a pleasure to see the interactions of this group of people in Stars Hollow and follow along in there paths as they lived there lives. I will really miss the one show I really looked forward to watching

Chris Dase (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:35 AM)

without gilmore girls, no reason to turn tv on tuesday nites anymore.will miss lorelai!

dan, whittier,ca (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:41 AM)

Maybe not perfect, but to me Jericho was the best show on TV this year. It was at its best when it got away from some of its serialized-mystery elements (It didn't really matter that much who dropped the bombs outside of providing interesting backstories for some of the characters) and speculated about how civilized people would behave when many of the trappings of civilization suddenly disappeared.

Ardith (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:41 AM)

"The Class" was something of a guilty pleasure for me. I am still bitter at CBS for canceling "Joan of Arcadia" and normally the only show I'll watch on that network is "How I Met Your Mother" (Neil Patrick Harris is le-gen-dary). But I would find myself sucked in to "The Class" despite my best intentions. It wasn't the smartest or funniest of comedies, but it had something that made it worth watching--despite my grudge against the network.

M (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:48 AM)

I'm a 63 year old woman who was devoted to GG. I HATED to see it end. I agree with many faithful watchers that the show wasn't the after the creators left.

Nancy, Corona, CA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:48 AM)

The cancellation list is not so bad, it is the new group of shows, in particular ABC's geico caveman series that should not even get to script, let alone get on the air. Who besides geico will be advertising?

carik williams, warsaw, va (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:48 AM)

Say it ain't so. Jericho canceled???? I loved that show. So the finale was THE finale. So many unanswered questions. Ugh I am so mad. The show if any thing made me realize what our small town would do in a situation like this. Would we work together, would we help our neighbor. In our Me society it is a question that needs to be asked and Jericho did just that. I will miss that show.

jane doe dburg, tn (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:51 AM)

I get so tired of the networks pulling perfectly good programs off the air willy-nilly. Jericho is a wonderful show. The acting is great and so what if the storyline is a little off the wall. That's what makes it exciting to watch each week. Come to think of it - what on TV isn't bizarre anymore? Maybe the networks should cancel some of those stupid reality shows?

Christine French, Liverpool, NY (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:51 AM)

I can't believe they cancelled Jericho. It is one of the best new shows I've seen in a long time. Maybe if they hadn't taken that loooonngg hiatus, they would have kept their fans loooonnnger.

charles k, jackson ms (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 10:59 AM)

Jericho was a great show. That is a shame that they cancelled it. It was part of my BIG wednesday line-up. First Jericho then Lost. The network is crazy to keep Christine and let go of Jericho. Maybe if Jericho had Jason Aleaxander or Newman, it the producers might have let it survive. The Seinfeld curse continues. I hope Sci-Fi channel picks this up.

Handel Arango, Nashville, Tennessee (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:02 AM)

I completely agree with your opinions about Gilmore Girls, Close to Home, and Jericho. The networks screwed up the shows themselves, almost like they wanted to sabotage these shows. The long hiatus for Jericho did that show in. Getting rid of the husband on CLose to Home took away the entire 'Home' concept and lost me as a viewer. And what can I say about Gilmore Girls. They are guilty of messing too much with the plot line this last year, and then just to end the series leaving so many threads hanging is just unforgivable. At least they could have given us a 2 hour final that would give the loyal fans a sense of closure. Gilmore Girls was one of the best family dramas on television and desired a more fitting ending. Let us hope Veronica Mars can make it to the Fall schedule, but I don't give it much hope. This show is thoughtful and goes outside the box, so of course it won't be allowed to last. Too bad. The networks always sell the fans short for "ratings". I guess a show based on the Geico COmmercial cavemen is more in line with what the networks think we are worth.

Disappointed, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:05 AM)

This is the first I've heard of Jerico leaving. I love the anticiption of the show. All the characters working together, sure its depressing in parts, but the people working together as neighbors makes it worth keeping--better than some of the semi-porno shows that are staying in the line-up.

Shasta Scharf, Marion, OH (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:09 AM)

I have to admit I loved the Gilmore Girls. But this year I chose to watch American Idol. I figured there's always DVD! I do hope Lauren and Alexis have success after the show.

Nancy (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:09 AM)

For a show I once loved the 2nd to last episode left me upset with Loreli. Her hypacritical remarks to Rory while she was contemplating her proposal left me thinking What? UH? How can Loreli who had trouble seeing the love of her life right in front of her face and did went through how many relationships, tell Rory you just know (love) when its right. The show failed for me when Loreli married Christopher. Nevertheless just like with most familiy members you get made and get over it you dont want them banished from your life. I will miss GG and wish they would rethink then rewrite and have it return.

Sharyl, Fontana Ca (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:09 AM)

Gael, has any show ever negotiated a second season as part of the pickup deal? I think back to the bidding war over (the now-cancelled) Studio 60, and wonder if instead of the $13M, they could have just promised a 2nd season. As a fan of that show, I saw it become a better show near the end. Has this ever happened? Is it possible?

Patrick, Chicago, IL (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:10 AM)

You're right about the show not being the same after the creator left. The witty banter all but disapeared. The pop culture references were gone. I no longer had to google phrases to find out what random classic book they were speaking of. But still, although the creator herself had always planned for Rory to graduate in the last episode, and she did graduate in the second to last, the Lorelai/Luke storyline is still too unresolved for most fans. The show had gone a bit downhill, it was time, but we'll miss it if only because we'll still wish we could have seen them really get it together this time, rather than the lame "oh look what a nice necklace Luke gave you" ending. That's not enough to REALLY please the fans.

Becca, Omaha, NE (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:13 AM)

Very disappointed that Jericho is finished. It was well done, believable and an excellent cast. The big mistake of the networks are the long breaks in their series and people just lose interest. Cable networks, e.g., HBO don't make those mistakes and you don't lose the continuity.

Pam Clark, Chatham, New Jersey (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:18 AM)

I am so mad at TV networks for cancelling Studio 60! For once, some more intelligent tv and it gets cancelled...pitiful.

Paula Drake (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:21 AM)

I'm sorry for fans of these five shows-but none of them had the staying power or class of Crossing Jordan, whose fans were basically given the finger by NBC. (Stands for NO BODY CARES)! This show deserved a 7th season-or at least a decent resolution to it's finale's "cliffhanger".

Jtbwriter (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:25 AM)

I hate that the people in charge of the new network feel that it is best to pull the "best" shows. Gilmore Girls has been a favorite of mine ever since the show started, as has Seventh Heaven. I cannot believe that the people in charge do not see that we need shows like this! We have enough Reality in our own life and I for one am sick of the "Reality Shows"! Please bring these shows back and bring back Everwood, I miss it also.

Melissa, Christiansburg, VA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:27 AM)

I can't feel too sad about the GG not coming back. I LOVED the show, one of the few I watched every week, but the last episode had a good feeling of being where it should be at the ending. You felt like the characters were going to be continuing on, even though you wouldn't see them. It's hard for me to feel sad about a show with that many years under it's belt leaving, and being able to leave wrapping things up instead of mid-season where you're just left to wonder. There are too many good shows out there that had potential that barely made it out of the starting gate (Firefly, Cupid, Wonderfalls, Birds of Prey) But hey, we got 8 seasons of Full House and 9 of Family Matters ---- The universe is a cruel, cruel place!!!

Beth Mahnken, Rochester, NY (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:36 AM)

Jercho was a shocker to me.

a p garcia (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 11:37 AM)

I will miss Gilmore Girls. It was quick dialogue and I loved all the characters. I would have liked one more season to tie up the loose ends between Rory and a match, Loreli and Luke, and some of the others characters. The last episode was nice, but I'm hoping for a tv movie with Paris' wedding, Loreli's wedding, and a surprise Rory wedding! May everyone in Star's Hollow live a wonderful life and live happily ever after.

Laura Roy, Joplin MO (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:01 PM)

What about people who Tivo these shows? I think a lot of good shows get cancelled for no good reason.

Stephanie, McDonough, Georgia (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:02 PM)

I'm really sad they cancelled Knights of Prosperity. I thought it was a very funny show and I loved the quirky charcters.

Dawn Brennan, Wheaton, IL. (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:28 PM)

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Canceled shows: All over but the shouting

Posted: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 5:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: TV

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Canceled shows: All over but the shouting

Posted: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 5:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper Filed Under: TV

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Posted: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 5:34 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: TV