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

Kelly Kahl couldn't recognize a hit if it was on the freeway. Jericho started out strong and just as it was starting to get interesting again (after a too long lay off) it's yanked? All the more reason to go back to watching FOX... CBS hasn't a clue

David Underwood, Rancho Belago, Calfiornia (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:29 PM)

Gael, I agree with you about Gilmore Girls. I've watched the show since the very beginning, and always loved it. However, since Amy & Dan left, the show began to go downhill. The writing just wasn't the same, and the characters began to act differently than I believed Amy had envisioned them to act. Regardless, I still tuned in every week because I was so invested in the show. I absolutely loved the finale - it seemed to bring everyone full circle, and ended the way I had hoped. It was heartbreaking and I cried a lot, but I can't complain because it was almost perfect. I am going to miss GG, but thank god for reruns and the DVD's!

Sharon, Vancouver BC (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:29 PM)

Sometimes I think the networks just don't get it. If one has a hit it's copied ad nauseum until the public becomes sick of them (CBS's CSI series are the rare exception). When they do have a promising show they bounce it around or preempt it for some lame special or put in repeats from only a few weeks into the schedule thinking the viewers won't mind (we do!). The networks are killing these shows themselves. Lost Heroes and Scrubs all lost viewers for just those rea- sons this year. Not to be outdone, SciFi is holding off until 2008 for the new season of Battlestar Galac- tica, one of their few hits. Wake up guys. As rare as a good show is anymore, we don't need the networks screwing things up as readily as they do now.

Ted, FL (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:32 PM)

I watched it from the beginning. They finnally come up with one creative but possible scenario of something that everyone agrees will happen some day (Nuke Bomb in the USA). Hopefully the first bomb goes off at the desk of the person who cancelled the show. I wouldn't want them around "shaking their head---if we only kept the show on to show how to handle the potential upcoming disaster." If you think you saw chaos during Katrina. People are going to flip after a 9/11 nuke! At least give the writers a couple more episodes or a movie to wrap up the show. Maybe they can change the name to CSI/Jericho? It seems if it isn't CSI it doesn't count on CBS. I can only hope the Scifi channel will pick it up.

Mark Pease, Florida (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:44 PM)

I will be truly upset if both Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars are canceled. What will I have to watch? I believe it will be a sad day for all CW fans if both are cut. I have stood by the network because they cared over two of the best shows on television (even if they are not the highest rated) but I’m not sure how I feel about the CW if they make the move to cut Veronica Mars.

Bridget, Charlotte, NC (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 12:56 PM)

I was sad that Raines was cancelled. I saw it twice and thought it was excellent.

Susan (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:01 PM)

I am a huge GG fan, and have watched the show as loyally as I could with two kids under 2. I will miss the show, but am not totally surprised it was cancelled. First off, I really didn't know where the show would go after Rory graduated. And secondly, and more important, I feel the show lost some of its momentum in season 6, when Rory and Lorelai stopped speaking. I think even after they reconciled, the show couldn't get fully back to its roots (of course with Amy being gone, how could it?). I will mourn the Gilmore Girls, but that is what they made the DVDs for - to revisit greatness.

Shannon, Goose Creek, SC (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:01 PM)

I have to say one thing about Network shows. It has sure increased my intelligence in the last few years. Whenever I see the mindless drivel that passes for entertainment, I turn the television off and reach for a book.

Bob (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:02 PM)

i'm really upset too that they are cancelling jericho and they should not be allowed to do that when a person is all into it. Damn them all anyways!

k, seattle (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:05 PM)

I wish CBS would consider bringing back Jericho. My family and co-workers loved this show. It always kept us watching week after week. I'm disappointed that it was cancelled.

Johanna Seefried (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:24 PM)

First, I am elated that Friday Night Lights will get another season to pick up more viewers-It is a GREAT show. The networks really need to stop moving shows around after they start for the season! I am really going to miss What about Brian-I loved that cast of characters-the show had substance and great story lines. I can't believe that some of the better shows have been dropped for more "reality" shows...and those damn Geico cavemen are going to have a show-how stupid can you get. I am going back to watching FX-the only good show that they cancelled was Over There. ABC, NBC and CBS have become dreadfully boring-especially ABC, it used to be my most watched channel but after they cancelled 6 degrees & The Nine, it became my least watched channel-oh and now they cut Brian! See ya

What about Brian??? (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:25 PM)

The Black Donnellys was a great show and should not have been cancelled. NBC did not give the show time to develop an audience. I am so sad to see it go!!!

Espmich, Troy, MI (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:33 PM)

We are upset but not suprised at the cancellations of The Class, Jericho and Crossing Jordan. Networks have always loved to cancel my favorite shows while renewing shows like "New Christine", which is getting old by the way. Business as usual.

Cheryl Garrett, Many, LA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:36 PM)

Add me to the list of Jericho mourners. This was the first TV season in a long time where I could find shows that were actually better than what was being produced on cable. And then CBS goes and cancels one of my favorites. And then ABC introduces a sitcom based on the Geico Cavement. Screw it. Elvis had the right idea. Shoot the TV. Go read a book. Idiots behind desks in NYC can't cancel my books.

Lemur (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:42 PM)

One should have seen the impending demise of all/most WB programming when the so-called merger with UPN took place. Let's face it. This was a hostile UPN takeover apparently. The classy WB line-up has now been decimated into a lackluster UPN yawner. It IS such a shame that the Gilmore Girls had to end, but who can blame them for bowing out from this network? Let's face it. The same thing happened with Everwood and Reba.

Bob, Savannah, GA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:44 PM)

I enjoyed In Case of Emergency...I liked that it dealt with people whose lives didn't turn out quite the way they planned. All the actors were great.

Dinana, Canby, OR (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:54 PM)

I LOVED THE CLASS!!! So ssd to see it go! There just aren't enough funny shows anymore. "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Class" are I all I look forward to on Mondays!! All of the characters were great, everytime I thought one was my favorite, I'd change my mind. Also will really, really miss "Studio 60". I love Matthew Perry. I don't understand why "Friday Night Lights" gets a second chance even though ratings weren't good, but "Studio 60" doesn't!!

Amie, Greenwood, IN (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:54 PM)

You would think the least that CBS could do is to have a tv movie to close up Jericho, how do you expect people to follow shows that they know may have no ending?

J. Dale Perrysburg, Ohio (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 1:58 PM)

I am extremely disappointed that "Studio 60" is not coming back. Great show! The writing and chemistry between the characters could have made this a hit if the network had some patience. There's very little on tv that I make a weekly point to watch (SVU is about all that's left), and this was one of my favorite shows.

Sue, Orlando, FL (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:01 PM)

Wake up CBS. Who was going to watch Jericho without Gerald McRaney? The minute he died I vowed never to watch another episode. The show dragged on and on and the only entertainment was the chemistry between McRaney's character and the rest of the cast. It could have been a hit.

Linda (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:01 PM)

I loved The Class. I wish it wasn't gone. I would still be watching it... can it come back, please???

Sarah Heber City, UT (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:03 PM)

I am sorry that Jericho has been canceled. If the "powers that be" would allow a program to actually run for 13 weeks (or 26, like in the old days), it would be able to take hold and keep an audience. I think CBS should definitely re-think this one...

Lizie B, Madison, WI (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:07 PM)

Anymore, when I'm watching TV, half the time I'll be watching reruns of old shows - Cheers, Raymond, Friends, becuase even though I've seen those a hundred times, they're still better than 90% of the garbage that's on the tube now. "Studio 60" was a brilliant show - just like West Wing it had great writing, was well acted, and beautifly shot with great production values. But the network just let it fade into oblivian, I never even heard about it being cancelled, it just died a quiet death. So sad, I really looked forward to seeing that every week. "Jericho" was another show that had a very interesting premise, it could have been explored much deeper and been a great show, but what turned me off was all the little 'soap' style romantic sidestories going on every week - it was like "Dawson's Creek" with nukes - it never knew what it wanted to be. Now they're coming out with Bingo? They expect me to sit at home and watch BINGO??? No, we can't have intelligent TV, let's put on Bingo! What's next, 'The Thrilling Adventures of CandyLand'? Maybe next year we can look forward to, "Are You Smart Enough to Dance with a Millionaire Batchelor Model?"

Tim, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:10 PM)

What about DRIVE on Fox? My family loved that show. I hardly think it was given the proper chance to succeed.

Carrie Bolt, North Beeach, MD (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:14 PM)

NBC really missed the boat, three times. First, they canceled Studio 60 which was a great show, well written and very smart. Second, they canceled The Black Donnellys which had the makings of a fantastic series, gritty, dark and also very well written. Which brings us to the third problem, look at the fall lineup. Its chock full of idiot television. Reality shows with no point. Its really frustrating. Its really why most of the good episodic shows are on HBO and Showtime.

Charlie Buttermann, Millbrae CA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:16 PM)

NBC is running the rest of the Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip episodes, saw it listed on my TiVo for the last week of May, not sure of the date, check your local listings. I wanted to like this show but ultimately was bored with then spending too much time of the Matt / Harriet romance, which had no on screem chemistry, at least not in my mind. I wanted more of Bradley Whitford, Steven Weber and more Matthew Perry, sans Harriet. The show should have been 30 minutes, not an hour. I was surprised at how much I fell in love with 30 Rock instead and am glad NBC renewed it and renewed (though banished to the USA nework) Law and Order Criminal Intent. I used to love Boston Legal and My Name is Earl, but for some reason lost interest in both shows.

Smoke (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:19 PM)

Jericho as a great show?!? I watched it all season, mostly out of sheer amazement that no one thought that maybe keeping the bar open was a drain on the obsessively discussed precious resources of fuel, etc. Maybe after a nuclear attack, keeping the jukebox on the beer cold shouldn't be your top priority!

Ame, New York, NY (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:19 PM)

Does anyone know the fate of One Tree Hill?

S. Rocky Mount, NC (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:20 PM)

I'm upset with NBC not even bothering to give The Black Donnelly's a real fighting chance. We finally get a decent drama on and then it gets cancelled for more reality crap. It's no wonder NBC is suffering in ratings when we get stuff like the Real Wedding Crashers and 5 nights of Deal or No Deal.

L,Lexington, KY (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:21 PM)

I cannot believe that CBS cancelled Jericho! Give me a break...I am sick of nighttime games shows. I work all day and want a little escape at night preferably NOT watching someone else hit it big!!!!

Chris, Amherst MA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:22 PM)

For the past two weeks I have been dreading and now mourning the loss of the Gilmore Girls. I even got emotional and cried during the last show. But I am really p.o.ed about Studio 60; that is the best show that has come out in years! I will miss The Class. Another show that seems to come and go and no one ever knows when it might come on is Six Degrees. That is a really good show! Since we won't be using our brains while watching Big Brother this summer, we can take them out and play with them. :(

Lisa, San Antonio (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:23 PM)

I loved Jericho from the first episode and looked forward to catching episodes weekly. I'd even rewatch episodes again online the stories were so good. Fantastic writing. When it went on hiatus, I kept an eye on the news to learn when the show would be back. It was/is a great treatment on a 'what if' scenario that in today's volitile world seems all too probable. Today's execs build up a quality show, make it disappear for three months, then they're unhappy when viewers don't come back. Well, what do they expect? WE NEVER KNOW WHEN THE SHOW IS GOING TO BE ON! Now, they've gone and made the ridiculous move to cancel the show, and for what? Yet another moronic reality show. Please stop insulting the intelligence of the American viewer. We're abandoning you in droves for a reason.

L. Rose, Boston, MA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:24 PM)

"Studio 60" was a good show but it didn't connect with anyone except people who work in the television industry. TV dramas and comedies have to connect with the lives of the people who watch them, not just with the people who produce and act in them. I cannot think of a TV show about TV that has ever succeeded. It was a shame to waste all that talent on a show about themselves. We want a great show to pertain to us in some way. "Studio 60" did not. Remember, it is not all about "you," it is all about us.

Lyola Shafer, Central Point OR. (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:24 PM)

The network also needs to realize Jericho was offered on cable "On Demand". I couldn't watch the show at the scheduled time, but that was ok, because I could watch it on Demand. I also agree with the person who said that the govenerment did not want Jericho broadcasted during the presidential elections. Again, politics are dictating our lives!!! What are they afraid of?

Oak Ridge resident, Oak Ridge Tennessee (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:24 PM)

It is the networks removing Jericho and Crossing Jordan intrigue type programs and replacing it with mindless reality shows that drove me to cable to begin with. I came back and finally having been lured to see great shows only to realize that I have been tricked once again. Bye to the networks... cable here I come! Hmmmmmm wonder where that library card is.

RR, Florida (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:25 PM)

Yea, I was a big fan of What About Brian. My friends and I used to call each other after the show to talk about how hot Adam and Brian are, ha,ha. I wish another network would pick up WAB but sadly I think it's over. And ABC? You suck. You drop WAB but pickup a commercial on the Geico caveman. See ya' ABC.

Alissa, Santa Barbara, CA. (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:28 PM)

I agree with most of the previous comments. After these cancellations, do the networks really believe I will give their new shows a look? I have a good library and piles of magazines. It is time to something productive with my spare time and get back into reading.

John Dietrich, San Diego, CA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:28 PM)

My husband and I just loved Studio 60. We would DVR it and watch it together every week. It was one of those shows like ER when it first came out. I miss it. The writing was incredible and the story line would keep you watching and wanting more. I thought they would at least give it another try. I hate all these reality tv shows that are pushing the good dramas off tv.

Kelly, St.Johns, Michigan (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:30 PM)

what I want to know is how shows like Raines or the Black Donnellys are on the air long enough to be cancelled...just when you start to enjoy them...just when they have been on the air for 2 weeks to a month...they are mysteriously gone with no fanfare. it's just not fair. give the shows and the viewing audience a chance.

k, new york, ny (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:31 PM)

I think that the show that was LEAST deserving of being cancelled was Freaks and Geeks. It was one of the best written shows ever and was just overall enjoyable to watch. It only got one season! :(

FreakorGeek (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:32 PM)

Cancelling Jerico was messed up, but when the writers kill off one of the main characters ie Gerald McCraney, i wondered how in the world how this show was going to survive and it figures, it didnt. Too bad,I looked forward to it every Wednesday night. Idiots

Robert Bowers Fairbanks, Alaska (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:33 PM)

I like Veronica! The rest stunk.

Jan, Phoenix AZ (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:35 PM)

I'm sad to see Gilmore Girls leave the air, but I think it was about time. I cannot believe that they took off The Class, I really liked this show. It fit well with the Monday line-up. Now what will we be forced to watch, some stupid reality show?? I'm so tired of reality shows, and good shows being taken off the air, only to be replaced by some idiotic one. Will the studio head geniuses ever get it right? I want to say no.

Sonya Ramos Carson, Ca (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:37 PM)

When Jerrico was first promoted, I said "Finally, a program about what might 'really' happen if we nuked ourselved." What would happen to the world we take for granted everyday? How would people survive without cable TV, cell phones and the internet? Having personally experienced hurricane Katrina, I saw first hand how thin the veneer of civilization is and how quicly it can break down. Within hours of the hurricane's passing, the city of New Orleans literally sank into chaos before my very eyes. Even with all the resources of the wealthiest nation on the planet, it took 3 days for even the most rudimentary support to reach the city. Yet after going weeks without fresh food, clean water and any similance of a real goverment, the people of Jerrico seem to go about their day-to-day lives without missing a beat. Everyone's clothes are clean and everyone's hair is perfectly cut. Come on, did anyone believe this? This show was supposed to be about the dangers of nucelear war and what we got was a bunch of hokie soap opera love stories and easily resolved conflicts with small town bullies. Its really a shame that the networks have to cowtow to the simple desires of their audiences and the ratings monster that they themselves created. I'm not surprised it was cancelled. I really tried to follow along with the show but after a while I stopped wasting my time waiting for anything that was close to what the reality of nuclear holicaust might hold.

R. Brunet, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:39 PM)

I am going to miss Jericho a lot. It was the only show on the big 3 networks that I thought was worth watching (especially in HD) and I'm surprised that CBS is not just going to add another CSI (CSI Jericho?). Although I do believe that if it was a HBO show and able to be more rough and realistic it would have been fantastic.

Andrew, Asheville, NC (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:43 PM)

The networks cancel shows like Jericho and Close to Home and then wonder why so many people have switched to cable. Gee. I wonder...

Teri, Cincinnati, Oh (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:44 PM)

the CW has lost me as a viewer forever. Yes, it was time for Gilmore Girls to go but I'll love it forever. No, it was not the right decision to cancel Veronica Mars. What's worse is the line-up they've promoted: Farmer Wants a Wife? Gossip Girls? New Yorkers move to Africa?

Jane Doe Sacramento, CA (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:46 PM)

Here's another disappointed Studio 60 fan. I loved that show, but I guess there wasn't enough of us out there. 'Smart' TV must not be popular these days.

Ed, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:46 PM)

NBC is NOT making a mistake by renewing Friday Night Lights for another season! One of the best shows on tv. Thanks for giving the people what THEY want for a change.

Jane, Sterling Heights Mi (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:47 PM)

I am really bummed about Jericho being cancelled. I only watch a few shows. Lost and 24 had been my favorites, but they have been really disappointing this year, especially 24. But I got hooked on two new shows, Jericho and Heroes. Wednesday was my favorite day with Jericho and Lost. I can't believe they cancelled it. Bad move.

eric (Sent Thursday, May 17, 2007 2:49 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