One of the most upsetting cancellations of the 2008 -2009 season was ABC’s October Road. Faithful viewers were truly tied into the characters’ struggles and emotional journeys. When the show ended, there were many unresolved questions. Now, thanks to the creators and cast, it looks like we’re going to get some closure.
October Road was moderately successful in the ratings in its first season and earned a renewal based on ABC’s belief that the audience would grow. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and viewership only dropped in season two. There were some discussions about moving the series to another channel but there weren’t any takers. As a result, the series finale aired on March 10th.
Thankfully for the fans, the creators of October Road are just as invested in the show as the viewers. Though Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg had already committed to running ABC’s new Life on Mars series, they wanted to finish the Knights Ridge saga properly. Appelbaum told Zap2It, “We got the call that the show was cancelled on Tuesday at 9:45 in the morning and by 10 o’clock at night, [we] were writing the finale. It’s sort of like therapy for us, but the most important thing is that it means closure for the fans.” Soonafter, the team called each of the castmembers about being involved and they all signed on without question.
Rosenberg told TV Guide that he and the show’s writers felt they had a commitment to wrap up the show. “We had a small audience, but they genuinely fell in love with these characters, and I feel we owe it not only to them, but also to the cast.” They came up with a 15-minute episode called, appropriately enough, “Don’t Look Back: An Epilogue for an Epic Love.”
The mini-episode will pick up where the series left off, starting with the wedding of Ray “Big Cat” Cataldo (Warren Christie) and Hannah Daniels (Laura Prepon). It will then skip ahead seven years and viewers will be given answers to most of the series’ outstanding questions – including the identity of Sam’s papa, the Commander’s health, and the fate of each of the relationships.
 Loading ... |
Applebaum says that the team has always known how they would end the series. He tells Zap2It, “Whether the show went two years or seven years, there’s always been a particular moment and piece of closure that we wanted and we’re going to be able to get to that intended end.” Series star Bryan Greenberg says that he’s in the same boat as the show’s loyal viewers – he’s got a lot of questions and can’t wait to have them answered.
The actual shooting schedule hasn’t been firmed up as yet but that shouldn’t concern fans. Lindy Booth (Pizza Girl) notes, “We all love the show, so we’ll all be there.” Applebaum echoes that sentiment by saying, “The nice thing about this whole experience is that this show about friendship has created an environment of friendship and community among the cast. And when we look at the message boards, we feel like that’s sort of extended to our viewership too. We’re happy to do this for them.”
The October Road creators won’t have to look far for one of the castmembers. Jonathan “Ronnie Garrett” Murphy has just signed on as a regular on Life on Mars.
It’s expected that the short-but-sweet October Road series finale will be included on the season two DVD set and may be made available online as well. Stay tuned! 
More about:
October Road
Related Content
-
October Road: TV Show Costar Says Series Finale Date Set
Jan 13, 2009 -
October Road: Extra Series Finale Still in the Works
Dec 3, 2008 -
-
October Road: ABC Cancels Bryan Greenberg Series, No Season Three
May 12, 2008 -
October Road: After a Disappointing Season, Is the Series Finished on ABC?
Mar 12, 2008 -
October Road: ABC Changes Plans for Drama
Apr 2, 2007
i am so depressed that the show ended please!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ! BRING THIS SHOW..."
{ 114 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Next Comments →
Seriously, they canceled it. What is wrong with these TV stations. The quality shows they cancel but keep these mind numbing reality shows. Unbelievable! Just like when they canceled ‘American Dreams’. Come on people, keep the shows that have feeling. I am sooo disgusted!!!! And then 15 minutes for a finale..just so we buy the DVD. OMG!
I too am very UPSET about hearing that, once again, ABC has AXED a show in its prime. To make it worse is the fact that all its fans are kept hanging to many unanswed questions. It is appalling that none of the other networks did not want to pick it up, such as Lifetime or Family. I am beginning to wonder if they even othered to search for other avenues to revive this series. Everytime I like a show they CANCEL it. Yet, they bring back a show like Big Bang Theory. It also doesn’t help that there were large time spans between airing of episodes. Even my husband was a big fan of the show and we are in our early fifties.
This was the best show I have seen in a long time . If it was marketed correctly it would have been as sucessfull as other dramas such as Dallas, Greys etc. But what I can’t believe is that none of the smaller networks took advantage of the huge mistake ABC has made and pick up this show. Just look at all the crap that is on. What a shame!
i was so upset to hear that my fav. show on tv is not coming bk on! i loved it i cant understand why they take the good shows off and keep the ones that suck! i dont get the tv crap! but lifetime should so take the show over! bring back a show that is good!
With all the things going on in our world, including family, political, financial and moral issues. it was nice to watch, no, get really involved with a show where life was real,,real and simple like it was in years past. Sure, you have problems, but with the love & support from friends & family… you get by. October road was real, and helped us to remember what things in life are real and important. I agree with everyone who said it would be a great show for family or lifetime. Come on networks that believe in and thrive upon the stories of real life. without all the violence, etc… work October Road back into your schedules, so we can work them back into our hearts!!
Very upset about this show not being on.. what is wrong with this picture- you get a show that people like then you take it away… and then some of the shows that are left one TV – why??????
I am very greatful for the season closure, but am also very sad that the show will end in 15 minutes. October road meant so much to me and many others…This was such a good hearted sweet show. So very orignal and moving, ABC can not accept any show that is’nt a cop or doctor show. I know I will always rememeber this amazing show. I’m so sad
I was drawn into the characters of this show immediately. There was a sincerity and warmth and innocence of youth. I’d trade every one of those shallow reality tv shows for just one more season of October Road. October Road, you will be sorely missed.
this was by far my FAVORITE show. I waited and waited to see when it would be back on air, only to realize it must’ve been canceled. i wish it would come back!!
come on get rid of lost and bring october road back . I love these characters and the story line. you people always take the good shows off and leave the crap on.
please rethink and bring a good show like octobter road back.!!!!!
I loved October Road tried Life on Mars just doesn’t do it for me. Wont be tuning in I am devastated To loose October Road even my teen agers watched it.
my husband and i enjoyed watching this show. there are w-a-y to many reality shows around.
← Previous Comments
Next Comments →