After four seasons on ABC Family, teen drama Wildfire ends tonight. Devoted fans are understandably upset. So, why is it leaving?
Wildfire debuted back on June 25, 2005 and revolves around the world of horse racing. The series began with teen Kristine “Kris” Furillo (Genevieve Cortese) coming to the Raintree Farm from a juvenile detention center.
Season one averaged just over a million weekly viewers and season two increased to 1.56 million, an increase of over 50%. Unfortunately, season three dropped back to the first year’s numbers. Season four debuted in January. Soonafter, ABC Family announced that Wildfire had been cancelled.
Fans have petitioned ABC Family to continue the series. The folks at SaveWildfire.com have sent truckloads of hay, 500 cast iron horseshoes, apples, rope, and 1,000 pounds of carrots. Unfortunately, it’s higher ratings and additional viewers that the show really needs. As CBS learned from Jericho, a passionate campaign doesn’t necessarily mean that viewers will tune in.
ABC Family’s media relations manager, Amy Maloney, told the Albuquerque Journal that the fan support doesn’t come as much of a surprise. She said, “It is par for the course, in a sense that we’ve always known there is a strong fan base for the show… It’s flattering. It’s exciting.” In other words, Wildfire has a core audience but it’s not big enough for ABC Family.
Word is that Lionsgate, the company that produces the series, is looking for a new home for Wildfire. If the series is renewed, producer Lester Berman the cast and crew are ready. He says, “We’re saving a lot of the set dressing and the uniforms. We’re putting it in storage just in case there’s a miracle that [Wildfire] comes back.”
When the cast and crew wrapped their filming in June 2007, they were unsure if they would be back for season five. A few months ago, Cortese spoke proudly of Wildfire and the season four closer. She said, “I think we have one of the best casts and crews in television… On the other hand, we also end (this season) on a really cool note. I’d be glad to go back and get to work again with people I love, but if not, at least I’ll know we did a great job.” Stay tuned! 
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A very good show.I liked the end with Kris and Jr. But they could have done more with the wedding. I would like to see a fived season but only if they still be so happy together as at the end of the fourth. I also find the cast great. They feet!
I think this is one of the best series i have seen in a long time and personally think it could do great if put on tv again>
I just finished the 4 seasons of Wildfire and am always sad when good, clean, tv programs are cancelled. It is such a shame.
I loved the show so much I watched it twice. Once on regular t.v and I re watched it on Netflix. Why do they have to take all the good shows off the air?
I am just wondering when season 4 will be on DVD to buy… I like the series a lot so of course I would like it on my bookshelf completed.
Amber ยป It’s already available: http://ow.ly/8vs1N
Hi, I really liked the show, but for the future, maybe get a little more educated before having your actors make stupid comments like the bulls weighing 3000 lbs.
I am an ICA rodeo photographer, and I have never heard of a bull weighing that much. They av 2000 lbs, give or take a few.
Also, there are several other “bloopers” that I noticed.
Horse people are the ones that will be watching horse shows, and they are not stupid enough to believe that a new baby is not born without a birthsack, or afterbirth, and they are not born two weeks old. For future, the show was very good, but as far as the animals go, do a little more research.
every show has its bloopers. don’t knock a good show. I know a lot about horses and bulls as well but dang don’t ruin it for other. this was an awsome series wish there could be more
I love this tv show as do many more. I think u should totally make another series maybe of kris and junior children or something like that. id totally watch. I can’t get enough. it really great
I just discovered this series via Netflix and got hooked. What an adventure to follow these family “ties that bind.” Loved the passion and bond between girl and horse…and friends, family and true love. So happy Kris and Junior got married – the wedding in meadow scene was great romance. So wish they’d bring this series back….or as a movie and take us forward into their married life and further adventures. Ahhhhh…what a rare find. Thanks to all the cast, crew and creatoos for making such a memorable, moving show.
this was a fantastic show so much better than alot of stuff on tv now.why is it the makers stopped a good thing and leave us with alot of rubbish to watch instead its beyond belief. its about time they brought this fantastic program back on and save their money by getting rid of alot of the rubbish their showing now .
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