(Photo by: Katherine Bomboy/NBC)
It looks like we may have the second cancellation of the 2019-20 television season — and the second for NBC. While the network hasn’t officially cancelled the Bluff City Law TV series, NBC has opted not to order any additional episodes. The first season is being capped at just 10 episodes.
Airing on Monday nights, the Bluff City Law TV series stars Jimmy Smits, Caitlin McGee, Scott Shepherd, Barry Sloane, Michael Luwoye, MaameYaa Boafo, Stony Blyden, and Jayne Atkinson. Coming from a famous Memphis family that’s known for taking on injustice, a brilliant lawyer named Sydney Strait (McGee) used to work at her father Elijah’s celebrated law firm until their tumultuous relationship got in the way. After barely speaking to Elijah (Smits) for years, Sydney is suddenly thrust back into the family fold when her philanthropist mother passes away unexpectedly. In the wake of the loss of his wife and in hopes of reconnecting with the daughter he loves, Elijah asks Sydney to rejoin his Civil Rights firm and take on a chemical company whose product may cause cancer. Despite her lingering resentment and distrust, she agrees because she knows that working alongside her father is her best hope at changing the world — as long as they can find a way to get along. No sooner has Sydney returned than she stumbles on a secret that Elijah has been keeping from her that may change everything.
After four episodes, the first season of Bluff City Law is averaging a 0.65 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 3.99 million viewers. The series, which follows The Voice (NBC’s highest-rated show) drew a 0.81 rating with 4.61 million viewers in its premiere. The most recent installment hit a 0.50 demo with just 3.39 million.
With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that NBC isn’t ordering any additional episodes and, unless the ratings start to miraculously climb, a second season renewal seems like a longshot, at best.
The network clearly had high hopes for Bluff City Law in that the programmers gave it a strong lead-in. Also, in August, NBC ordered six additional scripts, likely with the expectation of ordering additional first season episodes.
For now, it looks like the peacock network plans to air the remaining six episodes. Those plans could certainly change, especially if the ratings continue to fall. Last week, NBC cancelled the Sunnyside comedy series and plans to release the remaining episodes online.
What do you think? Do you like the Bluff City Law TV show? Do you think that it should be cancelled?
This is a great show with some very talented people, it shows a lot of hard working people doing some good things and having fun doing it. There is a ton of passion and real life feelings shown. I am sad it isn’t doing well in the ratings, I hope they give it a chance to develop a fallowing! The more I watch it the more I’m hooked!
BLUFF CITY LAW is one of the worst new shows to hit the air. The writing is atrocious. One note. Total waste of Smits talent along w Atkinson. Dean Georgaris the creator also created The Brave which was equally terrible. How this guy keeps getting his mediocrity greenlit is beyond me.
Why is the post that I made yesterday evening not on this thread? I was the first person to comment. I’m disappointed in NBC. This is the best new drama of the season in my opinion, which apparently doesn’t count.
Geeze, finally a show where the basis is morals, values, ethics, so of course …. Gone too soon.
Just when you start to remember that there may just be people out there who simply want to do the right things for good people.
Sigh … I know it’s not based on any law firm in existence but it’s really nice to dream and get away from cold crap reality.
Come on NBC … Advertise it better. Do some good PR. (I found this show accidentally 2 episodes in)
Try it for one more season…
I liked the show but the stations have 3 months without any programming then you throw so many shows at one time that working people have only so much time. Plus, we the people,. are so tired of you all pushing your narratives or views on us. You are not the moral compass…you are entertainment. It is a shame that good shows go by the wayside while you keep shows that no one watches due to your view….Although the actors in Sunnyside are excellent, the show sucked.
Good show.
I liked it. Better than most of the new shows this season. So great to see an ethnically diverse cast led by the excellent Jimmy Smits. More of him, please
The Voice is not a good lead-in for Bluff City Law. It needs to be paired with This is Us.
Great show.Cannot believe that it is being cancelled. Far superior to a lot of shows currently viewing.
I think this is a good show. What happened 6o giving a show a chance? It is also up against Monday night football.
Sad to hear that good series
That’s a shame. I have really enjoyed the show so far.
NBC stinks! I can’t believe they’re canceling this show! I love it. But after last year’s cancellation of The Village, I don’t know why I’m surprised. ☹️
I liked the Village too.
I agree with Joanne! Why are you cancelling this show and WHY did you cancel The Village!!!!! That was the best show!!!!!
Thought show was pretty goo. Too bad if they cancel.
I love this new show . Please don’t cancel it . My family and friends all watch it
That’s a shock and a shame. I think it’s the best new drama this season.