(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?
Great story lines, characters you can believe, well acted, and very entertaining. Please renew for a second season.
If this show is cancelled — I blame the network NBC for placing this fantastic show – Bluff City Law in a time slot against successful running shows. It should have been placed in a time slot and day where it had a fighting chance. Great cast who worked well together and off of each other. Excellent story lines.
I love this show! It is so current and tackles difficult subjects and yet with strength, compassion and humor. The people need to have hope now, AND, this show gives you hope in champions that do and will tackle the very broken system. The problem is NOT with the show but with where NBC decided to air it…opposite two very popular shows on Monday night (Good Doctor & Bull). I definitely think that if NBC tried a season 2 at a different time slot instead of competing head-to-head with established top-rated shows, it would make a difference. In addition, many… Read more »
Bluff City Law is the reason I would turn on the tv Monday nights. Good writing with substance and excellent cast. I need something beyond reality shows. I need to sit back and enjoy a glass of bourbon watching Jimmy Smits fight the good fight. Please don’t cancel
I liked this show… don’t watch NBC in the evening except for this drama. Hope it continues.
Keep it going!!!
Please renew Bluff City Law, it is an amazing show.
Bring Bluff City Law back, it is great!!
My family in Alaska watches this show. We watch every Monday, relevant court scenes and family relations. Please give us more series NBC.
This is the best show for a long time. Bluff City Law for a second season please!!!!!
Save Bluff City Law! Best show on tv!
Please don’t cancel Bluff City Law. It has stories ripped from current events and the characters are not either neurotic or so histrionic as to be unbelievable. If you let this one go NBC my viewing days are done with your network.
BLUFF CITY LAW…What brilliant programmer @ NBC decided to drop this wonderful drama & replace it with a craft show that should be on in the afternoon?
This is one of the best new shows of this season!!!
Please don’t cancel this show!! I normally wait until there are a few episodes to binge watch and finally watched this show and enjoyed every episode!! This show is unique in the way of showing people helping others. It has “heart”, it gives you a glimpse of what could happen with the kindness of strangers and somewhat restores my faith in humanity. I usually don’t leave reviews, but I feel like this show deserves a chance for a second season.
If BCL isn’t renewed NBC.com l’ll be forced to return to watching CNN for excitement! Believe me when I say whatever you choose to replace it will not be watched! I will be watching your competition instead! No tolerance.
What a shame this well acted show has not been renewed! In a day of mostly reality series, we finally had a drama back, worthy of watching. NBC dropped the ball on this one. Maybe another network will pick it up. I’m hoping anyway.