(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 phenomenal show. Has thought provoking subject matter and the actors are perfect in their roles. Huge disappointment if they let this show end! There probably just has not had enough people “find” it yet. Give it a chance.
please do not cancel this great show! It is an excellent show and great cast. Please!!!!
I’m so disappointed. I was looking to see when my favorite Monday night show was coming back, only to find out it isn’t. I love Bluff City Law and didn’t miss any episodes. Instead of canceling, maybe NBC needs to try another time slot or night. Bring Bluff City Law back! Please!
I love Bluff City Law and am sooooo disappointed in the decision to not renew. Please reconsider!
I love it. The only show I watch on NBC.
Love this show@ So disappointed it’s not coming back.
Sitting here in January looking for the times my favorite shows are returning and I see Bluff City Law may not return! What’s wrong with you NBC?! You put shows on then cancel at such a rate, you give no reason why we should invest time in any of your shows. This is a great show with a great story and cast! Let this show continue!
We loved Bluff City Law; keep waiting for the new second season; to hear it might be cancelled!! Please DO NOT CANCEL; love this life like series!!
Bluff City Law is a great show. PLEASE don’t cancel it
Bluff City Law is a great show, please do not cancel. I look forward to watching it every week. There are a lot of other shows that are garbage but are always renewed. This show just needs time to find its audience.
Love Bluff City Law!! Great show, very meaningful and emotional series, writers doing great job!! Actors are awesome!!
Please please please do not cancel this show!!!! It might have started off slow but the cast is so believable and genuine!!!!! Please!!!! Try another night or just another season to develop an audience. The cast is great!!!!!! Come on – there is so much junk on TV. This is a good show!
Please don’t cancel this show. Every single episode was great and I would love to see a second season.
I hope you don’t cancel Bluff City Law….
Maybe Monday night football was the problem for some (like my husband)
Would another day work better on NBC.
Same thing happened the year before with “The Enemy Within” on NBC
I really liked Bluff City Law and I think, given some time, it will find its audience. It’s well written, the characters are engaging, and the issues inspiring.
This is a show with great scripts and terrific acting. It is a show that inspires and lifts ones spirit while tackling present day issues. It is a breath of intellectual fresh air in this zeitgeist of reality dribble.