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?
I LOVE this show!!!!! Please do not cancel it. Great script and acting. I am anxiously waiting on season 2.
Please don’t cancel Bluff City Law. One of the best shows on tv.
I thought it was a very good show taking on today issues and also family issues. The acting was very good and a good script.
NBC…LATELY YOU CANCEL THE BETTER SHOWS IN THEIR 1ST SEASON…I LOOKED FORWARD TO SEEING BLUFFS LAW WITH JIMMY SMITS…HIS SHOWS ARE ALWAYS CANCELLED…
At a time when reality series have taken over, we finally have a well scripted, excellently acted show worthy of our time and you cancel it?? Wrong move NBC! Bring it back!
I enjoyed Bluff City Law and was looking forward to finding out what happened when Sydney went to bed with her ex? Please don’t leave us hanging
NO PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL IT!!
Please don’t cancel Bluff City Law! I love the way they always help someone
Bluff City Law has become my favorite tv show
Please don’t cancel this great show!
One of my favorite shows on tv, give it another shot
Please do not cancel this show —- very timely!!!
Love this show. Please don’t cancel!
I agree. I’m SO tired of solid shows getting cancelled — ones with substance, that focus on people healing and issues that matter!
Best show I’ve seen in a long time!! Just because it got low reveiws ?? That doesn’t mean there aren’t alot of us out here who don’t enjoy a really good show without all the smut!
Keep it going!! We are waiting !!
Bluff City Law is a great show! Smart story lines with great actors. There are so few shows that seem to survive anymore with these qualities; we never missed it!! Please don’t cancel such an excellent program!
Love love love this show. It’s very thought provoking, characters are spot on, the different relationships. PLEASE don’t cancel!!!!!