(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?
I love the show but please wait til football season is over before making a decision to cancel.
I love the show but I believe that because it’s up against football that is why the ratings are so low. I would urge NBC to wait til football season is finished then see what happens with the series.
Oh no! I love this show. Why, why? This is one of the best shows ever. I love the setting, characters, plots, etc.
Give this show a better chance, it has potential.
Please don’t cancel it. All of the good shows that us over 50 people like always get cancelled which leaves us with nothing decent to watch.
Love the Bluff City Law. Should be moved to a different night
I love this show and I don’t understand nbc jumping ship. Monday and Tuesday are big nights Wednesday and Thursday no as competitive.
Keep Bluff City Law on.It is a great show and I love watching it.It has interesting story lines.Love that it’s about standing up against the injustices done to people in the world and winning.It is is a show that teaches good morals and to stand up for what is right (always).
Stop cancelling the good shows
This is a good show with a really good cast
Show should be scheduled on Friday night at 10 against Blue Bloods which never has any competion on another station
Blue Bloods is one of our favorites. How about another night to move day and time. This show was put in worst time slot possible. We tape shows we like that are on at same time, but a lot of people don’t or won’t tape for future watching. This is one of the BEST new shows this season. DON”T CANCEL W/O GIVING IT A CHANGE.
Take off Blue Bloods instead
Jimmy Smits and Caitlin McGee are great together. Change day and time and it will go to the top of the ratings. Best show this season
Do not cancel this show! I love the actors and the storylines.
Love Bluff city law. I needs to be put on at a different time. It’s put against two very popular shows
Definitely a different night night and time slot
Bluff City Law is well done. Storylines are interesting. Does anyone ever take the 60+ age in consideration?
I know it’s not fair, 18 to 49 I’m 54, I guess we don’t count as the right age to qualify, I feel like they are against people over 50!
NO they don’t consider 60+ people. We are now “inconsequential”.
Well said, we don’t care for horror, violence and a lot of sexual content. we like family shows w/clean content. Great Show and we look forward to it each week. IT’s in worst time slot and day for a new show. NBC, who makes your decisions for new shows???
They never take us older people into consideration. They leave on stupid, mindless non thought provoking shows and take away all the good ones.
Give this show a chance. The season just started. I love seeing Jimmy Smits back on TV. Great cast and great acting. We haven’t even had time to to know the characters yet. Just getting to learn about their relationships with one another.
I would like to know why the 60 + age group is not represented? We have been watching TV a long time and know a good cast and storyline when we see it! Great to see Jimmy admits again! I agree – give this program a chance!
Best show of the year.