(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 show…fantastic cast….Almost didn’t watch it because of the name.
Please do not take this series off. I love the show and the actors. It seems all the good shows are cancelled and the others are left on. Please do no cancel
Saw the trailers constantly and could easily see it would flop. Stupid title, that instantly makes you not care.
We love this show and the actors in it!! Please do NOT cancel. It’s the time slots it’s in that are taking the ratings low. I doubt many programs could compete and get good ratings, but I don’t care for either of the two shows that are on at same time. Best Law and family show on TV. Move to different time/day before rating again. This show will be a big #1 if given a fair chance.
I called this one before it debuted. They were throwing just to many story lines against the wall in hopes some would stick. My favorite part has been the jazz. Jimmy Smits deserves better.
Don’t rush to judgement. Give it at least one more season because Bluff City Law is very well dome and had room to develop and mature .It has great characters who are believable and interesting. The subject matter is topical and well presented. Jimmy Smits is excellent, as is the actor who plays his daughter. We like the entire cast. All the characters have enough substance to keep the viewer engaged. I’m actually pleased that the cinematography is not quirky, dark, or surreal, which seems to be de rigueur these days, but which is quickly becoming a cliché. Bluff City… Read more »
I totally love Bluff City Law. I enjoy the story lines and the acting is excellent. I’m sad it will not be renewed. It’s one of the few programs I watch on NBC.
Love this show….
For Pete’s sake, give it a chance to catch on in a different spot!!
I love love this show. Please don’t cancel
I like the show and hope it continues
I love this show. I am so interested in seeing how Sydney and her Dad work things out and go after all these big companies. Now is not a good time to cancel. Please let’s see where this will take us.
Dont cancell this show!!! I actually enjoy this show!!!
I love this show so does my husband and he doesn’t watch much TV. We are hoping you will renew this TV program.
I like the show but Sydney’s attitude in the first episode may have turned viewers off. It’s getting much better and I hope it will be renewed.
Bluff City Law. I like the show…period
Maryann
Bluff City Law. Is one of my favorite shows. I look forward to it every week!!!!