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 absolutely LOVE Bluff City Law. Sunday and Monday night 10pm time slot is terrible due to NFL Football . This show is phenomenal & have an amazing cast. It’s great to see Jimmy Smits back on TV & the emotional stories that are told in 44 minutes is great. PLEASE DON’T cancel this show. Move it to an earlier time slot & better night. Everyone knows Sunday & Monday night are “life support “ nights.
Breaks my heart! This show is the #1 show of all 2019 Fall shows. I am shocked it will cancel! It pulls me in so strongly while watching! Please reconsider
I was a regular viewer of The Good Doctor on at the same time slot as BLUFF City Law. I happened to catch an episode of BCL last week and was immediately “ hooked”. I have since binge watched all 6 episodes and love this show. The location , Memphis, is a change from the usual cities filmed. I’m definitely a fan and will continue supporting it. Please don’t cancel. Maybe the day or time slot is the reason for low viewership. I’m already invested in the storylines and especially the characters! Thank you….
We really like the show & it’s developing very well. Please don’t cancel it! Give it a chance and some promotion.
good show!!!
I love Bluff City Law! It has current issues that are being addressed creatively, with honesty & heart. It’s a show I look forward to watching . Love the cast and premise of the show.
I think that someone needs to rethink cancelling this series. Everything is there. Remove heads from thou butts.
I really like this show. Please don’t cancel!
Wonderful show. Please do not take away a quality drama. I am tired on Reality Shows.
Noooo this is my new favorite show. I love it. Pease don’t cancel it!!
A really good new show Deserves to be renewed, too early to cancel.
Good new show, hope it is renewed.
I enjoy watching Bluff City Law ..hope it won’t be cancelled
My new favorite show! I warmed up to the characters immediately. Great courtroom drama as well. Please do NOT take this off the air!
a good show pls keep it.
Please DON’T CANCEL THIS INCREDIBLE SHOW!!! I love cast, well written, and has substance and HEART!!’
I think,this show is great, good family entertainment. Why do we cancel shows with family values is cancelled but violent shows stay on.
We wonder why America going to hell in a hand basket lol