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?
Really hate to see this show is being cancelled. It’s one of the best shows on NBC in a long time. Loved the show!
I have really enjoyed this show! It’s become one of my favorites! I’m a working mom so I record and catch up on the weekends.
YES! Renew this show! And stop basing show ratings on the 18-49 age group. Make it 35-60 or some age group more reasonable to watching TV
I watch Bluff City Law on demand on Tuesday. I love this show. They never should have put it up against Bull. I watch Bull on monday and Bluff City Law on Tuesday mornings.
I love Bluff City Law!!!! My favorite new show!!! Come on….. give it some time to catch on
Please do not cancel bluff city law. Give it a chance. With a little advertising this show will bring viewers back to nbc. AWESOME actors and relative topics. I happen to see jimmy smits and watched it. What a waste if you cancel this show. GIVE IT A CHANCE. PLEASE!!!!!!
This is my favorite new show!!! Figures they wouldn’t even give it a chance for a complete season. Very wrong and SO disappointing if they do cancel it! Bad move.
Bluff City Law should not be cancelled because it’s great drama for the middle age households! Not every show on the networks should be geared to the 18-49 demographic.
I love Jimmy Smits!
Bluff City Law is a great show and getting better with each episode. Nelson shouldn’t dictate what everyone sees… there may be only 750 households in a particular ADI!
NBC should let Bluff City Law develop!
This is the best TV series since West Wing ! Great writing , beyond great acting, and currant issues. I could not like this show any more ! Its moral and thought provoking.
Continue to feed off current issues.Football players receiving pay, people affected by natural disasters,homosexuality phobias,extended siblings etc.
There are enough issues that can be creatively addressed for several seasons.
I have many ideas so I’m sure your writers can come up with better ones.
Why are the good shows always cancelled?? We love this show! Theres no fast cars scretching running off bridges. Just great story lines!
It is a shame that Bluff City isn’t given more of a chance I think that, with reasonable time, will develop a following sufficient to meet NBC’ standards
Great new series based on current spotlighted issues. Love the blend of characters- please don’t cancel!
I love this show!!! Please don’t cancel. Its got heart and humor. Something my husband and I both look forward to and enjoy watching together.