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?
NBC you haven’t even given Bluff City Law a chance. It is an amazing show. You are like the other networks you don’t give them a chance. You want to put everything on the same the night same time at the beginning of the week and then take Tuesday, there is an 8 o’clock on ABC I watch and at 10 o’clock on NBC. Can’t stand sitcoms and they are taking over. That’s just like CBS taking off All Rise. It’s an amazing show also. Please get it together. You wouldn’t give The Village a chance. Networks use to advertise… Read more »
My husband and I really like Bluff City Law, great show, fantastic cast. Please do not cancel.
Bluff City Law is one of the best shows on TV. Why do the networks always cancel good shows and leave on the crap?
I love this show. It is one of the best on this season. Please keep it on.
This is one of the best scripted shows on television!!!! I am sick to death of survivors, bachelors and talent shows….. Bluff City topics are relevant and the topics represent various views via the characters! Jimmy Smitts is AMAZING AS IS SYDNEY NOT T MENTION THE REST OF THE CAST!!! GET REAL NBC….. KEEP THE DAMN SHOW!
I am a fan of Jimmy Smits but also liked Bluff City Law. The cases were very relevant to what is actually happening in real life on a day-to-day basis. Also thought the cast was very good, especially Catlin McGee. I guess my demographic does not watch TV since I am over 49 years of age! I love good acting and good writing. Again, I guess I am an audience of ONE! This show addressed civil rights which are not thought about very much these days. The cancellation proves THAT point! COLOR ME DISAPPOINTED!!!
This is a great show, the subject matter they deal with is current and important. I don’t think the show has been advertised enough and the ratings will improve if given a second season. I hope Bluff City Law will not be cancelled.
Great show do not cancel it
What a great show. DO NOT CANCEL
Bluff city law is a terrific show and I hope it gets renewed
I have watched a LOT of legal and medical shows over the years and I think this show is very interesting with the challenging cases it covers. Particularly like Jimmy Smits and Jayne Atkinson (who is terrific in anything she does). Please give it a full year before you cancel it. I think things will improve.
Bluff City Law is one of the best shows on t.v. It’s right up there with New Amsterdam and Blue Bloods, the only two other “regulars” on my t.v. watching agenda. Rather than cancelling it, maybe it could be reworked a bit. (It’s time Sydney put on her big girl pants and got over her dad’s past issues). Otherwise, it’s a great show. It’s hard to believe you’d consider dumping this while such things as Love After Lockup, Growing up Hip Hop etc. etc. etc. are allowed to stay. Please reconsider.
Bluff City is one of the BEST SHOWS ON TV! Give it a chance please!!!
Love this show – one of the best ones around – excellent cast and writing!!’
An intelligent adult theme show..with interesting twists and turns…and it’s being cancelled. Probably to be replaced by gore or slapstick comedy.