CBS cancelled its BrainDead TV show after just one season. Back in October, we reported the summer series’ cancellation was due to low ratings.
A comedic political thriller, BrainDead starred Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Danny Pino, Aaron Tveit, Tony Shalhoub, Nikki M. James, Johnny Ray Gill, Charlie Semine, and Jan Maxwell. Now TV Line reports co-creator Robert King admitted the show was probably not meant for CBS or any broadcast networks.
About the BrainDead TV Show Cancellation
BrainDead follows fresh-faced, Laurel Healy (Winstead), who has returned DC to work for her brother, Senator Luke Healy (Pino) on Capitol Hill. King created the Washington DC political comic-thriller with wife Michelle King.
Here’s more from King, via TV Line:
Speaking to reporters Monday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour, exec producer Robert King was asked what lessons he learned in the wake of the offbeat political dramedy’s demise after just one season.
“Avoid satire,” he responded with a laugh. “It was a show that was trying to be as weird and anti-network as could be, and it was probably a mistake to do that on a network. But I loved that show.”
The one silver lining of BrainDead‘s cancellation: It freed up him and partner Michelle King to take on a larger role (as showrunners) in the forthcoming Good Wife spin-off The Good Fight.
What do you think? Did you watch the first season of the BrainDead TV show? Do you think it might have had a longer run on premium cable or a streaming platform? Sound off in the comments.
It was a great program…funny and intelligently written. The cast was the best. Enjoyed it and was disappointed that it cancelled. In the current political climate, would think the program could write itself. It would explain so much about a certain party…and their followers.
Sure wish they would bring it back now. Maybe we could figure out if those brain eating bugs are from Russia? Or of that’s what happened to half of elected officials in federal government!
It was my favorite show, when it aired. I hope someone picks it up!
I could see HBO picking it up! Any streaming service or premium network would be lucky to get their talented, fun, dark, sci-fi and political show. I would sign up for it whoever picks it up. Miss is so much, went through the series twice.
My husband and I loved this show… so disappointed it was cancelled. Any chance it will be picked up somewhere?
Just found this on Prime. I cant believe it was cancelled!! One of the very best series in a couple years, what is wrong with you, CBS?! Brain dead i guess
Just started watching show last week and the show rocks. Clever well-written well-acted and yet shows like The Walking Dead stay on for years unbelievable.
This freaking sucks. This was one if the best series ive seen. Especially sci fi related. I have been watching for it to come back on for over a year and now im going into deep depression finding out that ir has been canceled. The cast was awesome and tge storyline had me waiting for tge next episode every week. Damn damn damn. WHY? Plus continue on Netflix or Amazon. Im bewildered and beside myself with grief. Yes its that serious!
I love BrainDead. Come on Netflix/Amazon/HBO pick it up!
I love BrainDead! Come on NetFlix/Amazon/HBO pick it up!
Oh heck yes it would’ve been a hit show that by season 3 everyone and their brother would be watching.. like Breaking Bad or the Walking Dead.. the 1st season they had low ratings, but once word spread it became one of the top shows on TV. — That happens alot with amazing shows these days. The put them on in the same time slot of an already established hit show & few people watch it cause “their show” is on at the sametime on a different channel. then cancel the newer show cause of lack of rating… [Well qhay… Read more »
We loved Braindead. It was very well written and such a fantastic combination of sci-fi, American politics and satire. It was one of our favourite programmes. We were eagerly anticipating the new season. We cannot believe that it’s been cancelled. What a big mistake to cancel what is probably one of the best series of recent years.
Probably the best written and acted comedy since All in the Family!! Should never have been cancelled . Needed better advertising to promote the show.
Catching it on Amazon Prime now. Hopefully the ratings will. improve and be brought back. Its so well acted. How is such a silly idea actually performed with perfect comedic, horror and satirical execution. Ridley Scott needs to sort this out.
I thought the show was fresh i.e., new and funny. I loved Tony and Mary a lot…I loved the alien ants…and laughed every episode harder than the last time. Bring it back…PLEASE.
At first I hesitated to watch this show because it seemed political and bias, but after watching the first episode, I could not stop watching till finished the whole season. Looking online for info on the next season, I came across this website and the sad news it is been cancelled. I can believe it.