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.
I thought the show was brilliant and a clever way of pointing out the “current crazy cult” in politics . It’s needs to be revived and promoted even if streamed ! I want to watch it again.
This was a fantastic show. Very funny with a great cast. I would love to see the next three seasons. Things are just as weird in the real Washington so lets have a good laugh!
We couldn’t wait for each episode and were extremely disappointed when it was canceled. Bring it back on any streaming service. Loved the show and all the characters.
My mother and I loved this show, and were so sorry to see it cancelled. I think of this show ALL the time considering the political climate Washington has been going through these last four years and counting. It was just downright funny and completely plausible.
So on point !
This was an exceptional show. One of the best in the last 10-15 years. VERY disappointed it did not continue. Probably hit too close to home for the Republican presidential candidate who lost the election in 2016.
I really enjoyed the show. Great cast. Lots of fun! Would love to have seen the three additional Seasons (but only with the same cast)
which were to take place on:
-Wall Street
-Silicon Valley and
-Hollywood
What better venues to satirize those who operate with half a brain?
This show was TOO GOOD for television. Somebody must have decided it is too close to reality to remain on TV. I am onto watch the series for the third time to see if the weirdness in the show is any more weird than what is going on in Congress currently. It should be required watching for Congress.
I just came across this show on Pluto TV. I’m gutted to find out there was only 1 season! This is the best show ever! I binge watched the whole thing & want more!!!! Amazing to relate to how politics behind closed doors really are alot like this as well!!
Just discovered Braindead YouTubing Aaron Tveit. Bought season 1 dvd. Love his chemistry with Mary Elizabeth Winstead always a fan of Danny Pino from SVU.
Laughed and loved the whole premise.
Wished the Kings could’ve continued with the concepts of Wall Street, Silicon. Hollywood. Great concepts.
Thanks for entertaining me during crazy COVID time. Connie
I love this show, it was hilarious, you should bring it back on a premium network.
I am re-watching the series on Peacock. I loved this show when it aired and I love it now. From the story to the opening theme. I would love to see it come back
Please bring back BrainDead. Maybe Netflix or Amazon will be interested. Loved the satirical innuendos
I loved the biting wit of this show. I suspect that the script was too close to the present administration and DC politics of the moment. I wish they would air it on Netflix or someplace where it can be appreciated. It is definitely current and totally timely.
The first season is still on Amazon Prime, and the original series aired before the 2016 election. It made for a great summer series and it’s a nice time capsule that shows that insane levels of hyper-partisanship existed well before the past 4 years.
Such a shame not to re-new.
America obsessed by the $! Sad
My husband and I both loved the series. WE were disappointed when it was cancelled!
Funny & mysterious at the same time.