For the latest list of cancelled or ending shows, go to this page.
It’s a sad reality of television viewing but some of our favorite shows are bound to get cancelled long before we’re ready to let them go. As the old Billy Joel song says, it seems like “only the good die young” while the lousy ones stick around for years and years.
Here’s a “quick” listing of shows that won’t be back for the 2010 — 2011 TV season. If your favorite is on the list, you have our condolences. If they’re not, keep your fingers crossed that they won’t soon be joining this little obituary column.
This list encompasses shows that have been cancelled from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010. In some cases, the last episode of a show aired months earlier but the network didn’t get around to canceling it until later. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, try the 2008 — 2009 page or maybe you’ve gotten lucky!
As the World Turns (CBS)
The network has decided to end the venerable soap opera after 54 years on the air, due to low ratings. Proctor & Gamble has pledged to try to find a new home for the series but hasn’t had success yet. It will go off the air in September. Petition link.
The Beautiful Life (CW)
This show about young models portrays the cut-throat and competitive world of high fashion. Starring Mischa Barton, Corbin Bleu, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Nico Tortorella, and Elle Macpherson, it was the first casualty of the 2009-10 season. The drama had poor ratings and was pulled after two episodes. The series’ five episodes have been posted officially on YouTube.
The Bill Engvall Show (TBS)
Comic Bill Engvall plays a family counselor who can’t always figure out his own crazy family. The rest of the sitcom cast includes Nancy Travis, Jennifer Lawrence, Graham Patrick Martin, Skyler Gisondo, and Tim Meadows. The series was cancelled after three seasons and 30 episodes due to a decline in ratings.
Blonde Charity Mafia (CW)
This docu-series revolves around a trio of influential young women in Washington, DC. It was initially developed for Lifetime before moving to CW. After delaying its airing, the network has decided to cancel their plans to broadcast it at all. The show may be sold to another outlet.
The Bonnie Hunt Show (syndicated)
This talk show has been on the air for two seasons but hasn’t been a big ratings winner in the competitive daytime market. The distributor decided to cancel it though original programs will continue to be produced until June.
Brotherhood (Showtime)
A gritty drama about two Irish-American brothers; a politician (Jason Clarke) and a thug (Jason Isaacs). Others in the cast include Kevin Chapman, Annabeth Gish, Fiona C. Erickson, Brian Scannell, Kerry O’Malley, Fionnula Flanagan, Madison Garland, and Billy Smith. After three years, Showtime opted not to continue the series. The news broke when the third season was released on DVD as “The Final Season
The Cleaner (A&E)
This series revolves around a recovering drug addict who helps others beat their own addictions. The drama stars Benjamin Bratt, Brett DelBuono, Liliana Mumy, Grace Park, Esteban Powell, Amy Price-Francis, and Kevin Michael Richardson. The series ended after two seasons and 26 episodes.
Defying Gravity (ABC)
A group of eight astronauts undertake a mysterious space mission. The sci-fi drama stars Andrew Airlie, Christina Cox, Zahf Paroo, Ron Livingston, Laura Harris, Karen LeBlanc, William C. Vaughan, Malik Yoba, Paula Garces, Florentine Lahme, Eyal Podell, Dylan Taylor, Ty Olsson, Maxim Roy, Peter Howitt, and Lara Gilchrist. ABC aired only seven episodes. The network maintained that they would air the five remaining episodes at a later date but that seems highly unlikely. The sets have been destroyed and the series creator has confirmed the show is finished.
Dollhouse (FOX)
The Joss Whedon series follows a group of people who have their personalities wiped and replaced with other personas for projects-for-hire. It stars Eliza Dushku, Harry Lennix, Fran Kranz, Tahmoh Penikett, Enver Gjokaj, Dichen Lachman, Olivia Williams, Reed Diamond, and Miracle Laurie. Despite low ratings, the series was renewed for a second season but the numbers fell too low for a third year. The show was cancelled and the last episode is set to air on January 29, 2010.
Eastwick (ABC)
Three women (Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price, and Jaime Ray Newman) discover that they have supernatural powers once a handsome stranger (Paul Gross) comes to town. Others in the cast include Ashley Benson, Johann Urb, Jon Bernthal, Sara Rue, and Veronica Cartwright. The series didn’t attract enough viewers and was cancelled after 13 episodes. All are expected to air. Petition link.
Flight of the Conchords (HBO)
A unique comedy and music series, this show follows fictionalized versions of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement. After two seasons, they decided to call it quits but may return in a special.
The Goode Family (ABC)
An animated sitcom about an overly politically-correct and dysfunctional family that stars the voices of Mike Judge, Brian Doyle Murray, Dave Herman, Linda Cardellini, and Nancy Carell. ABC cancelled the series in August after running all of the episodes. Comedy Central later picked up the series and, if it performs well, a second season could be commissioned.
Guiding Light (CBS)
After 57 years on television, the network decided to end this venerable soap opera. The ratings had been slipping for many years and the curtain came down after 15,762 episodes. Petition link.
Hank (ABC)
Kelsey Grammer stars as a Wall Street CEO who’s fired from his company and returns with his family to live in his small hometown. The rest of the family is played by Melinda McGraw, Jordan Hinson, Nathan Gamble, and David Koechner. ABC shut down production after 10 episodes but only five were shown because of low ratings.
Head Case (Starz)
Alexandra Wentworth stars as an unconventional therapist that helps the Hollywood crowd. After three seasons, the doctor is out.
The Jay Leno Show (NBC)
The network wanted to save money by running cheaper programming five nights a week at 10pm. The official line was that they were pleased with the results but the local affiliate stations, whose newscasts were losing viewers as a result, weren’t. As a result, Leno’s show ends on February 9th and he’ll return to the Tonight Show on March 1st.
The Jeff Dunham Show (Comedy Central)
The ventriloquist’s show got off to a solid start but the ratings quickly dropped. The series was cancelled after one season but the cable channel intends to stay in business with Dunham.
Kings (NBC)
Ian McShane headlines this series about a fictional version of the United States that’s ruled by an absolute monarchy. The rest of the impressive cast includes Christopher Egan, Allison Miller, Susanna Thompson, Macaulay Culkin, Sebastian Stan, Eamonn Walker, Dylan Baker, and Wes Studi. An expensive program to produce, the series didn’t attract many viewers. All 13 episodes were aired.
The Listener (NBC)
Craig Olejnik stars as a young paramedic who has the ability to listen to other people’s thoughts. Others in the cast include Enis Esmer, Colm Feore, Lisa Marcos, Mylene Robic, Anthony Lemke, Paulino Nunes. NBC pulled the series after eight episodes but all 13 were shown online and in Canada. NBC has cancelled the show but it’s been renewed in Canada. The producers hope to find another outlet in the US.
Lost (ABC)
What began as a “simple” plane crash story has become into one of the most unforgettable series in television history. The large ensemble cast includes Matthew Fox, Naveen Andrews, Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Daniel Dae Kim, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly, and Terry O’Quinn. It was announced in 2007 that the show would end after six seasons. We’ll have to say goodbye in May 2010.
Monk (USA)
Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) is a police detective whose brilliance is only limited by his obsessive-compulsive disorders. Other series regulars have included Bitty Schram, Traylor Howard, Ted Levine, and Jason Gray-Stanford. Monk ended after eight seasons and 125 episodes.
Nip/Tuck (FX)
A show that revolves around plastic surgeons, the series will conclude after 100 episodes and seven seasons. The last episode will air on March 3rd. Petition link.
The Philanthropist (NBC)
A billionaire playboy (James Purefoy) decides to use his wealth and influence to change the lives of others. He’s assisted by his best friend (Jesse L. Martin) and his friend’s wife (Neve Campbell). NBC aired all eight episodes but received low ratings. Though the network hasn’t admitted that it’s been cancelled, a “Complete Series
Raising the Bar (TNT)
A group of former legal students reunite at a law firm and in the the courtroom, often on opposite sides. The series features Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben, Currie Graham, Melissa Sagemiller, J. August Richards, Jonathan Scarfe, Teddy Sears, and Jane Kaczmarek. Ratings were strong for the premiere but quickly fell off and went too low to warrant a third season.
Reno 911! (Comedy Central)
This is a satirical program that follows a fictitious police department in Reno, Nevada. Over the past 88 episodes, the ensemble cast has included Cedric Yarbrough, Niecy Nash, Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney, Carlos Alazraqui, Wendi McLendon-Covey. After six seasons, Comedy Central decided to call it quits.
Rita Rocks (Lifetime)
In this sitcom, Nicole Sullivan stars as an over-stressed mom who manages to find time to play in a local rock band. It lasted two seasons and 40 episodes.
Robin Hood (2006) (BBC)
A retelling of the classic legend that stars Jonas Armstrong, Lucy Griffiths, Richard Armitage, David Harewood, Keith Allen, Gordon Kennedy, Sam Troughton, Joe Armstrong, Lara Pulver, and Harry Lloyd. It was announced in August 2008 that Armstrong, who plays the title character, would be leaving the show after three seasons. A creative revamp was considered but a fourth season wasn’t ordered.
Ruby & the Rockits (ABC Family)
A teenage girl (Alexa Vega) tracks down her lounge singer father (David Cassidy) and the two move in with her uncle (Patrick Cassidy) and his family (Katie A. Keane, Austin Butler, and Kurt Doss). The series started out strong but ratings declined. ABC Family opted not to order a second season but all 10 episodes aired.
Saving Grace (TNT)
A hard-living detective, played by Holly Hunter, is set to solver her final case. The series is scheduled to end after four seasons in the Summer of 2010.
Surviving Suburbia (ABC)
A family sitcom that centers around a grumpy dad (Bob Saget), his family (Cynthia Stevenson, Jared Kusnitz, and G. Hannelius), and his sleazy friend (Jere Burns). The show had a decent start following Dancing with the Stars but fell apart on its own. All 13 episodes of season one aired and the show was cancelled.
Three Rivers (CBS)
This medical series follows those who help people in need to organ transplants. Starring Alex O’Loughlin, the show never caught on in the ratings and was pulled after eight episodes had aired. Petition link.
The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien (NBC)
The peacock network wasn’t seeing the ratings that it expected and wanted to push Tonight to 12:05am so that a half-hour Jay Leno show could air at 11:35pm. O’Brien wouldn’t do it so the show was cancelled and he left the network, presumably to start a new late night show elsewhere in the fall.
Trauma (NBC)
This San Francisco-based drama revolves around a group of brave first responders. The ensemble cast features Derek Luke, Cliff Curtis, Anastasia Griffith, Kevin Rankin, Aimee Garcia, Billy Lush, Jamey Sheridan, and Taylor Kinney. The show struggled in the ratings from the start and NBC initially decided not to order any episodes beyond the initial 13 installments. They later changed their minds and ordered more. There’s a slim chance that there will be a second season but ratings will have to rise significantly. Petition link.
The Tudors (Showtime)
The epic drama, starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII, is ending after four lavish seasons on Showtime. The series finale is expected to air on June 13th.
The Tyra Banks Show (CW)
The diva and host says that she’s decided to cancel the show to focus more on producing. Other reports have indicated that the series was due to be cancelled because of budget issues.
What do you think? Which shows from the list will you miss most? Which ones are you glad to see are gone?
Images courtesy NBC & ABC.
Eastwick stopped the way it did, because the producers said it was the only way they could end it with the time they had left. They had intended a cliff hanger for next seasons return but since there was no return it was the best way they could figure out to give it some closure. I am very sad it is gone, it was my favorite new show since Ghost Whisperer started.
Brothers and Sisters is a pretty good show, as is The Good Wife. I still like all the CSI’s (Miami is my favorite) and I still watch the reruns on Netflix. But you’re right, a lot of the shows are dreck, especially the comedies. Of course, I measure everything by Seinfeld, which is probably wrong. And I do notice subtle changes with The Good Wife, so I don’t know if that means they’re gonna – once again – turn a good show into meaningless drivel. I also watch reruns, or whatever, of some British TV shows. One that comes to… Read more »
Speaking of British television reruns, there are some wonderful shows. I especially like “As Time Goes By”, about a couple who were in love until he went to the Korean War and letters were not delivered. They meet again 38 years later…nicely done romantic comedy, very low-key, as only the Brits can do it. The lead is Judi Dench, before she became “Dame Judi Dench” – and for really off-beat humor, find “The Vicar of Dibley” – that is a strange little village, and the Vicar is a HOOT! I also like “Chef!” Yes, I do like “The Good Wife”… Read more »
well what about Eastwick? they stop it in the weirdest place physically possible and then its over. no more. none. i just disagree totally. i loved that show. =(
The shows I’ll miss are: Rita Rocks, Nip Tuck, Three Rivers, Trauma, & Mercy- great shows! Hopefully Trauma and Mercy will stay on. I loved Rita Rocks, I’m sorry to hear it’s done. The rest of the show they are canceling are crap, and more crap reality shows should go right along with them. They cancel the good shows and keep the worse ones on the air. They are canceling way to many good shows!!
Jan, I know nothing about any of the other shows being cancelled because I never watched them, therefore I will make no comment about their quality and I will not call them bad names….but SAVING GRACE is NOT crap and if you had ever seen it you would not be saying it is. How can anything with Holly Hunter and Leon Rippy be crap? The entire cast is EXCELLENT, the scripts are wll-written and well acted. Crap shows do not get nominated for Emmys and SAG awards. We need this show on the air!!! As for the rest of them,… Read more »
I will miss Monk the most but glad it lasted as long as it did. I am upset that Eastwick and The Listner were cancelled. I also thought The Mental (Fox) was cancelled to0, but I don’t remember seeing it on the list. To me, all good dramas. I am sick and tired of getting invested into a show just to turn up cancelled. Currently, I love to watch Parenthood, but now I here it could also be tossed away. I am glad that TNT saved Southland…the cable networks should do that more often and I wouldn’t had to lose… Read more »
FYI – Monk can be found on Sleuth – if you have cable you can see him regularly, still. He still makes me laugh out loud!!
The show that was cancelled was “Mental” – about a psychiatrist at a hospital – I really liked that show. “The Mentalist” which is about a psychic (who says there are no such things as psychics) working with the police department – is still on the air, which makes me very happy! Great show, very entertaining. Thursday nights…
And I’m glad you like Southland, but I’d really rather be able to keep “Saving Grace” –
I WILL MISS THESE TWO SHOWS:
EASTWICK (ABC)
RAISING THE BAR (TNT)
I’m glad Dollhouse is being canceled. The Terminator Series was canceled in favor of it last year and it was another awful decision by Fox. They kept moving that show around and didn’t warn the viewers and then seemed surprised when ratings plummeted. they don’t have any idea what they’re doing at Fox. Now they’re canceling one of their biggest draws in the 24 series as well. At least they finally got rid of this piece of you know what. Dollhouse was a terrible show. Won’t be sad to see it gone.
Here’s hoping the Smoke Monster gets all the idiot network executives. I am so going to miss Lost, but I’m glad it will be going out on top.
I am very sad to see Saving Grace, a well written and well acted show get cancelled. I refuse to watch anything on NBC except for Law & Order SVU, because they will cancel it. The biggest surprise is that Fox cancelled 24. If not for Human Target, I wouldn’t watch anything on Fox. I have long since curbed my “Idol” fascination. At least I thought I could count on the cable networks to provide great shows that the Big 4 would have cancelled after two episodes because anyone with half a brain that isn’t between the ages of 17-34… Read more »
Hey, Pretty P, “Saving Grace” is on TNT, not ABC or NBC…her only connection to FOX is that they were the production studio. TNT would happily have renewed her. All we need to have happen is find a replacement production company and she is back on the air! So, keep sending people to sign the petition and hopefully Nancy Miller will be able to take it to …whomever…and get this show back on the road, so to speak! AND I agree with you about “the Human Target” – “Castle” will be back on the air next season, too, with 22… Read more »
Mike, i agree with you way to many very good shows are canned way to early by networks ( ie. LAX, The Unit, Crossing Jordan, Medical Investigation, Life, Rodney, Cane, Third Watch..etc etc as you stated) and what usually happened they toss us crappy reality tv shows in their places. I wished USA, TBS, ScyFy, Spike, FX, and TNT would pick up more of these shows and put them on their primetime cause i would watch them over half the junk they show now. Why do we need American Idol, Survivor, and Amazing Race type show they are trash we… Read more »
Well, JD, I saw a notice yesterday that Castle has been renewed with a 22-episode contract, so there’s hope for next season! I do enjoy Dancing with the Stars – people are learning a whole new thing (dancing) and it is a dance contest- not a “I’m-going-to-do-something-bad-to-you-before-you-can -do-it-to-me” show. The only things those shows do is teach dishonesty, unethical tactics, backbiting, and a total lack of respect for those around them. Great role models for our kids, don’t you agree? But Dancing/Stars and American Idol, even Top Chef and Project Runway, allow people to show off their own skills and… Read more »
For sure i will definitely miss Monk but i will miss plenty of the following shows:
The Bill Engvall Show
The Philanthropist
Past Life
Raising the Bar
Rita Rocks
Robin Hood
Three Rivers
Trauma
Although i am in the minority we just have to get rid of the reality shows and talk shows that have ruined tv over the last 20 years and bring back those good comedy, action, and drama shows.
Well, stop and think about it: To qualify as a good show, there must be good writers, actors, set designers, costumers, make-up artists, and a good premise that can carry the show for a full season. All of these things cost good money, which many producers are not willing to spend. We are losing Saving Grace because FOX Studios has decided to go with low-budget shows, which usually turn out to be reality shows that require no sets, writers, or costume design; in other words, no quality production expenses. Yes, I will admit, there are a couple of good shows… Read more »
I have been reading everyones comments and I was thinking of all the shows that have been cancelled to soon or never given a chance. Nbc shows- Kings,Third Watch, Life, Las Vegas, American Dreams, Boomtown, LAX, Crossing Jordan, Medical Investigation and Medium which was saved by CBS and they have been trying to kill Friday Night Lights for 2 years but has been saved by Direct TV the 101 network. Abc shows- Alias, Invasion, Rodney, Freddie, The Nine, Samantha Who, Car Poolers, and Married to the Kellys. CBS shows-The Unit, Cane, Smith, Becker and Still Standing. These are just shows… Read more »
Have you checked out the other channels on cable? Many of the shows on your list are still on the air in the form of reruns…I know, we want NEW episodes of our favorites, but I do prefer reruns of good shows to new episodes of drivel. I can always find something I enjoy that is NOT a reality show dump site.
BUT MY PURPOSE HERE IS TO KEEP ON TRYING TO SAVE SAVING GRACE…
Hi Mary:
I totally agree with you, I miss Monk, and was really surprised that Saving Grace, (which i just discovered last year) is going off…. and yes, I love Castle,
maybe if we keep a petition going for Saving Grace, it would help, and yes petitioning Earls and flock is a worthy endeavor.
Granted, I am older than many viewers and am therefore possibly more opinionated, but I don’t think there are very many well-written, well-acted shows on the air anymore. Networks have apparently lost the willingness to pay for quality work. Of that entire list, I only watched three shows. (No need to get defensive over this -that doesn’t mean anything except that I never watched them. I know nothing about the quality of the scripts and acting – they just held no interest for me) The shows I will miss: 1) Monk, who made me laugh out loud at least once… Read more »
I agree! I’m retired and it just seems that most of the new series out today are comprised of kids just out of college. I tend to watch the ones with more mature actors.
If they do cancel Castle….I’ll be subscribing to cable or dish or playing video games.
You did see the announcement that due to extremely high ratings for the last few weeks, they have renewed Castle, with an order for 22 episodes?
I am SOOOOO grateful that the powers that be recognized the pure joy of that show and signed that contract!!!
Curiuos about a couple shows cancelled or done? – Past Life and Friday Night Lights. Had heard that FNL was to come back but haven’t seen anything recently. Too bad about Raising the Bar and The Cleaner….thought they were pretty intelligent and believable. Thanks