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.
The Bill Engvall Show………this show was hilarious. I can’t believe they have cancelled it. This was the ONLY show I watched on TBS. I also made sure to record it on our DVR and I kept all the episodes. I guess I won’t be watching TBS anymore!!!!!
I love The Bonnie Hunt Show, but don’t get to watch it now that I’m working full-time. I will, however, definitely miss Trauma!! Good-bye Rabbit!!! I did like Three Rivers, too, but that could have been just for the simple fact that Alex O’Laughlin is HOT!! Oh, and The Cleaner was a good one.
I couldn’t be happer that Lost is finally LOST!! That show was pathetic.
Do not cancel Trauma just when it is starting to really take off. You just need to give it a little more time to pick up in the ratings.
i’m going to miss lost. i’ve been watching it since the 2nd episode, but i caught the first one on a repeat, and i will feel lost without the show. now i will have an hour each week to fill with a new thing.
I LOVE LOST! I’ll miss you!!!!!!!
Sadly its no longer about Good showsm fine tv, even whats a good family show, Its the all mighty Dollar. I chringe at the thought of shows like MASH , Happy Days, Gunsmoke , if they were just starting out today they would be cancelled before the 3rd show, because of the mentality of these so called network executives, who are prolly younger than most high school kids these days. Unless shows can make a trillion dollars for all the network brass, its off the air sometimes less than 13 episodes. And Lord Forbid if a show works, than they… Read more »
Not surprised that these shows were canceled.With the way the format for these shows are laid out.It’s no wonder that some of the shows were canceled so quickly.Moving them around like chess pieces & axing them before they got started.What do U expect.I always thought that they were tested out before the pilot season started.What happened to U Hollywood.U used to know what U were doing,but now U don’t & cable is picking up the slack.I,m a T.V.holic someone who watches alot of T.V. no matter what and some of these shows should have been canceled.Like “Hank”,but what about shows… Read more »
I will miss Bonnie Hunt the most. Bonnie was so easy to watch and made me laugh each and every day. Her quick humor and disarming charm is what made the show so watchable. In a world of really junky TV that includes Springer and Povich, I just can’t believe that people were not watching Bonnie. I know that in my area she was on when most people were at work or just getting home. That doesn’t help. I could go on and on but it just doesn’t matter. Bonnie will certainly pick up and move on. She certainly has… Read more »
Trauma was going to become a hit it needed some time but has turned out to be very good every week. Nice twist to the Dr show, action and medical drama it would be a hit, though Rabbit was more of a “House” type figure it worked!
I will miss Trauma, Three Rivers , The Cleaner and dont forget Ugly Betty. I dont feel the networksgive some shows enough time to take off. The others like that dumb Amy Pohler show stay around for a long time
I think that ending some of these shows is a travesty. I think that the writers should become more creative and learn how to sustain the great premieres. I’m tired of getting involved in a show and because the writers can’t writer, (How Ironic), the show dies. I like reality tv like others but there is only so much of that kind of TV you can take. I’m fairly close to ending watching tv until the networks can get their acts together.
I miss firefly, to bad fox sux and didn’t keep it going, would have been awsome to have firely and bsg running, at the same time! oh well, will have to hope that V is good enough to replace Lost, and doesn’t get cancelled. I will be missing Lost quite a bit when May comes around.
I find American Idol, any of the CSI’s, SUV’s or whatevers boring boring boring and boring. Monk was fallible, and wonderful – I will miss him and the cast; Grace was getting too much; and Dollhouse was uniquely different and had potential. Why do the overdone, unimaginative, supposed “reality” shows still survive? Are Americans dumbing down to stupidity and 20 somethings ruling our airwaves and advertising butt kissing???? Don’t forget the 11th Hour, AND Pushing Daisies – what a creative, amusing, different show. And Reno 911 – what irrevlance and comedic fun that was. No network is not going to… Read more »
I will miss Trauma if they remove it, I really enjoy watching Rabbitt
Also, even though I knew Lost is ending I will really miss it.
I also enjoyed Eastwick
@ Admin – Regardoing the ratings for this wonderful show: Have they added all the numbers from all the airings of the show? For the first airing of the evening, TNT scheduled Grace opposite Castle, at 9:00PM. Then there is a second airing, at 11:00PM. Of course, if you happen to receive both TNT and TNT-W, as I do, you can see her again, 2 hours later. The ratings could be multiplied by 4! And then of course, there are DVRs. If someone has to get up early for work, they may not be able to stay awake for the… Read more »
@Mary Sagor: Those are taken into account, yes.
@ Admin – I thank you for your replies to my questions. You cannot imagine the level of disappointment to which they take me. I find it so difficult to imagine that dreck reality shows get higher ratings than Saving Grace! And I cannot imagine why TNT wanted to renew the show if the ratings were not good. I am still praying that Nancy Miller or someone on her team is able to find a studio with better taste in programming than Fox seems to have. I have seen videos on You Tube recently which indicate that FOX is now… Read more »
Unfortunately, it´s not about taste for FOX (or any other network), but about ratings and money…
Can anyone answer this? Curious about a couple shows cancelled or done – Past Life and Friday Night Lights. I had heard that FNL was to come back but haven’t seen anything recently. Too bad about Raising the Bar and The Cleaner….I thought they were pretty intelligent and believable. Thanks for the reply
@Big Dawg: Past Life is cancelled. They may air the remaining episodes but it seems doubtful. FNL is coming back for two seasons. The first has already played on DirecTV and will start on NBC in early May I believe. They are shooting the next one but it probably won’t hit NBC until next year.
@ Admin – Thank you for reminding us that you read these posts. Please, can you tell us if there is any possibility at all that Nancy Miller, TNT or anyone anywhere will be able to get Grace back into production before the finalepisode airs? Are we the only ones who care? Have they seen the petitions to save Saving Grace and do they care at all? Is there any hope for us at all? We did get Castle renewed by providing outstanding ratings… are we doing any good for our Saving Grace? Thank you for any hope you can… Read more »
@Mary Sagor: I sincerely doubt it. Aside from the fact that the studio seems pretty resolute in their decision, the ratings aren’t great.