Has your favorite TV show been cancelled? Here’s a list of television series that won’t be back for the 2011–2012 TV season. If your favorite is on the list, you have our condolences.
This list encompasses shows that have been cancelled so far, covering those that get the ax between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. In some cases, the last episode of a show aired months earlier but the network didn’t get around to canceling the series until later. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, try the 2008–2009 page, the 2009–2010 listings, or maybe you’ve gotten lucky!
Note: Go here for the latest 2011-12 season list.
Now, let’s bow our heads and remember these fallen series…
$#*! My Dad Says (CBS) NEW
This William Shatner sitcom performed well but it wasn’t good enough for CBS. All 18 episodes have aired and there won’t be any more.
18 to Life (The CW)
A comedic series, about a pair of teens who get married on a dare, didn’t register with US viewers. It was renewed in Canada for a second season but has now been cancelled there as well.
100 Questions (NBC)
This sitcom went through a lot of changes before it got to the small screen and was postponed until after the regular season. The ratings were terrible so it was cancelled after six episodes. The last one aired on July 1, 2010. We never saw Charlotte Payne find her match.
All My Children (ABC)
A staple of the ABC daytime schedule since 1970, the network has decided to pull the plug. The last episode will air in September 2011. Note: It was later announced that the soap will continue as a web series.
America’s Most Wanted (FOX) NEW
After more than 20 years on the air as a regular series, the network is dropping it in favor of drama repeats. AMW will return four times a year in the form of two-hour specials.
America’s Next Great Restaurant (NBC) NEW
This reality series stumbled right out of the gate so it’s no surprise that it won’t be back next season.
As the World Turns (CBS)
This venerable soap opera was incredibly popular in its day but has been struggling for years now. After 54 years on the air, viewers have had to say goodbye to the residents of Oakdale. The last episode aired on September 17, 2010.
At the Movies (syndicated)
Movie critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert began this TV show in 1986 under the title Siskel & Ebert & the Movies. The title changed several times over the years. Siskel died in 1999 and Ebert had to step away during his battle with throat cancer in 2006. Other hosts replaced them but couldn’t recapture the magic of the original sparring critics. It was cancelled and the last episode aired on August 14, 2010. Ebert later announced that he and his wife had plans for their own version of the series. That started airing in early 2011.
Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Cartoon Network)
This animated series teams the caped crusader with lesser-known heroes and often pays homage to the Adam West TV show from the 1960s.
Better with You (ABC)
Sandwiched between The Middle and Modern Family, this freshman sitcom just didn’t measure up. It’s now been canceled after one season.
Big Love (HBO)
The series about a Utah man and his wives comes to a close after five seasons on the air. The last episode aired on March 20, 2011.
Boston Med (ABC) NEW
A docu-drama medical show that follows the lives and cases of real-life doctors in Beantown. Though the network didn’t describe it as such initially, a representative has confirmed that this is a limited series and there won’t be a second season. The final episode aired on August 12, 2010.
Breaking In (FOX) NEW
After starring in two short-lived dramas on NBC and ABC, Christian Slater decided to try a sitcom on FOX. Though many liked the series, it’s now been cancelled too. Note: FOX later reversed their decision and picked it up for a second season of 13 episodes which will air in early 2012.
Breakthrough with Tony Robbins (NBC)
A feel-good show in which motivational speaker Tony Robbins works with troubled families on a personal level didn’t connect with viewers. NBC cancelled the summer series after two episodes. The remaining four installments were released online.
The Bridge (CBS)
This is a Canadian TV show that follows a cop who’s elected to head the police union. While it’s popular enough in Canada to be renewed for a second season, CBS buried it on Saturday nights and, not surprisingly, it didn’t find an audience in the US. CBS cancelled it after three episodes.
Brothers & Sisters (ABC) NEW
The family drama was on the bubble last season but was ultimately renewed. The ratings dropped this season so it won’t be coming back for season six.
The Cape (NBC)
This superhero series started out okay but the ratings dropped very quickly. NBC cut the season order to 10 installments and released the final episode online only. The upcoming DVD release confirms what we already know, it’s been canceled.
Caprica (Syfy)
The Battlestar Galactica prequel didn’t bring many viewers so it was cancelled after one season. The final five episodes aired in a marathon in January. On the positive side, another prequel is in the works and will be more similar in tone to BSG.
Chase (NBC) NEW
This action series didn’t catch on on Monday nights and did worse on Wednesdays. Thankfully, NBC decided to air the remaining episodes on Saturday nights so fans could see the whole season.
The Chicago Code (FOX) NEW
A cop drama from Shawn Ryan, this series just never caught on with a big audience. The network decided to can it after one season and 13 episodes.
Countdown with Keith Olbermann (MSNBC)
The news commentator announced on-air in January that the show was ending and he was leaving the cable channel. It’s believed that this came about as a result of Olbermann being suspended a couple months earlier for making contributions to three Democrat campaigns, a violation of company policy. He later became the Chief News Officer for Current TV.
Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (CBS) NEW
The network has had great success with procedural spin-offs but this one just didn’t work out. It’s ending after one season of 13 episodes.
Dark Blue (TNT)
A cop drama, which stars Dylan McDermott as the leader of an undercover unit, wasn’t much of a success in season one but the cable channel still renewed it. The ratings got lower in season two so TNT cancelled it. The last two episodes aired on September 15, 2010.
Dating in the Dark (ABC) NEW
This reality series ran for two seasons and tried to answer the age-old question “is love blind?” by letting some men and women get to know each other in the dark. Once the lights are turned on, will they feel the same way about one another? There are 12 episodes and the last ran on September 13, 2010.
Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC) NEW
This gritty cop show just never caught on though many felt it was the best new series of the season. It won’t be coming back.
The Defenders (CBS) NEW
The Vegas lawyers get themselves and their clients out of a lot of scrapes but couldn’t escape cancellation. Like most others, it’s the victim of low ratings.
Note: The Closer was included on a former version of this list because it was announced that season seven would be the final season. Then, TNT decided to extend the season and break it up so that the last episodes won’t air until Summer 2012. Some of the cast may continue in a spin-off without Kyra Sedgwick.
For more, be sure to check out part two, part three, and part four of this list.
What do you think? Are there any shows on this list that you’ll particularly miss?
I am so sick of getting interested in a series and then as you are looking forward to watching it on a regular basis they cancel it I enjoy Chicago Code, Outlaw and AMW. I think they need a new reality show with us being the judges and the TV Exec are the contestants and we get to decide which one goes and which one stays. And NO payout just GOOD BYE!!!!!! and don’t let the door hit you on your way out. I also think that if a series is doing good and for whatever reason the main actgor… Read more »
t is sure hard to find anything on television since all those cancellations Do You KNOW? How does the “ Rating’s System” Anyone out here understand, in this situation, how it rating system really works? Hypothesis: People alone with the time has changed a great deal, We now have our 50 plus Cougars and King Cobra in their midlife crisis! A King Cobra, are easily charmed, many, 50 plus men and women, are marrying “Need” 20 year old Bipolar and producing babies. Hypothetically situation, Old King Cobra watches News, Drama,sports ,playboy channels and he DVR “No Ordinary Family” to watch,… Read more »
My husband and I will miss Chicago Code…one season, really?
Is Nielsen ratings system, truly understand and welcoming the convenience and its popularity of DVR’S events? With the importance of improving Nielsen ratings system are they considering DVR events of an individual, if it would prove to be ,more accurate of its calculation? Do you think Nielsen ratings system calculates, in all the ways people view programs, like DVD’S,internet and even on cell phone? Is the Internet and DVD’S hurting, networks and causing rating, at its all time lowest ratings ever? Is mass cancellation the only avenue for the networks? HOW LONG DO YOU THINK IT WILL TAKE BEFORE NETWORKS… Read more »
I AGREE WITH DAMI RODRIGUEZ, ABC IS STARTING TO SUCK NOW THAT THEIR CANCELING ALL THE GREAT SHOWS, BUT I HAVE TO SAY, SO ARE THE OTHER NETWORKS LIKE, NBC , FOX, CBS AND THE CW…IT SEEMS LIKE THIER ALL CANCELING GREAT SHOWS…IT FRIGGIN SUCKS!
Yep! It’s getting to the point to where we will just have to stop watching TV. They canceled 50% of the shows I watch The Chicago Code, Human Target, The Event,
Detroit 187, V just to name a few.
For every 10 new shows I usually only like 1 so I’m guessing I will only watch 4 of the 40 new shows they have airing this fall thats less than half of the shows they are taking away. What a Shame!
I’m very disappointed that Chicago Code, Human Target, The Defernders, The Good Guys,
Off the Map, Detroit 187 have been cancelled. I’m so afrid that more reality shows will be
coming on, I’m so sick of that crap. I know there are many who will agree with me. Give us back some of our favorites, please?
My husband and I are sooo bummed about the end of Detroit 1-8-7. It was one of the best and absorbing dramas offered in a long time. The casting was outstanding and it really held our interest. I suppose now it will be replaced by another tasteless and mindless reality show. Who do you need to talk to in order for the “powers that be” to reconsider?
I agree with all the above comments. I am not sure how these shows are rated or who is rating them, but some of the best shows have been cancelled. The shows that I dislike/never watched remain on. This whole year of television has me rethinking even watching certain stations anymore. I personally dont want to get caught up in a television show and then left hanging; sorry no can do. So ABC and CBS I will be eliminating you from choice of stations! Get it together or I wont be the only one. Whats next Law & Order????
Looks like we are going to get stuck with all that “Reality” drivel. Wonderful shows are being axed for that krap. Good thing there are DVDs and something else to watch.
Here we go again. Get rid of the family show, Bros & sisters….good dramas…Det 187, The Defenders, and Off The Map. What dom these stations want to replace these with? More reality TV??? How about “Lets have a BM”… maybe ATM banking live…I’m sure we need more cooking shows…wait, isnt there a channel or two for that??
I dont know where they are hiring the execs that make these decisions, but thney need to look for new help.
Next thing you see is NCIS being cancelled…..
ABC makes me Sick!!! First it was Eli Stone, Men in Trees and FlashForward! Then: The Gates and then…. All My Children and One Life to Live, Brothers and Sisters and No Ordinary Family. AND NOW …..Better With You which I absolutely loved! ABC does not give a damn about the viewers/fans and can not seem to keep any of the decent family shows on. WHAT THE HELL IS ABC’s problem? I am so completely disgusted with ABC/Disney. I think they have really lost touch with their viewers and their ability to keep ANY worthwhile programming on the air. ABC… Read more »
What do we have to do or say to keep the good programs on the air. I enjoy a number of programs that are being cancelled. My wish is that you should consider renewing programs,such as; Detroit 187, The Chicago Code, Chase, and The Closer. Why don’t you reconsider the way TV shows and rated. The Nelson rating system needs to be updated so that more of the everyday people can have a voice.
It is a very sad day when decent television series get cancelled. From the list that I am reading, I see that most of my favorite shows will not longer be renewed and that is a shame. Now I am left wondering what kind of “junk” will be put in their place??? I pray that it isn’t another reality show, a ridiculous sit com or something that is lower budget that will get “axed” anyway. The day for us is just around the corner when we will go to Netflix and resign ourselves to watch movies…..I can see a trend… Read more »
I agree, why did thy keep the crap shows and cancel the good shows. Maybe it costs too much to do a good show. What they are keeping costs very little to produce. we will all be watching reruns on netflix and they will lose all that advertising revenue!