After lots of ups and downs in the ratings, ABC has decided that the ride is over for Eli Stone. They’re not ordering any additional episodes for the drama, essentially cancelling the TV show.
Eli Stone follows a handsome attorney (Jonny Lee Miller) with an ideal life and promising future. He works for the law firm owned by prestigious attorney Jordan Wethersby (Victor Garber) and is engaged to Jordan’s daughter, Taylor (Natasha Henstridge). Eli’s life radically changes when he starts to experience strange hallucinations. Is he a prophet or sick? With the help of his brother Nathan (Matt Letscher) and an acupuncturist, Dr. Chen (James Saito), Eli learns the truth about his condition and starts to understand his new life. Other series performers include Loretta Devine, Sam Jaeger, Julie Gonzalo, Jason Winston George, and Tom Amandes.
Stone debuted in January 2008 as a midseason replacement series on ABC. The premiere attracted 11.83 million viewers and a 4.2/12 rating /share in the 18-49 demographic. The second episode fell to 9.38 million and a 3.6/10. The ratings continued to fall after that, hitting a series low of 5.88 million and a 1.6/4 rating/share towards the end of the season. It was a hit with some viewers and critics so ABC decided to stick with the series and renewed it for a second season of 13 episodes.
Season two debuted on October 14th and the numbers were higher than they had been at the end of the previous season — mainly thanks to its Dancing with the Stars lead-in. The season started with a high of 8.82 million viewers and a 2.3/6 rating/share in the demographic. The numbers have been sinking ever since and Tuesday’s episode fell to 6.36 million and a 1.6/4. Those figures look even worse when you consider that Dancing attracted 17.59 million viewers. That means that over 11 million viewers would rather change the channel than watch Stone. Consistently losing a large percentage of its lead-in audience is ultimately what’s killed the show about the attorney with visions.
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ABC has decided against ordering any additional episodes of Eli Stone. Though they are not calling it a cancellation, there is little to no chance that the network will ever revive the show.The cast and crew are currently finishing up their 13 episode order and it’s not known if producers will try to give the show any sense of closure. Executive producers Marc Guggenheim, Greg Berlanti, and David Petrarca broke the news to the cast and crew earlier today.
For now, the series remains on the network’s schedule. If ABC pulls Stone before the remaining eight episodes have aired, the network will likely air them at a later date, post them online or, at the very least release a season two DVD set. Stay tuned! 
We love Eli Stone cos is a better show on tv! Please go on Eli!
My husband and I Love the show and we can not belive that you are going to take it off the air. It is a tv show that is very good. And you do not find that anymore. Hope you keep it on. If you were to put it in a better time slot. You would probably get better ratings.
one of the better shows on tv. can’t believe you cancelled it!!! very stupid.
I agree with terri.
it had imagination, good rhythm, harmonious cast, good ideas, and normal relationships.
What the hell were you thinking to cancel it.
ABC you finally had a decent show, w/a a great cast of characters and you cancel it. But year after year you air the bachelor/bachelorette a reality show about desparate people, none of the relationships last past the season finale….ABC must only cater to those w/an IQ of a 13 yr old!!! Bring ELI back!!
Where is ABC checking the ratings? Eli Stone was a good show and it made you laugh and cry and instead of those awful reality shows. I’m not sure I should continue with the only other ABC show I watch “Grey’s Anatomy” because for sure they will cancel that since I like it. I’m sticking with CBS since they nabbed up Medium from NBC. Yeah CBS! You have my vote!
The reason ratings dropped is because people went to bed! Bad time slot! I can’t stand Dancing with the Stars or any of those reality shows. I recorded Eli Stone and watched it at a more convienent time with my family. Does that get pegged as being watched? hmmm ABC please bring it back and give it an earlier time slot! hey, give it dancing with the stars time slot, the only reason people are watching is because there is nothing else to watch and it is the lesser of the annoying shows on at that time.
bad bad mistake ABC!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ELI STONE was your shining star, have you ever thought about standing up for the good things in life instead of the dollars signs. with out ELI I’d just as soon go to another network and you can’t imagine how many people feel this way!!!!!!!!!!!!! please bring ELI back
Yes, I agree this is a real loss. The casting was excellent, the characters played off of each other very well and the messages were right on especially during a time when civi liberties have been so eroded in this country.
I am GUTTED… This was such a great show – such a “feel good” and uplifting show in so many ways. I am truly devastated…
This was one of the best shows ABC had. The others were Boston Legal and Men in Trees. All cancelled because ….?????? I’ve decided to stop watching anything new on ABC because they just cancel it anyway and leave the garbage on like the ridiculous “reality” shows. I’m switching to CBS where they have Ghost Whisperer and now Medium. Bye Bye ABC
If you do decide to cancel this super show at least have the class to end the series. If you do not have the allegiance to the viewers that loved this show how do you expect us to have it towards ABC.
Do the people really know what shows we like to watch. Eli Stone was different and very enjoyable. I for one am getting tired of seeing all the “Cop” shows
Please bring back Eli Stone. You might consider that you are bringing in an audience that is vastly different that the reality pap you serve up. This is a great show with a tremendous cast and entertaining writing. This all adds up to an engaging show. You will see its numbers grow if you keep it. Or maybe it is too clever of a show for ABC?!?
It is so sad that the networks once again cancel a show that makes people feel good about life. What are they going to replace it with, another law in order or maybe a medical show. When will those who control our lives start doing things that reflect what we like and enjoy. Eli Stone is a huge loss to us that need that positive pick me up.