As viewers are no doubt aware by now, ABC has decided to cancel their Forever TV show after one season of 22 episodes. Series star Ioan Gruffudd took to Instagram to send a message to the show’s loyal viewers.
He wrote:
My dear friends, fans, supporters.
Tonight, as you all now know, I received a phone call that I was hoping not to receive, and to be honest I really wasn’t expecting it. I knew the numbers hadn’t been great, but I also knew the studio and the network both loved the show, and of course that it had an incredible fan base…so I thought we were in with a pretty good chance.
But sadly no, this time the cards weren’t dealt in our favor. Show business is like that. Hell, life is like that. You ride to the top of the wave and then you come crashing down again. I asked Alice to send out the sad news because I was a little bit shaken up and needed time to gather my thoughts.
So I sat down and started reading the thousands of Tweets in response to the announcement. And the more I read, the more I couldn’t believe it. The love, the sense of solidarity, the hope, the kindness, the support. Not just for the show, but for each other. And slowly I began to focus on what we had gained in the past year, rather than what we had lost in the last five minutes. I was overcome by a sense of gratitude. To have met you all and to have you all rooting for me and the show. At having a chance to play the role of my dreams, even if it was only for a year. To have been given the chance to bring Henry to life.
Watching the interaction of the FOREVER fans come together and share their love for the show has been breath-taking. It was you guys who held me up when I thought I could no longer go on. (Those days were LONG!) You made me smile when you pointed out the little things I did on screen that I thought had gone unnoticed. You gave me confidence when I accidentally found myself reading less than shining reviews. You were always with me, every step of the way, waving your flags, shouting your support for the show. It’s been an incredible, wonderful year, one that I will never, ever forget.
And guess what? The memories belong to us. We get to keep them ‘forever!’ Thanks again a million times for your unwavering support. Stay strong, be brave, and show kindness as often as you can!
Ioan xxx
What do you think? What do you think of Gruffudd’s message? Why do you think Forever has such a passionate viewership yet the ratings weren’t very good?
I find it ever the more amazing tht as I get older, networks become more and more obsessed with demographics. Not everyone who watches TV is 18-35. We deserve shows that appeal to us as well
It amazes me how many really interesting shows that are cancelled after one season. It would be nice if they would use some other criteria besides the 18 to 45 age group as a guide to cancelling a show. I am 75 and my roommate is 47 and we both really enjoy Forever.
I am really really going to miss this show. I love Ioan anyplace he plays. I loved him in Horatio Hornblower and I love him in Forever. He is an excellent Actor and I cannot, refuse to believe that they cancelled Forever. This was a wonderful talented show. I hate all of the stupid reality shows that they keep putting on TV and keep renewing. They are totally stupid. Why cancel the good shows like Forever and keep the stupid shows on??? Please renew Forever. Please, please, please.
I am so so disappointed that Forever has been cancelled! Most of the other TV shows are so boring but this one really kept our attention. The actors, especially Ioan Gruffudd, are great (plus handsome) and I will watch anything Judd Hirsch is in. I am so sick of reality shows that if nothing else is on I will turn the tv off and do something else. The people who are in charge of programming need to talk to mature audiences not go with the “whims” of the day. Please put it back on.
I really loved this show. All the actors were great. Very good storyline and so interesting. The writers could do so much more with the stories and characters. Would you please reconsider and reinstate this great show.
I think Ione is a gem and a very good actor. I am extremely disappointed that the show was cancelled. I think is was a wrong move. Up against the Chicago Fire and Chicago PD shows was a mistake. Just put the program n another time or night.Why isn’r that tried as an alternative before it’s completely taken off the air.
Stop the darn competition and leave the good programs on the air. Too many good ones are cancelled and I will really miss “Forever” forever!
Wow. This is one classy guy. And he’s right. Just like life we don’t always get what we want, or expect, no matter how hard we work at it. If the fanbase is passionate enough, then why not find a way to show the brass at the network. You would also think another network or outlet of some type would kill for a show with this kind of loyal following.
I will never understand the logic of the Networks. My husband likes very few TV series so you can imagine his shock when one of the few he enjoys is not renewed. We were both interested on how the show would progress so many stories had been set up. I would ask that you reconsider. Although in the grand scheme of things I doubt we count for much there are 7 members of my direct family who are unhappy with this decision. One last word. If programming weren’t so all over the place with missing episodes and no real timetable… Read more »
I love his message! What a kind,talented man he is! Forever is a great show and should have stayed on the air!! I love the chemistry between Judd Hirsch and Ioan guffould. They were awesome as father and son. Please keep this show on the air. The crap they have on tv is awful. Bring the show back!!!!!
This is a very good show Excellent in fact ,but that is Why it was canceled ,Right,!!!!! Well but make sure you keep the all the GARBAGE,IE ,reality shows …..
Really going to miss the show. Hope for a miracle that they reinstate.
I can’t believe they canceled this show. They didn’t give it a chance, so typical.
Words don’t express my utter annoyance at television programmers! Something unique and entertaining can’t begin to gain traction but moronic “reality” programming is given more time to fester in our society. Another blow to creativity!
I wish netflix would save it. Someone needs to start a twitter campaign.
I absolutely love this show and cannot understand how in the world it has been cancelled! I enjoy all the characters and the storylines have been great! I will miss Henry and Abe! I hope the network reconsiders and renews Forever! I appreciate Ioan’s message and hope to see him again soon, (when they decide to renew Forever) The powers that be need to give their heads a shake!! Too many really good shows getting canceled!