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 read with both joy and sadness Ioan’s response to “Forever” being canceled and his appreciation for fans. I hope the show is revived and if not, hope to see Ioan in another series. I saw him in “San Andreas” in which he was not a shining personality but he performed with the same energy that he did in “Forever.”
Don Baker
“Forever” was an excellent TV series and one of the very few that I was certain to watch every week. I was so very disappointed when I heard that the show was cancelled that I just shoved it to the back of my brain and waited, hoping that it would be picked up by some other network who could see the quality that the fans cherish. I couldn’t resist coming to see what Ioan Gruffudd had written and I’m so very impressed. Well written, seems honest – sincere disappointment, but encouragement to look at the benefits we’ve all received, and… Read more »
I have already commented about my disappointment in the cancellation of Forever. One of the best new shows in a very long time. Now, my comment is regarding all the ‘new’ shows being touted by many of the television stations; and I ask “why”. Why all the hype about new shows that , on a personal level, I will not want to invest myself in. It seems that , with many of us, once we are truly invested in a program, it is cancelled. Is it the advertisers who dictate this? Is it ratings based on a younger dynamic? Whichever… Read more »
Forever was one of my absolute favorite shows. I thought the storyline and the actors were wonderful and Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant; he played Henry in a very subtle, thoughtful way which made his character worth watching. I am deeply disappointed in ABC for cancelling such an interesting and unusual show, especially when there as so many ordinary copycat-type shows involving police, hospitals, FBI, etc. on TV. I would most certainly watch it if it was on another network or other medium because I will miss it so much.
please talk to other producers and different network please i really want season 2,3,45,6,7,8,9,all
My husband and I looked forward to “Forever” each week. I was not aware it was in any danger of being cancelled since most people I know also enjoyed it. Is there any chance it may be picked up by another network??
im very upset to find out my favorite tv show is not returning in the fall line up. It was wholesome, funny, down-to-earth kind of show. People these days need to start using there imagination instead of another detective or reality tv show. Shame on you ABC; your following in NBCs footsteps. Hoping producers will continue season 2 on another network.
canceling Forever was the dumest mistake ever by ABC. I will no longer be watching anything thst ABC decides to air. Forever was the best TV series to air in years.
Love it. Very disappointed
Me from Indonesia love this movie. I love their acting and the “message” of humility. I love the interaction between the actress and actor. Ioan show unique character.
Last night back from my office, I just stuck sitted in front TV to saw 2 episodes Forever.
Hope this show will continue to season 2. This film is present different style of other film.
I really really want season 2 and more= awesome awesome- SHOW must please go on
First series enjoyed in long time should not have been cancelled.
I don’t believe the ratings were as low as they say they were. I personally think they feel they’d make more money on stupid reality shows. Very sad.
You should be canceling the Bachelor and the Bachelorette that’s BS at least you got to use your brain for the series Forever bring it back on Monday this is very disappointing I might watching only NBC and CBS instead of ABC !!!!!
Hopefully Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, FX, USA etc will pick up this Terrific Show that has Great Stories & Chemistry between the Characters!