Hidden Palms: CW to Finish Drama Early

The CW has decided to finish the low-rated drama Hidden Palms two weeks earlier than planned. Fortunately for fans, they’ll still get to see all of the filmed episodes — at least that’s the plan right now.

Often compared to The O.C., the drama was conceived by Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson. Palms was originally scheduled to begin airing in early March but was replaced by Pussycat Dolls Present and postponed until May 30th. The drama debuted to disappointing ratings — fewer than 1.9 million watched. The second episode’s viewership dropped to just over 1.5 million.

For now, the CW still plans to air all eight episodes but, the network will burn them off as quickly as possible. Double episodes will air on both June 20th and 27th and the season finale will air on July 4th, a typically little-watched night of television. (Coincidentally, FOX is airing the final two episodes of their cancelled drama Drive on the same night.)

The network has also decided to drop the drama’s Sunday night encores effective immediately. Reruns of 7th Heaven will move to take Palms’ place at 8pm and double episodes of Reba reruns will fill in at 7pm on Sundays.

Though Hidden Palms has not been cancelled, it’s highly unlikely that the series will return for a second season. Will storylines be left unresolved by the end of the eighth episode? If the ratings fall any further, will the CW finish airing this season? Stay tuned!