To no great surprise, ABC has opted not to order a second season of their Wednesday night drama, Life on Mars. The show was one of the most anticipated of the season. So, what happened? Will viewers be left hanging or will the show’s mysteries be resolved?
A remake of a UK show of the same name, Life on Mars follows Sam Tyler (Jason O’Mara) , a modern-day NYPD detective who’s investigating the abduction of his girlfriend (Lisa Bonet) by a serial killer. After being hit by a speeding car, Tyler wakes up in 1973. While trying to figure out what’s happened to him, he ends up becoming part of his precinct in the past. Is he in a coma, insane, or a true time traveler? The stand-out cast includes Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol, Harvey Keitel, Jonathan Murphy, Dominick Mancino, John Cenatiempo, Chris Miskiewicz, Tom Stratford, Matthew Cowles, and Tanya Fischer.
The series debuted on October 9, 2008 to a solid 11.33 million viewers and a 3.8/10 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. Unfortunately, the numbers fell significantly in the second week, to 8.22 million and a 2.5/7 — a loss of 25% of the total audience. The ratings for the next five episodes averaged just eight million, sinking to a low of 7.77 million and a 2.5/7 rating/share on November 20th.
Mars then went on a two month hiatus, which is essentially like a death sentence for any serial drama. As expected, when the series returned at the end of January, following Lost, the numbers got even worse. For the past four weeks, Mars has been averaging a terrible 5.5 million viewers, hitting a low of 4.63 million and a 1.6/4 rating/share.
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As expected, ABC has decided to cancel the series at the end of its 17 episode season. On the positive side, it’s being reported that the producers have time to make that last episode an actual series finale. Though there are many outstanding questions that need to be answered, it looks like most of them will be answered. ABC Entertainment Group President Steve McPherson told TVWeek, “We felt it was the right thing to do for the producers and the fans and creatively.”
Of course, whether ABC actually gets around to airing the episode remains to be seen. Considering that fans are still waiting to see the final episodes of Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone, and Pushing Daisies, the network’s track record isn’t so good.
For now, the plan is to continue airing the series though the March sweeps period, with Mars finishing on April 1st. Let’s hope that actually happens and it isn’t some twisted April Fool’s joke from the network execs.
Image courtesy ABC.
NYPD Blue was my favorite ever. Unfortunately it came to an end as all great shows do. Then there was Boston Legal which became a must view. Well… Now that the knuckleheads @ ABC have decided to cancel this great show, I have decided to cancel my viewership. Looks like my household is sticking to FOX, CBS, and cable shows. Hope it all comes to an end for you soon ABC!
This is one of the only programs that my husband and I really look forward to watching during the week. We just learned tonight that the next episode will be the series finale. We are both very disappointed beyond belief. It seems as though we finally find something that we both really enjoy and the next thing you know it is gone.
Well this isn’t the first time that ABC has disappointed us and I’m sure that it won’t be the last!!!!
Life on Mars cast and crew, we commend you! You all will be missed!!!
I am just beyond pissed!!
ABC-how could you cancel Life on Mars??!!?? You need a new “tracking system”- Nielson is a dinosaur. ABC big cheezers-you’re making a big mistake. Why do you guys always have to cancel great shows??
Life on Mars is the one show on ABC I have faithfully watched. I guess, after April 1st, I will be watching zero shows on ABC.
Great job ABC!! At least you are consistent – always disappointing .
I’m starting to hate ABC, they cancel their few truly interesting shows and keep the crap on the air. I looked forward to Life on Mars every week, you ********. You’re getting as bad as Fox.
I am starting to really hate ABC for canceling so many good shows. Why would I want to hey hooked on a show only for them to yank it away. Jerks!
Please save this show. The best show on TV today. I enjoy it so much. The cast is fabulous and entertaining. I really think I am not going to be watching ABC anymore. First Dirty Sexy Money and now Life On Mars. What is wrong with you people. Life on Mars was the highlight of my TV watching all week.
it figures.
any intelligent –creative film on TV…gets cancels.
I can name several over the years that does not reach the ‘popular’ audience…and its a good thing.
cheers to the writers and actors of Life on Mars.
Brilliant production…
glad it will finish with integrity of being TV worth watching…which is ironic–because such shows…never last.
Disney needs to go back to cartoons. get off this I`m greater than God look and start showing what people really want to watch. The best show on reg TV and thy cancel it. One show left, HOUSE…
Bad choice to cancel this good show. I will miss it. Who makes the chaice to cancel such a good show?
I only started watching the show about 1 and 1/2 months ago and I thought it was brilliant then last week when they were showing next weeks episode and they said “Theres only 1 episode left until the series finale” I **** a brick, I was disgusted and I felt like crap. One sentence to say to The chairman of ABC.. You my good sir are a jackass.
I really enjoyed this series and is one of the best……why cancel a good show…..
I am disappointed in ABC for cancelling Life on Mars. Such a great cast!
I really enjoyed each of the characters parts and the chemistry on the show. What talent! It was the only show I looked forward to watching every week. I hope it can possibly be given the time it deserves to attract viewers. I don’t agree with the time slot following Lost as I am not a Lost follower, as are many others which I think hurt the Life on Mars. I hope it can be saved…. possibly another time slot!!???!?!?!
And oh by the way. How does a show with a cast that includes Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Gretchan Mol, and Jason O’Mara (granted I don’t know who he is either, but he’s good, and the rest of the cast is even better) not catch on with the American people, I guess we should all just take another xanax and see which yahoo wins American Idol (no offense to Kelly Clarkson, who doesnt love her?)
It sucks that good shows don’t get a chance anymore. Anybody remember that Seinfeld took a couple seasons to catch on? This is the curse of reality television. If the ratings don’t kill in the first season they just kill it. Maybe nobody watches NBC anymore but at least they have the balls to keep running shows (30 Rock, The Office, My Name is Earl) that don’t get great ratings because they believe in the substance(not surprising they were the network that stuck with Seinfeld). Life on Mars was a great show that deserves another season. It sucks that they… Read more »
So dissapointed this show got the cut. Used to watch it every know and again on BBC America, was a joy to watch then and would love to conitinue to see it here in the states if not just to see the 70’s in the U.S. as compared to the 70’s in Britain.
For those of you that do have access to BBC America I suggest the sequel to Life on Mars called Ashes to Ashes. Same writers and creators as the original series, however, it surrounds the year 1981 and a female detective. So far I’m hooked.