Why did CBS cancel Limitless? At this summer’s TCA press tour, network chief Glenn Geller explained why there will be no second season of the series, TVInsider reports.
Based on the 2011 film, the drama followed Brian Finch (Jake McDorman), who is given a special drug that unlocks 100% of his brain. The cast also included Jennifer Carpenter, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, Hill Harper, and Colin Salmon.
During the panel, Geller said CBS cancelled Limitless because he didn’t “think it connected with the viewers”:
Ultimately we had to look at the show; it was a very good show, but I don’t think it connected with the viewers as well as other shows had. Yeah, we could have brought it back. But we also have to put on new shows and give other things a shot. It could have come back, but we have to do better; we want to improve time periods. That’s why we put on new shows.”
What do you think? Did you watch Limitless? Do you think the show should’ve been renewed?
Great show. Another dumb network decision.
Really disappointed that the network has cancelled this programme and opted for some reality no thought what so ever take ya brain out TV…I guess American networks are the same as British. It’s just easier to stick a camera in a house and watch what happens.. Soon we’ll all just have cameras on our TVS watching each other…!!!!
I found Limitless just shy of three weeks ago. First Netflix “cheating” I’ve ever done! My husband and I watched the first together but I couldn’t get enough. Days off it was Netflix and chill with what truly I believe to be one of the most creative and well written TV shows in an incredibly long time. I can’t believe CBS said that this show didn’t connect with viewers. I have a very busy career and my downtime is precious. Limitless was a true pleasure to watch. By no means was it time to “jump the shark” on this one.… Read more »
I’m about 6 months late on the article; but, Limitless followed a history of my favorite show being cancelled. It was smart, funny, and had actual character development, so *of course* it was cancelled. This was the next Fringe (albeit lighter in tone), dammit! >:-[
I agree wholeheartedly with other comments: if it doesn’t pull in the lowest common denominator and/or is not dirt cheap to produce (like reality shows), then a new TV show has to be a phenominal hit to survive. My DVR now records approximately 6 series, 2 of which are on *PBS*.
Heard it was being cancelled 6 months ago. Still disappointed and hoping it will come back.
Unfortunately, since this was not another senseless reality show that copies another senseless reality show, it didn’t get the quick buck ratings that the big networks want. This is why we are seeing better quality shows on Netflix and Amazon while the big networks continue to struggle. This was a fun show that had so much more potential. So, of course, lets pull the plug and make room for other crappy television. Too bad as I was a big fan of this show.
Bring Limitless back! Such a good show!!
It was cancelled because its not idiot-fodder for the masses, what do you do.
Loved limitless, so disappointed!
Just discovered this on Netflix, one of our favorites. . so disappointed it won’t be back.
I loved the show. The protagonist was a crack up. I couldn’t wait until the next episode aired every week.
I was so sad to hear it got cancelled. I love this show a ton! Bring it back!
Just go to my bed tonight and thought what was that show where someone takes a drug and becomes like super intelligent….. and ofcourse I was thinking of Limitless. Why oh why did they cancel this show it seemed to me to have a very promising storyline. When I start comparing it to the likes of “fringe” it seems to be right up there. Believe me I switch off series that don’t captivate me by episode 2. Why on earth did you not sell the show on?? HBC I’m sure would have lived this. Can’t help but feel ratings may… Read more »
This was such a smart, well-written show. Granted, I binge-watched it on Netflix but I was entirely hooked. Everything from the acting to the jokes to the sets was a cut above and so refreshingly un-zombie ish and un-uber-sexified. How disappointing, CBS. Netflix, someone, please save this show. Season 2, please!
This was an excellent show! After reading most of the comments I don’t understand which viewers they are talking about! Viewers of all ages enjoyed watching this show!