It looks like the story of the Sutton clan has come to an end. ABC Family has quietly decided to cancel Lincoln Heights after four seasons.
Lincoln Heights tells the story of Officer Eddie Sutton (Russell Hornsby) who moves his family back to his old neighborhood. Other castmembers include Erica Hubbard, Nikki Micheaux, Rhyon Brown, Mishon Ratliff, Robert Adamson, and Michael Reilly Burke.
The TV show debuted on January 8, 2007 and the first season was successful enough to warrant a renewal by March. At that point, it was one of the cable channel’s higher performers in the key demographics.
While announcing that the second season would kick off in September 2007, ABC Family President Paul Lee said, “We really think we have something unique here… The fact that it’s an African American family drama alone separates it from the crowd, but its terrific cast and superb writing also make it truly special and perfect for ABC Family.”
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Following season two, it took several months for ABC Family to decide to bring Lincoln Heights back for a third round. They finally did and that kicked off in September 2008. The audience grew and the show became the cable channel’s top performer among Females 12-34 and Female teens. It didn’t take as long to renew the series for year four.
Season four kicked off in September 2009. It ended up being one of the channel’s weaker programs of 2009, being outperformed by other ABC Family shows, including cancelled Kyle XY.
No specific reason was given for the Lincoln Heights cancellation. However, though it’s been favored by some critics, the series has never been a big hit for the cable channel and has only been given 10 episode renewals each season.
What do you think? Are you upset or surprised that the series has been cancelled? Do you think the last episode of Lincoln Heights is a worthwhile series finale?
Image courtesy ABC Family.
It does not surprise that they finally axed the show. Back lash on all good African- American shows that have ever been on tv. They hidden or on crazy times of the night when no one is looking for them. They never once did any promoting of this wonderful show. A lot of people probably never seen the cast prior to them being on Mo’Nque Show. I ran across it channel chasing. I have was shocked to see this wonderful family. A FAMILY! TOGETHER! With all their ups and downs,, A father ( a cop )who was head of his… Read more »
First of all they put the show on at 10:00pm in Memphis. How do you expect for people to see it as much! It needs to be more prime-time. I can’t believe that this show is being cancelled. It is so disappointing! There are not a lot of clean shows out there that you can watch…..If people can sit up and watch that Frankie crap and the Flava Flav mess, this show can certainly be picked up by some network. USA, TNT let us hear from you! TRAGEDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think taking Lincoln Heights off the air the way they did was totally uncalled for. Millions of teens watch this show every Monday at 8:00. Lincoln heights discussed matters of every kind and the characters were relatable. This was one of my favorite television shows and because they took it off the air I will no longer be watching any ABC Family production.
Bull that show was great.
Shame on you ABC family for cancelling this show in the manner you did. I love this show! I will never watch your channel again or come to your website. You disguest me!
I think this really sucks my boys and I LOVE this show we never miss this we really enjoyed our Monday evenings watching Lincoln Heights .We never missed a episode.This was a wonderful family show that showed you about every day issues.VERY SAD IT IS NOT GOING TO BE BACK ON.ABC FAMILY YOU MADE US VERY SAD.
MAN THATS SOME CRA LINCOLN HEIGHTS WAS ONE OF DA BEST SHOWS ON TELEVISION. AND DEY CANCELLED IT. I NEVER MISSED AN EPISODE FROM SEASON ONE TO FOUR. DEY MISSED UP WEN THEY CANCELLED IT. SHOULDA CANCELLED ONE OF DEM WHITE SHOWS YALL GOT PLAYIN INSTEAD OF DA BLACK FAMILY
I think they should reconsider because I started to watch on online and tvone. Also, me and my mom have started watching the tv series that related what really happen everyday life. I really like the character’s on the series too. I think they are making a big mistake by cancaling this t.v. series because it seem that we don’t have anymore african american show anymore. It show how family suppose to be like the Cosby show or Will Simpson show and everyday problems we deal with in life. They give us more series!
I beg to differ from the above commentary. I used to love the show too…but its last two seasons were affected by ridiculous, unrealistic and boring storylines. I really expected more, especially from the only main black cast tv show on primetime. What made it worse for me at least, the main character Cassie…ugh, terrible actress. I didn’t mind the interracial relationship between her and the actor who played Charles…but aside from her “acting” it became too cheesy after a while…no real angst, development or growth in their relationship, to keep you rooting for them, or the show. This show… Read more »
I agree. I just went through the series due to the pandemic. I dont remember hearing about it back then. I just thought the actors (who might have been good in another program) did not exactly work for this series. The concept was great but if the heart and soul is not in the producer of of the program, it just drags on. Maybe the answer is to have more ethnic producers. TV is entertainment but it should also enlighten and inform. I remember when a toy manufacter introduced the first ethnic doll, it was just the original doll features… Read more »
I am really sorry to hear that this wonderful show is gone. I think that the network should at least allow their story to have the conclusion it deserves. So much emphasis is placed on these terrible “reality shows,” that when a qualitative show comes on, it’s mistreated by those in power.
I understand that this is a ratings issue; however, the fans deserve better. Be very careful how you do treat your fans ABC Family. You might find that we as viewers may permanently cancel you by not supporting your network anymore.
I have been watching this show since I was 16 and now Iam 18; Iam very livid knowing that Lincoln heights won’t be returning for a fifth season. I have been growing with this show along with the cast..I have been following this show since day one and watch it with family and friends.This show is not afraid to dig out the truth. I really hope ABC family reconsider because it’s so much more this show have to cover. Watching this show brings me more closer to my family because we can finally talk and discuss topic that happens in… Read more »
It is amazing how we as african americans can not keep good wholesome shows on televison. I am a 37 year old woman with a husband of almost 20 years and a 20 year old son and we all look forward to and come together at 11:00 to watch Lincoln Heights on TV One. This show represents what our family structure should be. It’s positive, realistic and at the end of the day this family comes togther as a family. What has happened to cable channels to where the only shows that tend to stay are ” who’s the baby… Read more »
I agree with the above mentioned statements. I love this show, and decided to see if it was cancelled indefinitely. I was shocked to find that a show if its caliber wasn’t even given a proper series finale. It’s realistic,positive, and a refreshing portrayal of an African American family. We need ore shows like it(that’s for sure). I hope ABC Family will reconsider and bring the show back…with original cast of course; they had great on-screen chemistry!!!!
That is the saddest thing for me to hear. Linclon Heights is one of my favorite shows. It hurts to hear it wont be returning. It really didnt end in a good way. There is so much more that could happen, especially with Charles and Cassie. I really wish they would reconsider………..
I recently started watching the reruns of Lincoln Heights on the TV One channel and find
it to be a refreshing look at Black family life. I also feel that is one of the better written series with original story ideas not dragged from the current news headlines. I am
disappointed to read that a show of this caliber has been cancelled by the ABC Family
network.
This is one of the superior written and acted series that I have viewed in quite some
time.