Why did WGN America decide to end Manhattan and Salem. Recently, network chief Matt Cherniss spoke with Deadline about cancelling the two TV shows.
WGN America cancelled Salem late last year. The supernatural drama, which centers on the events surrounding the famous 17th century witch trials, is nearing the end of its third and final season. Manhattan was cancelled early last year after two seasons. The two shows marked the network’s first foray into scripted television.
In the interview, Cherniss said he was a fan of both series from the beginning:
Both were spec scripts, we didn’t have a huge group of development. Both were, I felt, high quality and both aspired to have a bit of a genre in them. I really believe that if you are doing something about a point and moment in time, or a subculture, if you can imbue it with a sense of genre that would invite a whole another group of people. Maybe I don’t care about the place Salem but I like supernatural. Maybe I’m not all that interested in the Manhattan Project but I love a good spy story.”
However, the WGN America boss explained that Manhattan was cancelled due to low ratings and Salem had run its course:
At the end of the day, Manhattan wasn’t able to generate a large enough audience, and I think that Salem ran its course and told its story.”
The series finale of Salem airs tonight, January 25th.
What do you think? Did you watch Manhattan and/or Salem? Do you think WGN America should have given the shows more of a chance?
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