Rachel Brosnahan As Abby Isaacs In Season Two, Episode Two: Fatherland (via WGN America)
Although creator Sam Shaw already had a third season planned, WGN America cancelled the Manhattan TV series, after its second season. Perhaps seeing the writing on the wall, back in November, Shaw said he crafted season two of Manhattan, with an eye toward some resolution, in case of cancellation.
Upon cancelling the historical drama which starred John Benjamin Hickey and Olivia Williams, WGN America President Matt Cherniss issued a statement citing the usual culprit — low ratings. Still feeling the sting of the end of the critically-acclaimed Manhattan, Cherniss has now offered more insight into the decision he tried to avoid.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Cherniss said he did everything he could to give Manhattan some momentum in the ratings and build up an audience. Among the steps he took were moving the show to the fall, when more viewers are watching, and moving it from Sunday nights to a less competitive spot. He even tweaked the ad campaign. In the end, it just was not enough.
“As we got to mid-season of season two, reality for me had started to set in that it was going to be very difficult to bring the show back for a third season,” Cherniss says, acknowledging at that point it simply didn’t “make economic sense” to move forward. He knows it would be easy to chalk up the paltry turnout to the stresses of “peak TV,” but he has watched as WGN’s other originals delivered considerably more viewers: Witch drama Salem drew 770,000 viewers in its second season, while new entry Outsiders shattered network records with 3.9 million watching its Jan. 26 premiere. […]
“When you’re starting a network and building a brand, you’re looking for reasons to pick up a show, not the opposite,” he adds. “But at some point, you have to see some momentum.”
Were you a fan of the Manhattan TV show? Do you think WGN America was right to cancel it after season two, or should it have been renewed for a third season? Do you feel like you got some closure in Manhattan‘s second season i.e. series finale? Sound off, in the comments.
WGN should put it back on great show I never missed it
The problem in the LARGE Pasadena, CA area was lack of carriage by TWC. I had to some heavy lifting to watch the show at all. It was a trifecta of excitement, educational, and interesting. It is missed.
Loved the show! From acting, storyline to the filming style – wish it was back for 3
Its all about the money, not the art. Sad!
One of my favorite shows. Really sad to see it end.
Please someone pick up the show. Fantastic acting and writing. quality show
My husband and I saw every episode and really enjoyed it. SO SAD that it was cancelled. It was quality TV. Please sell it to NetFlix!
I didn’t find the show until last week. Loved the show and would love to see it back for a couple more seasons. Netflix should take it on!
I LOVED the show! And watched it faithfully. Personally, there was no closure for me- except the bomb was built… But if they wanted closure for true fans- they would have dedicated a season 3 to the fallout ( no pun intended) that came for those who were part of the project- as well as how it changed the whole of civilization forever. THAT- would have been closure enough.
I will miss it!
SO SAD!!! My husband and I LOVE this show!!! Very upset that WGN cancelled this. Will Netflix or Hulu PLEASE pick this back up!!!
So frustrating!! This was one of the best dramas on television. I looked forward to watching it every week. I must not be the average viewer because this always seems to happen when I find a progam I feel would deserver a 10 rating, it gets cancelled (why did Nielsen send me a packet I wonder). Same thing happened to the program Jericho.
Very disappointed WGN!
What’s the point! Corporate greed at it’s Best!
Bring back Manhattan!
Bring back Manhattan!
I love this show! Have Netflix buy it and it will move forward!
Yes, bring this show back for a third and final season! You owe us that much… it really is a GREAT show.
Does anyone know if anyone network would be able to pick it up?
Best show on television! Heartbroken when was cancelled. I’ve purchased the episodes and watch them continually. Several of the cast members, including Hickey, Williams, Herbers, Brosnahan, and Zuckerman and all others, were simply outstanding. Chernus and Denham were fabulous in their acting too. I was spellbound with the talent of John Benjamin Hickey. His acting is truly remarkable and the authenticity of the entire production was just phenomenal. It was very well written and Mr. Shaw should be congratulated. What does the decision to cancel say about audience ratings when intelligent and worthwhile shows such as Manhattan and Longmire are… Read more »
Cancelled, really?!
OK, I get it that on commercial TV it’s almost all about ratings. But, there has to be an alternative way. Quality and value can’t always be defined by the amount of consumption. If that was the case TV news reporting would be replaced by…
PBS please help us!!