One of the most upsetting cancellations of the 2008 -2009 season was ABC’s October Road. Faithful viewers were truly tied into the characters’ struggles and emotional journeys. When the show ended, there were many unresolved questions. Now, thanks to the creators and cast, it looks like we’re going to get some closure.
October Road was moderately successful in the ratings in its first season and earned a renewal based on ABC’s belief that the audience would grow. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen and viewership only dropped in season two. There were some discussions about moving the series to another channel but there weren’t any takers. As a result, the series finale aired on March 10th.
Thankfully for the fans, the creators of October Road are just as invested in the show as the viewers. Though Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg had already committed to running ABC’s new Life on Mars series, they wanted to finish the Knights Ridge saga properly. Appelbaum told Zap2It, “We got the call that the show was cancelled on Tuesday at 9:45 in the morning and by 10 o’clock at night, [we] were writing the finale. It’s sort of like therapy for us, but the most important thing is that it means closure for the fans.” Soonafter, the team called each of the castmembers about being involved and they all signed on without question.
Rosenberg told TV Guide that he and the show’s writers felt they had a commitment to wrap up the show. “We had a small audience, but they genuinely fell in love with these characters, and I feel we owe it not only to them, but also to the cast.” They came up with a 15-minute episode called, appropriately enough, “Don’t Look Back: An Epilogue for an Epic Love.”
The mini-episode will pick up where the series left off, starting with the wedding of Ray “Big Cat” Cataldo (Warren Christie) and Hannah Daniels (Laura Prepon). It will then skip ahead seven years and viewers will be given answers to most of the series’ outstanding questions — including the identity of Sam’s papa, the Commander’s health, and the fate of each of the relationships.
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Applebaum says that the team has always known how they would end the series. He tells Zap2It, “Whether the show went two years or seven years, there’s always been a particular moment and piece of closure that we wanted and we’re going to be able to get to that intended end.” Series star Bryan Greenberg says that he’s in the same boat as the show’s loyal viewers — he’s got a lot of questions and can’t wait to have them answered.
The actual shooting schedule hasn’t been firmed up as yet but that shouldn’t concern fans. Lindy Booth (Pizza Girl) notes, “We all love the show, so we’ll all be there.” Applebaum echoes that sentiment by saying, “The nice thing about this whole experience is that this show about friendship has created an environment of friendship and community among the cast. And when we look at the message boards, we feel like that’s sort of extended to our viewership too. We’re happy to do this for them.”
The October Road creators won’t have to look far for one of the castmembers. Jonathan “Ronnie Garrett” Murphy has just signed on as a regular on Life on Mars.
It’s expected that the short-but-sweet October Road series finale will be included on the season two DVD set and may be made available online as well. Stay tuned! 
This is about right. A decent show on tv and it goes away. Instead of these stupid japanese gameshows that they have on now, OR would’ve enchanted more viewers. I mean, really… I loved the show and loved the characters and identified with the lead and was anxious to have all my questions answered. Damn it, ABC…
How can they cancel the show that we all look forward to and leave all these stupid reality shows that show how crazy people can be. October Road was my favorite show and it was truly a heartwarming hour to my week. This suck and why should we be surprised that they show with a feel good attitude is cancelled and they will probably fill the slot with some show that totally sucks *** and is morally wrong. PLEASE BRING BACK OCTOBER ROAD.
I saw the boy who plays Sam on a Wal-mart commercial yesterday, and my heart sank as I figured out my favorite show wasn’t coming back. The show really ramped it up last season – it was awesome. So, I guess it’s time for one final plea… PLEEEEASSSE bring October Road back – or someone be smart enough to pick it up!!!
This was one of the best written shows of all time!!!! Honestly, this is the only show that I ever looked forward to watching. The castmembers are great and the writing is excellent. I am so sad that it will not return. How can ABC not realize what a “gem” that they have with October Road!!! I am so sad in Alabama!
The creative team and the cast of October Road are just awesome for doing this, however I am still very creased at ABC for letting such a fine and beloved show go. The talent and writing of OR were outstanding and it was a cruel trick by ABC to let that amazing finale air when it was clearly intended to be a lead-in episode for the third season. Viewership of October Road only fell during season two because the network played around so much with the schedule, making it very hard for viewers to even know when the next episode… Read more »
I am happy to have some closure but how to get what I need in 15min?? It does not seem possible. ABC really needs to step up and fund at least an hour finale for the fans of this show. This show was one of the best on TV and it’s fans deserve more. I am happy to see what class acts the writers and cast of this show are though. Thank you to them for all they are doing for the fans.
I love OCTOBER ROAD,in my opinion it’s the best show on TV right now.I’m really thankful that the writers will give us some closure,but I want OR back.It’s show with so much potential. It’s sad that ABC would cancel show like that,there isn’t much left to watch!Still hoping OCTOBER ROAD will be back this fall!
I’m thankful that they want to give us closure, but I think what everyone wants is new episodes. ABC, please reconsider.
i AGREE. This TV stuff is stupid. October road is one of the best shows on tv. Its such a better show then these other ones surrounded in complete sex and gossip. This show covers the reality of the world. Its not complete yet. I wish that they would keep another season to finish it out. Me and my friends would be completely happy.
I’AM REALLY GLAD THEY ARE GOING TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS BUT 15 MIN THATS ALL!!! ANNETTE I TOTAL AGREE WITH YOU IT’S ALWAYS THE GOOD ONES TOO,AND ALL THE SHOWS THAT DON’T DESERVE TO STAY DO!!! I’AM STILL HOLDING OUT HOPE ABC WILL COME TO PLEASE SAVE OCTOBER ROAD!!!!
This was my favorite show. They are ******** up girl TV. I thought this show was perfect for fall TV! BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!!! You had tons of viewers who loved this show. There are tons of other shows that suck, why take out a good one. Where is the CW ~ why haven’t they jumped on this ban wagon and bought this show. Someone needs to step in and bring it back.
I am just about fed up with TV these days…..I am so sick of starting to watch new shows and before they even get started good they cancell them …I have started watching several new shows over the past year or so. and without any warning they end and not at a good point either…I think i am gonna stop watching any of the new series of anything..because I get interested and before I know it they are cancelled…If everyone would just quit watching these series altogether maybe then the producers or whoever would get the message..
I love October Road, I really wish there would be a third season. Perfect show to start in September just in time for the fall.
I cannot believe what I just read!! I really love October Road, and am still hoping for some miracle that the powers that be will reconsider.
Love the writers and the cast for doing this. But I miss looking forward to a new Octoer Road each week. The fans stil haven’t given up hope yet. October Road is the best!