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! 
I really liked the show. It was a good family show and a great show to gossip with my collegues. I was very dissappointed to hear that the show was cancelled. I hope you will be able to bring it back so we can see more of “Nick and Hannah” and the others on October Road.
I loved the show. I agree with the previous comment they didn’t really give it chance. The only problem I had was that it could have been on a little eailer. I still watched it and still loved. I would love to see it come back.
Still mourning the loss of my friends. Thankful for the finale although I missed Owen Rowen.
did october road ever make the ending????
@CariAnn: Yes. It’s included on the season two dvd set.
I have only just watched the first series of October Road on ITV and cannot believe it has been cut short! I will be definately buying the series on DVD I enjoyed it that much. I really feel that the network should consider bringing it back, the UK have only just found it!
i have searched every where online, itunes etc. to find out what happens….identity of Sam
@kris: The short finale is on the season two dvd set.
I loved the show…thought the nick hannah tension really worked…they shd have mde some changes to pick up the pace and create more tension instead of ditching it….v dissapointing…
I never used to watch october road, being honest here. then one day, nothing else was on tv so hey i decided to watch it, i was stunned because immediately i was drawn to the show and from then on i watched it every oppurtunity, i got to season 2 episode 13 then hey guess what? where’s the rest of the show?? not cool guys, not cool.
i need to know what happens please tell use when the last show is
Please bring back the show…at least we deserve an ending. This was my favorite show. Make it right to us the audience!
this show was so cute. i loved watching it. There was a great story behind everyone which was neat to find out by just watching. The show was just great and amazing and i wish it was back!
I think abc is making a big mistake wih october road ..they have way to many stupid shows on air …for once october road was diferent great show ..great story, real people all my familly loved it ..
my husband and i enjoyed watching this show. there are w-a-y to many reality shows around.
I loved October Road tried Life on Mars just doesn’t do it for me. Wont be tuning in I am devastated To loose October Road even my teen agers watched it.
come on get rid of lost and bring october road back . I love these characters and the story line. you people always take the good shows off and leave the crap on.
please rethink and bring a good show like octobter road back.!!!!!