Though October Road debuted to strong ratings, ABC plans to cut the freshman drama’s season short and only air two-thirds of the episodes. Why?
The new October Road drama on ABC (no relation to the 2002 James Taylor album) tells the story of a young and famous NYC writer named Nick Garrett (played by Bryan Greenberg). Nick authored an extremely popular book which was essentially a “tell all” novel based on his home of Knights Ridge, Massachusetts. He subsequently gets a bad case of writer’s block and decides its time to return to his hometown after ten years away. As you might guess, his reception isn’t exactly a warm one. In addition to Greenberg, the series features Laura Prepon (That ’70’s Show), Tom Berenger, Warren Christie, Brad William Henke, Evan Jones, Jay Paulson, Slade Pearce, Geoff Stults (7th Heaven) and Odette Yustman.
Following a new episode of Grey’s Anatomy, October Road debuted on March 15, 2007 to great numbers. Despite mixed reviews, Road attracted 13.93 million viewers and came in at #9 for the week. The second episode lost 16% of its previous audience and about a half of lead-in Grey’s Anatomy’s viewers. Still, Road performed much better than Six Degrees or Men in Trees had in the same timeslot. You would think that ABC would be anxious to air the rest of the season’s episodes. You would be incorrect.
Like more and more new shows, October Road’s initial season is a short one, consisting of only six episodes. Rather than run all six of them to keep viewers hooked, ABC plans to air only four of them this season. If the show gets picked up for another year, the remaining two episodes will be broadcast at that time. ABC did the same thing to Grey’s Anatomy its first year.
You can view this stockpiling as either pretty good assurance that Road will return for season two or, that ABC execs don’t have faith in the series. The final decision will have a lot to do with how well episodes three and four perform. If Road’s audience continues to erode, it probably won’t be back. We’ll likely know by mid-May what ABC decides to do. Stay tuned! 
I really loved this show as well as What about brian, I wish that they were both still on. I really got into both and then was let down. This also happened with American Dreams. It just doesn’t make sense how so many cop shows can stay on at one time and all the reality tv (that really isn’t reality)!! I loved this show and wish it would come back…..people will watch!
Love that show October Road ! there are so many cop shows with all the killing cancel one of them.
What a mistake your network is making. How rare is it that a show can pull you into the very lives of it’s characters and make you feel as if you were a part of it all. This was the only show that I actually looked forward to watching. Please bring it back. If poor ratings were supposedly to blame, then it is the networks fault for these screwy airings. Give the viewers more of what they want…..more Nick , Hannah and the October Road Crew. This show tugs at your heart…let it tug at yours!
I have watched October Road from the very !st episode!! I absolutely LOVE this show. My all time favorite!! I am so so sad that its not coming back!!
I cant believe you would cancel this show. The finale was better than Bobby in the shower from Dallas!
This is a shame….I found this show excellent and am hoping that it will prevail and we will get to see more episodes!!!
this show is awsome. i keep looking online to see when it’s gonna return.you must bring it back.
I would like to see the finale. Please keep me informed.
There isn’t a lot of shows that are on that keep viewers interested, but this one did, at least for me! Bad choice in cancelling it!
What a great show! Hate to see it go. Please reconsider.
I love this show. How can it possibly not have great ratings. It has a strong following and in a great time slot. Please don’t cancel this show. It is the BEST!!!!!
its already cancelled
do not cancel this is a great show
DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW – I WILL DIE WITHOUT IT! I just have to see what happens between Nick and Hannah.
I absolutely love this show. It brings a sense of nostalgia for me, reminding me about the good times back in high school and also of the drama that still happens when my group of friends reunites every year. This show is like NOTHING ELSE on tv right now….please don’t take that away from us!!!