Though it was looking like the underperforming CW series had a chance at survival, the network has decided to pull the plug on Privileged.
Privileged follows the story of Megan Smith (Joanna Garcia), a perky young journalist who becomes a live-in tutor for two wealthy teenage girls (Lucy Hale and Ashley Newbrough). Others in the cast include Michael Cassidy, Allan Louis, Brian Hallisay, Kristina Apgar, and Anne Archer.
Despite positive reviews and buzz, Privileged debuted on September 9, 2008 to just 2.64 million viewers and a 1.2/3 rating/share of the 18-49 demographic. Those numbers weren’t great for the junior network and ratings for subsequent episodes fell significantly over the rest of the season.
The network made multiple attempts to boost the show’s audience — giving it more exposure by rerunning episodes in various timeslot — but most viewers just didn’t seem to be particularly interested.
Though the ratings certainly hadn’t mandated it, the network had been considering bringing Privileged back for another season. A few weeks ago, it was announced that the CW would rerun the series during the summer months, an indication that the series still potentially had a future.
But, though Privileged matches the CW’s target demographic, the network has ultimately decided to cancel it. The CW has several potentially strong new series in the hopper and would rather take a chance on them.
Following the cancellation news, series creator Rina Mimoun wrote to Michael Ausiello, “It’s truly heartbreaking. I’m so grateful to everyone out there who supported our little show and fell in love with Megan Smith. She was the most delightful character I’ve ever had the pleasure to write and watching JoAnna Garcia bring her to life every day was a gift I will never forget.”
She concluded, “I’m incredibly proud of the work we did and forever indebted to all the fans, critics and to Warner Bros. for being so wonderful and supportive. I will miss this more than you know.”
How would Megan’s story have ended? We may likely never find out.
Image courtesy CW.
********! i love priveliged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So yeah, they decided to keep shows about teen whores (i.e. Gossip Girl and 90210) living in an adult world, but something that actually resembled reality they cancel? Bad move CW. Even worse than attempting to bring back “Melrose Place.”
..I REAI LIKED THIS SHOW, IT WAS VERY GOOD SHOW….
How disappointing. I was really looking forward to a season two. The season finale really left me thinking there would be. 🙁
This is so not fair! I love this show! I guess it was too clean of a show and that is why it has been pulled. THAT SUCKS!
I am so disappointed. I loved the show. Great cast and great story.
This was a marvelous show and and great depth to it. I am very sad to see it won’t be back.
HATE THIS I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MAD
I WANT IT BACK GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why would this show be canceled, it is great.
You suck, this show was great!!!!
THE SHOW WAS GREAT I WANT IT BACK ON!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just can’t believe it!!! This was an excellent show with so much room for growth; it
could have gone on for many seasons. They really made a poor decision. There
are very few great shows on TV anymore. Bring it back!!!!!!!!!!!
VERY disappointing!! This was my favorite show!!! They should at least have the chance to be able to have a proper ending. Its not fair!!
SO disappointing!!!!! This was my favorite show! They should at least be able to end the show properly. Its not fair!
VERY disappointing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This was my favorite show 🙁