It doesn’t take a brilliant mind to have seen this coming. Today, it was revealed that CBS had officially cancelled Pure Genius after one season.
The drama follows top medical professionals as they team up with cutting-edge tech experts and try to push the boundaries of modern medicine to save lives. The cast includes Augustus Prew, Dermot Mulroney, Odette Annable, Reshma Shetty, Aaron Jennings, Ward Horton, and Brenda Song.
Early on, CBS decided not to order more episodes of Pure Genius, suggesting the show was headed for cancellation. Over the course of its first season, the series earned pretty low ratings, averaging a 0.86 in the 18-49 demo and only 5.34 million viewers.
Recently, star Augustus Prew said he thinks the show didn’t work because it underwent an identity crisis:
But if I’m being honest, I think we got caught between two different shows. I think CBS wanted something a little more procedural, and [executive producer] Jason [Katims, of Friday Night Lights/Parenthood fame] wanted something a little more character-driven.”
What do you think? Did you see Pure Genius? Do you think CBS should’ve renewed it for a second season?
I loved this show, I was looking forward to season 2. Television networks have cancelled 11 programs that I love last year. The Good Wife was a real biggie I was very upset. I just may quit watching television all together. I’m tired of the disappointment of my favorite television programs being taken off the air. The public has been given nothing in return for those programs that were taken off
i looked forward to watching this show every week and was disappointed when work kept me from it. this show should def be renewed!!! please reconsider
This show needs to be renewed and promoted. This is real medical technology that is out there in the real world today. Excellent TV.
Why do the so called execs feel like they know better than the general public? This show has redeeming values that are not found elsewhere. If they truly wanted to have a show that showed the possible future medical industry, it would be continued.
Many physicians have remarked how interesting and informative the program is, promoting innovating acheivements now coming
to the forefront. It is a shame that programs that can be of benefit are being tossed aside while absolutely worthless shows are
kept on prime time! Please reconsider trying to develop some values for a change!
Seems to me there are other demographic groups like us seniors who marvel at the science fiction and hope it comes true in medical innovation displayed in Pure Genius. Maybe we could have one special resolving all the hanging relationship, ethical issues, individual character futures, etc. Or maybe recording episodes doesn’t count as audience, something I always do–still have a half dozen favorite PG episodes. Remember that time slot may also have something to do with audience size. For CBS Tuesday and Sunday nights are packed with goodies. Not so the rest of the week, so I turn to other… Read more »
Are you SERIOUS ? I just wrote a review last night stating how happy I was that Pure Genius was being renewed. Cancelling this great show is a big mistake. I am sooo disappointed ! Please reconsider CBS.
I totally agree with Barbara’s comments below.
I’m disappointed in CBS in canceling this show. THis was a good show, that I enjoyed watching. It deserved a second season, but lets see what you can come up with for a replacement. I believe you have made a big mistake!
SO VERY DISAPPOINTED at this decision to cancel the brilliant show, “Pure Genius!” As a 7th grade Science teacher, I LOVED the high tech STEM-related story lines! If you kept the characters wholesome you would be able to create a truly family-friendly show to encourage us nerds to continue searching for the exciting ground-breaking solutions to medical dilemmas!! PLEASE RECONSIDER AND GIVE THE SHOW ANOTHER SEASON TO PROVE ITSELF!!!
It definitely needed a second season. There was still many stories to tell. I hope CBS changes there minds. Please give it another season!!
It needs a second season. There was no identity crisis. The characters were developing wonderfully. It had a short season. It just needed more time and more press. Hate stupid sitcoms and ridiculous reality shows. Refuse to watch them. Pure Genius is new and fresh and different from other cookie cutter medical shows. You have made a mistake.
It is a fantastic show and so different from other medical shows. It’s the future of medicine. Bad choice of cancelling this excellent show. Cancel a reality show and put Pure Genius in that slot.
I thought it was a great show. CBS ….. bad choice.
Great show that kept getting better. It was thought provoking and inspirational show. I was truly looking forward to seeing how some of the future story lines played out. The networks all keep such crap on television, but throw away shows that leave you feeling uplifted. Such a shame for a great cast, and all the viewers that lose out on what could have been.
Pure Genius should be renewed!!!
It figures. Nowadays anything worth watching is never given a chance to grow an audience. Some decent advertising might have helped. Pure Genius was just that. As Donna L said, it was a show with heart. But it appears if a show isn’t comedy and dumbed down for the masses with the attention span of a gnat, a single season of good quality TV is all the rest of us gets.
I am very very disappointed in CBS for cancelling “Pure Genius” this was a very good and inspirational show. Besides giving us a look into the future of medicine. This was a show that had heart. Unlike those some of those brain numbing reality shows. Please, CBS reconsider and renew “Pure Genius”.