What happened to Pure Genius? Recently, star Augustus Prew spoke with TVLine about the CBS series and why it’s likely to be cancelled.
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 Prew, Dermot Mulroney, Odette Annable, Reshma Shetty, Aaron Jennings, Ward Horton, and Brenda Song.
Season one of Pure Genius finished in January after CBS decided not to order more episodes—a bad sign for any chance of a renewal. Additionally, ratings for the medical drama were not good. Over the course of 13 episodes, the series averaged a .86 rating in the 18-49 demo and 5.342 million viewers, making it one of the network’s lowest-rated and least-watched new series for the 2016-2017 season. It’s unlikely the show will be renewed for a second season.
Speaking to TVLine, Prew said he thinks Pure Genius had 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.
Prew later added that the show’s lack of direction was what brought it down:
CBS and Jason had slightly different visions of what they wanted the show to be, and as a consequence we weren’t enough of either, if that make sense. If it’s going to be a procedural, we should have done a procedural and taken out of the character development. And if it was going to be about these characters and their lives and coming to terms with their own mortality — which is what I wanted the show to be about — we should have pushed that further. … It lost its reason to be. I think that’s where we fell down, if I’m looking at it under a new light.”
What do you think? Did you see Pure Genius? Do you think CBS should renew the show?
I loved the show! I was so disappointed when it wasn’t renewed. Augustus Prew was perfect in the role!
Loved this show
Pure Genius is the best show that CBS has produced in a long time! My entire family wanted to watch it together, as well as a couple of times our neighbors watched it with us as well! There are very few shows that has had a common interest for all of our family members. The ability to see what may one day be possible in the medical field is fantastic! It raises hope for those who may someday need these services,as well as not having life saving possibilities not determined by whether or not the patient can afford the care… Read more »
I love Pure Genius. Please renew it.
Why are all the ratings in the 19-49 age group? There are many people past the 50’s mark, that watch a lot of shows like this one. In fact, most of the ones you cancel.
I agree…There are plenty of viewers in the 50+ age group that are being totally disregarded in terms of what types of shows they prefer. Guess our preferences are unimportant to programmers.
Good for you LeeAnn. I am 72 years old and watched this program every week I may not see this new age come into the Medical field but one day someone will. Here is hoping that CBS is listening.
Loved it…
I am really hoping this show is given another chance, it is so good.
Yes!!! Loved it! Please reconsider
Great show, we hope it will be renewed
Great show – hope they give it another chance
It should definitely be given another chance. It was a great show
I would LOVE Pure Genius to be given another shot !!! This show was great and I would love to watch it next season !!!
I agree with all the readers here that said u renew stupid shows and this show was so great I really enjoy it very much I hope u will consider giving a another chance or have another show pick it up…just like Nashville found another home too…
I think Pure Genius was the best new show on television. It was innovative and inspiring. I never missed a show.
renew! it is the only show with good guys! no bad guys & guns for a change! none of these murder, detective police shows…a ggreat show with human qualities!
Pure Genius should be given another chance renew it the Cast are awesome great very cool!