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?
Another wonderful show gone. Loved the storyline, actors, etc. What a shame.
I liked the show a lot. The cast were good together. I agree, I think it would be awesome if Netflix picked it up.
I think the show is fantastic.
It must be given a shot at people finding it.
I told everyone I know and they hadn’t heard of it but plan on watching now.
It was in a difficult time slot.
I belongs on at 10 pm. Not 9pm
It’s a definite top bill show.
One of the best things on television.
We miss the show so much…Wish Netflix would pick it up
Please give the series a 2nd chance. I was looking forward to another season. This was the first time I enquired about a program and was disappointed to hear the program was cancelled. It gave us a chance to see what a genius (and we have some genius) could do in the future. It was the best show on CBS and I looked forward to the show because it left me hanging.
Please, please renew. My family loved this show. It was both technical and human. The cast was wonderful and diverse. Please give it another chance at least. I will Definitely watch as will as those who want to watch based on my recommendation.
I loved this show. The medical technology is amazing, and gives hope. Acting is first rate.
It wasn’t a good show. Felt like the producers couldn’t decide what type of show it was supposed to be. Characters aren’t likeable. Stopped watching after two episodes. Too many much better shows on. Why bother.
Please do NOT cancel this show, it was great and innovative
I really liked this show. It was a show that didn’t have guns and killing. Refreshing.
I hope they will reconsider canceling .
Please please please renew
I love the show and the characters were perfect for their parts. Please renew.
Please renew. My family loves the show.
I loved the show. PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL. All you have to do is figure out if your emphasis is character development or procedural. Either way, it’s a great concept. Inspirational…and good characters. PLEASE KEEP IT. Try again. It’s a new season. Different shows on. It would do well. TRY IT AGAIN. LOVE THE CONCept.
I loved the show and my daughter and I watched it every week! Bring it back, you can try a different direction and still keep the show