Court will soon be adjourned for the Mark-Paul Gosselaar drama, Raising the Bar. TNT has decided to cancel the series after two seasons but, there may still be more to come.
From executive producer Steven Bochco, Raising the Bar revolves around a group of law school classmates who work on opposite sides of the courtroom. The drama’s cast includes Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben, Currie Graham, Melissa Sagemiller, J. August Richards, Jonathan Scarfe, Teddy Sears, Jane Kaczmarek, Stacy Hall, Natalia Cigliuti, Paul Joyner, Wayne Lopez, Jon Polito, and Angel Oguendo.
Back on September 1, 2008, the series premiere attracted 7.7 million viewers. That set a record for TNT as the biggest audience for a new series launch on regular cable. Unfortunately, much of the audience didn’t return for later episodes which averaged 5.5 million. Despite an early decline, TNT renewed the series for a second season.
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On June 8th, season two of Raising the Bar attracted just 3.6 million and shed half of the audience of its lead-in, The Closer.
As a result of the low ratings, the cable channel has cancelled the legal drama. Via a statement, a TNT representative said, “Everyone at TNT had a great experience working on Raising the Bar with Steven Bochco and the rest of the show’s terrific cast and crew. We’re proud of the series and appreciate the efforts of all of the creative people who were involved. Unfortunately, ratings for Raising the Bar’s second season did not reach the levels required for TNT to renew the series.”
TNT had opted to split the second season into two parts. The first dozen episodes finished airing on August 24th. That leaves three episodes on the shelf. It was expected that they would air in early 2010 but they haven’t been given airdates yet.
What do you think? Are you upset that the series has been cancelled? Why do you think that Raising the Bar failed — acting, storylines, or something else?
Image courtesy TNT.
I liked Raising the Bar from Episode 1! I am really sad to find out that there will not be a Season 3.
I just recently go into watchin raising the bar. i watched the episode’s online. The first episode wasnt the greatest, however, i feel that it definitely got better after that. i feel like the writers should have played up the love story for richard n roz, but what can you do. maye another network can pick it up, that would be great. it was good while it lasted i guess…
This was one of the best shows on TV!
My wife and I thought that this was one of the best programs on TV. The writing was great as was the cast. I guess that these days all most people want is some second rate talent contest, a dance-a-thon or a weight loss race to occupy their pea brains. For heaven sake, please don’t provoke any thought or require skillfull artistic expression in writing or acting. “The Closer” followed by “Raising the Bar” represented an outstanding one, two punch that likely can’t be reproduced. I too wish TNT would reconsider.
I didn’t even know that Raising the Bar was cancelled until I went into this website TV series Finale . I was so looking forward to the third season. I think all the actors were made for the role they played I especially liked Gloria Ruben she had spunk and would not let anyone take advantage of her. I wish TNT would reconsider . THANKS
This was the one and only show that my husband and I both enjoyed. We looked forward to our Monday night tv time. I thought the show had great relationships and plot lines. It was provocative and thought provoking. I think the problem is that people have gotten lazy and would rather watch reality television that does not cause them to question anything or even have to think for that matter. I am so sick of all the good television being canceled. What is the deal! I am so disappointed TNT. I thought you were the one channel I could… Read more »
I am also disappointed that this show has been cancelled. I will be especially sad that I will not be able to see the actress that played “Bobbi”. HOT!
I am disappointed with TNT. This was one of the best dramas on TV. I will be sad to see it go.
I love Raising the Bar and look forward to it every week. I am very disappointed and dismayed that it was cancelled. Was there even a “season finale”? Are we just going to be left hanging, the 3.6 MILLION of us that watch it?? Thanks TNT. A few months ago I was talking about how great TNT was with all the great the shows. Closer, Raising the Bar and HawthoRNe being my top three favorites, out of many good shows. I am really really disappointed.
Raising The Bar is being canceled? Really? is TNT crazy for doing something like this? yes they are.
Raising The Bar definitely should not have been cancelled. So far, 2 of my fave TV shows have been cancelled & there may be a 3rd. Raising The Bar was excellent & it was a different & fresh idea for a legal drama on TV. My hubby & I both loved it & enjoyed some of the characters on there especially a judge that was added last season. Please, will a network with some sense pick up this show? When there is quality shows put on TV just because they don’t get the “ratings” they think they should, they cancel… Read more »
I am so disappointed that Raising The Bar has been cancelled. I looked forward to seeing that show every week. I cannot understand why people did not return after first episode. The casting was brilliant – all around, and the story line was always gripping. Steven Bochco should proud of this show.
My husband and I enjoyed it. I think everything about it was excellent. Good Writers, Good Actors and Good director. Please count this as 2 votes to keep Raising the Bar.
I really enjoyed this show!!! Very disappointed it has been cancelled. I loved the cast and the story line!
I thought it was okay, but certainly below the level set by Bochco’s other shows like “LA Law” and “NYPD Blue”.
Bochco is more about relationships and issues and I think people today like shows that have a certain element of humor in them which is not Bochco’s signature (going all the way back to the “Bold Ones”.)
In the end, good cast, some wacky characters, but too serious, too preachy and not interesting enough. Bochco could pick up a little something from both Aaron Sorkin and David E. Kelley.