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 am also very upset that this show was cancelled. I was anxiously awaiting a new season. One fo the best shows on television.
They NEVER showed it so of course it would get cancelled, bad form TNT bad form.
A sad day. RTB was one of the most interesting, character-driven, well-acted shows that have appeared in a long time. Brilliant.
I’m disgusted they cancelled. This was a brilliant show, the only only show TNT had to compete with NBC’s prime time. Hmmm, maybe NBC paid them to drop this show.
Would you believe the networks finally develop a legal program with depth and authenticity, and they cancel???They keep reality crap on, but take an intense, true-to- life series off !! That was my only reason to have TNT turned on !
A huge disappointment. I guess they need to get rid of shows with good plot lines and talented actors to make room for more shows like two and a half men. Bummer. I wonder if they take into account people who record the show rather than watch it during its original broadcast.
Of all the shows to cancel, they choose one of the most original ones ever! Why not cancel “Saving Grace” instead?? I loved this show and the characters. Hopefully, TNT will reconsider…
They did cancel Saving Grace. Last season starts March 29th.
This really sucks I love this show and it was just getting good RTB was the only show TNT had that was worth adding it to my lineup bring it back before you lose me as a TNT viewer!
TNT released this statement about the upcoming new series:
“‘Raising the Bar’ is the sort of smart, highly charged legal drama for which Steven Bochco is known and an ideal fit for our line-up,” Turner’s top content executive Michael Wright said. “Steven and the exceptional cast and crew he’s assembled have put together an excellent drama, and we’re proud to add another talent-rich, entertaining series to the TNT schedule.”
This what TNT thought of RTB in Jan. ’08…I sure hope another network picks up RTB
I have to say it is a shame that such a entertaining and educating show has to be cancelled. It truely was one of the best shows on tv. I work in this line of work and every time I watched the showed, I would learn something that I have not known before. I truely hope that other networks read these comments because this show needs to be picked up. Seriously don’t let thos show go to waste.
so disappointed I was looking forward to season 3… Season 1 was better than season 2 but season 2 was a great continuation. Rather than canceling “Raising the Bar” TNT should have canceled saving grace earlier
This show was one of the few authentic yet enjoyable shows on TV—I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S CANCELLED!!!!!!!!
bring it back 94 percent said bring back whats wrong with this picture.?????????????
bob
Really disappointed that the show has ended. Someone needs to look at the poll and change their minds.
I love that show i can’t belive it’s cancelled 🙁