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.
 Loading ... |
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’VE REACHED THE POINT WHERE I’M READY TO GIVE UP ON TV. EVERY TIME A NEW PROGRAM AIRS THAT HAS SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO SAY, IT FALLS BY THE WAYSIDE. RTB, LIKE ALL OF BOCHO’S SHOWS, GAVE A GRAPHIC VIEW OF THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. SOMETIMES IT WAS HARD TO TAKE BUT, RIVETING NONETHELESS.
Of all the shows to cancel…you’d pick Raising the Bar? Seriously? I’m saddened that there will not be a season three. So much for interesting shows to watch during the summer!
I cannot believe that the powers that be have canceled such a really good show.What a disappointment.I would hope that the network would rethink this or maybe such a great show could be picked up by another network.
Just Googling to find out when season 3 would air, only to find that the show has been canceled. TNT should reconsider and air at an earlier time
After watching each show the anticipation of the next. Was unbearable. If TNT doesn’t pick it up then maybe another network should.
Im soooo upset that they cancelled one of my favorite summer time shows. I really enjoyed the show the storyline, the characters, just everything about it. I was really anticipating on the next season to see how things were going to continue to flow, but now I just have to find something else to watch.
I LOVED Raising The Bar, are you kidding. Why do networks have to be so greedy? Put it back on PLEASE.
I’m pissed! I also just went on google to find out when the next season will begin to only find its been cancelled! I’ve seen every single episode! I am so furious! There is nothing left on TV except reality shows!
So I just went to Google to look up when season 3 of “Raising the Bar” would begin to air and I’m so upset to find out instead that it was cancelled. This show was by far one of my favorites and I’ve so been looking forward to season 3. I completely agree with a previous comment in that this was one of the most thought-provoking shows. Every episode left me eagerly waiting for the next one. Excellent topics and acting; this show never should have been cancelled.
I loved Raising the Bar. I think the time slot kicked it’s butt.
This was one of the most thought provoking shows on TV. It was smart, funny and had a talented cast. I am SOOOOOO tired of all the reality CRAP that is on TV now, especially in the summer. This was one of the few shining stars. I am very sad that TNT has decided to cancel this gem.
I can’t believe they cancelled raising the Bar. It was a terrific show with great story lines and good acting. I am very disapointed.
I loved Raising the Bar! I cannot believe they cancelled it. It was the best series ever.
I am so sad that they canceled this show. It was always something my husband and I looked forward to watching together. I was just searching for its opening episode. I really hope somebody picks it up. I haven’t watched a series since Friends.
So disappointed that this show will not return. Agree with whomever said they stopped promoting after the premiere. Everytime I find a show I really like, they cancel it. Guess I will start reading more.
Canceled? Are you kidding me? This is one of the BEST shows during the summer! Not only should season three roll on … it should be on MORE during other season to replace some of the other crap on the tube. Another station should pick this up, TNT needs to get a clue!