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’m really sad it got canceled I LOVED that show and I even own the first season 🙁
Damn…..I loved this show
NOT HAPPY!!!! This was a really good show and I can’t believe it’s not coming back. Shame on TNT
Just as a P.S. to my last post….. my wife tells me that Mr. Bochco and Mr. Gosseler (sorry about the spelling.) are involved in another series together… anyone have any updates on this news? Series title? Air dates? Channel?
@Bob: Gosselaar is doing the Franklin & Bash series for TNT but Bochco isn’t part of it. I believe they’re filming now. No air date yet.
This is a great show with good storelines. Different than the normal. With all of the inane reality shows, it was a pleasure to enjoy an hour of true entertainment. This show had something different for everyone with many points of view. Choosing sides with the different characters was half the fun of watching this quality show.
I decided to see when this show was starting back up and find out it’s cancelled?? What the heck! This show was really getting interesting and I loved how the characters just pulled you in. Why oh why…..
I think Raising the Bar has great story lines. I love the fact that this show portrays attorneys that stand up for the “little guy” and don’t just care about the “almighty dollar!” Please bring this show back!
I loved this show. Very well written & acted. I can’t believe they cancelled it! Sure hope they bring it back!
Oh, I almost forgot to ask……… are the final three episodes available to view on-line anywhere?
I also see Season One is soon to be released on DVD
@Bob Not officially, no.
This really stinks. This show , for me was the most eagerly anticipated series for the past two seasons?
And… what happened to the final three “leftover” episodes? They were broadcast around Christmas time? I’m really confused about that. (Or is my timing off?)
Talk about a “bad publicity” department ! Bochco’s series have always been “golden” for me. His series rise above the maze of nonsense and reality programs.. they always tell compelling and mature stories. His efforts deserve so much more attention and regard.
still can”t believe it – loved all the characters – left viewers with nothing but silly reality shows – don”t think I will get involved with any tnt shows this season
Thats bull. This show was really awsome. There was no need for them to cancel it.
Feel terible,,,,Loved the show….
Bring this show back. Anything Steve Bocho does is fabulous. It just needs publicity and how about a main stream network? ABC?
This sux, I loved this show, looked forward to it every week, wish they would bring it back