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.
And no, TNT does not know DRAMA!!! When they took off Raising the Bar, they made themselves out not know up from down or down from up!!!!
The reason that Raising the Bar was cancelled is because television media is feeding people with all kinds of silly and senseless programing and people do not know how to tell a good show from a bad show. I am through with Americans and their idea of what is a good show killings, murder and crazy stupid reality shows. Give me a break. I just may turn off my television all together with the exception of the news and sports!!!!!!!!
I am pissed off as h–. That is the most stupid thing TNT could have done. It was absolutely my favorite show. Why do you have to have a gazillion people watching a show in order for it to stay on? I don’t think i will get involved with another show on TNT. I am just mad as h—!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS A BUNCH OF BULL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
I am very upset over this! I keep watching, waiting to see when the new season would be airing so I can set my DVR, but nothing on air about it! Decided to Google the show today and wow…that’s sad! I don’t watch much tv, but I liked this show…..
I loved this show and am just sick to find out that it has been canceled. I just assumed that when the Closer came on Raising the Bar would be there too. Please show us all that you have left and I would love to see it back on tv!
Seems like all the really great shows get cancelled. We loved the show and were waiting for it to come back on … just talking about it at dinner and googled it … sad to hear it is cancelled … should try again … it had a wonderful and interesting cast and story lines.
I have been anxiously awaiting the return of Raising the Bar, even repeats but to no avail. This was a great show. Have had several people in my circle of friends who also are missing this program. Any chnce of it being renewed?
very sad to hear it was cancelled. one of my favorite shows, definitely in the top 5. i always looked forward to watching it each week. here’s hoping it can get renewed for a better time slot on hopefully a major network. we miss you mark-paul 🙂
I can’t stand most TV series. Having said that this was one of the greatest shows ever put on TV. It’s very rare that all of the elements come together and make a creation of such high proportions. The cast was perfect. Each episode was thought provoking and entertaining. Of course they would cancel it. The world is now a worse place when a show of this caliber cannot make it and The simpsons and Family Guy flurish.
We, too, are very disappointed. We watched the show faithfully and look forward to the remaining three episodes. Gotta have them. There should always be a conclusion. Would rather have the show back, but we’ll take what we can get.
I’m so upset! This show was one of my favorites! What talent and story lines this show had! You will be missed! 🙁
My husband and I really enjoyed raising the bar. It was a show that interested us based on the justice system. I hope that they will bring it back.
I cant believe my favorite show is over after only 2 seasons. VERY sad!!!
I just read that this wonderful series has been cancelled. It was the only legal drama that had a balance between the defense and the prosecution. The cast of characters was so rich. I hope that it can be revived. There’s nothing else like it on TV.
My wife and I absolutely loved Raising the Bar. We are very diappointed the series was cancelled.
This was the only show I eagerly awaited. Great ensemble cast, envelope-pushing stories. Believable characters with whom we can relate, hate or love. We sort of guessed that it would be cancelled – too sophisticated for the tv viewing public. It’s too bad that there’s no home for “boutique” shows that only get three million viewers. But again, how can you sell widgets to only three million people?