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 will really miss this show.
I’m really disappointed that this show was cancelled. My wife and I loved watching this show and were anxiously awaiting the third season
Hi,
That was the best show!! I was always looking forward to Tues. night when Raising the Bar was on . I feel deflated. I felt like I was really getting to know the actors. They were all so good. Please bring it back!!
This show is great! TNT definitely needs to think about putting it on a different time slot before they just cut it like that. It has an amazing cast and fantastic story lines. Will be a shame not to have another season.
Highly upsetting. I was sure that with the level of storytelling, strong characters and true personality this show wouldn’t be cancelled prematurely. People were watching. People were interested. TNT, Bochco and associates should really think this one over before its too late.
i loved the show
I thought Raising The Bar was one of the best human interest dramas, in a fantastic legal setting with personalities clashing-or not- every time i turned my head. I don’t look forward to tv shows, but I REALLY looked forward to that one. I was aghast when I learned it was cancelled. The Closer is a comedy. The acting is B., except for the lead woman. It doesnt hold a candle to Raising the Bar, but that just shows how America accepts mediocracy.
How do they know how many viewers watch the show when I work the afternoon shift and I always DVR the program. How many other viewers DVR the program? Do you keep taps on that?
Not enough Drama shows on the air too many reality & sitcoms
come on treat us elders once in awhile
“RAISING THE BAR” WAS ONE OF THE “BEST” SHOWS AIRED, I WISH THAT TNT WOULD RECONSIDER AND BRING IT BACK
Thought the show was great. Maybe it was losing viewers, because of the time-slot it was given. I was really hoping that it would have been picked up, or at least show the episodes still in the can. Very smart show. Always loved Bochco shows.
Say it isn’t so!!!! Why oh why do all the great shows get cancelled. Reality killed the TV shows!
LOL forgive me, but it’s the middle of the night, and I’m tired when I’m posting this, but your post just gave me this idea: “Reality Killed the TV Shows”… Maybe The Buggles could make a new song with those lyrics based on their song “Video Killed the Radio Star”? LOL
My husband and I really liked this show. I liked that it showed both sides. I am disappointed it has been canceled.
One of my favourite shows. I couldn’t wait for Tuesday night when it was on. Now what will I watch? It won’t be any reality crap. I hate those shows.
A+ Show. Why was this show cancelled? Interesting plots and interesting characters. Wish it would come back. On the same level as the Good Wife.