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 was greatly disappointed to find out that the show was cancelled. I set my DVR weekly to record this show because I did not want to miss it. It greatly disappoints me, from year to year, when good quality shows air for just a couple of seasons and then are uprooted and cancelled. The numbers are not always an indication of lack of interest, sometimes it’s just a schedule change in people daily lives, that is changes from semester to semester. Quality trumps quantity any day.
My husband and I loved the show and were very disappointed that it has been canceled. BRING IT BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very disappointed that TNT is canceling Raising the Bar…….. That was a very good show in my opinion and that story line was developing nicely….. What about Southland? I heard that this too was canceled. These are two very good shows and were developing nicely……. Remember back in that day when a new TV show had a least a full year before it was canned!!…….. Well I won’t give away my age but things (TV shows) are very hectic and competitive more than ever…… If you do not make it (ratings) on your first few shows you’re outta… Read more »
Yes, I am very disappointed that he series has been cancelled. I thought it was one of the best shows on the air. I hope that they will air the remaining three episodes and maybe renew the series.
I wonder if thye series wascanceled due to real lackluster ratings, or was the NY City DA’s office pissed off because the way they try and screw the average citizen for pure conviction rating the real reason. The NY City DA’s office could have put a lot of preasure on TNT to stop the show…..makes you wonder Hmmmmmmmm
Bring it back! I have no idea why ratings went down. It’s an intelligent show, amazing characters, great writing & emotional subject matter. I think its one of the best in a long time. Maybe America isn’t interested in Jerry’s thirst for truth & justice & ethics……..what a shame! The show is intense in a great way, stirs up all kinds of emotions & opinions bcuz it’s engaging….it’s thought provoking………but maybe America just wants to veg-out in front of the tv. Bring it back…try airing on different day. Bad call TNT! Forget the ratings, it was an excellent drama, characters… Read more »
That Stinks! Raising the bar was great…. bring it back!
I LOVED that show. I tuned in to everyone and even recorded them while I was watching them. The Closer is one of my favorites as well…but, the shows were apples and oranges. One didnt clash the other. Thats too bad. I was SOOO looking fwd to watching season 3.
Ugh I loved this show…..why does TNT keep putting an end to good shows… i.e RAISING THE BAR and Saving Grace? I freaking loved that show too!! Just puuullleeease don’t cancel or end The Closer!!
I loved the show and have been looking forward to it’s return. Very upset it won’t be returning. BAD MOVE TNT.
Why is it that ALL the good shows get cancelled?! I liked this show. I hope that TNT brings this show back!
We LOVE Raising the Bar and are so sad that this is not coming back! Let’s try marketing the show like that Rizzoli & Isles (don’t get me wrong, I love the girl from Law & Order) we don’t need a revived Cagney & Lacey….bring my lawyers back!! Happy to see Woolsley on The Defenders on CBS!
I am sorry to hear the show is cancelled. I enjoyed it very much and have been waiting it’s return!!
I am very disappointed that this show was cancelled! I would rather cancel that ridculous Rizzlio and Isles and bring back Raising the Bar! I loved this show. Boo, TNT!!!
Booooooo I have been waiting for it to come back on – more canned laughter yuk