FX has decided to end their Rescue Me series after seven seasons and 93 episodes. The show will go out as it began; closely tied to the events of 9/11.
Rescue Me follows Denis Leary as a hard-living New York fireman who balances the challenges of his stressful job and crazy personal life. The series also features the talents of Diane Farr, Adam Ferrara, Mike Lombardi, James McCaffrey, Jack McGee, Tatum O’Neal, Steven Pasquale, Andrea Roth, John Scurti, Daniel Sunjata, Larenz Tate, Callie Thorne, and Dean Winters.
Though it’s still a high-profile show for FX, Rescue Me’s numbers aren’t nearly as strong as they once were. The first two seasons averaged about 2.7 million viewers per episode. The fifth season has been averaging about 1.4 million and 914,000 in the 18-49 demographic. Variety reports that’s a 38% decline from season four.
The drop in viewership likely comes as a result of the show being off the air for an extended period of time. There was a gap of 18 months between the end of season four and the start of season five, largely due to the writers strike. A series of webisodes were released in 2008 in an attempt to bridge the gap.
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In February, months before the premiere of year five, FX announced that Rescue Me had already been renewed for a sixth season of 18 episodes.
Of the early renewal, FX’s President and General Manager John Landgraf said, “Rescue Me is one of the very best series on television and a tentpole program for FX. We’re amazed by the quality of episodes for the upcoming fifth season, which are some of the best they’ve ever produced. I believe this show will continue to maintain a level of excellence for several years to come, and we’re thrilled to pick it up for a sixth season.”
Now that the network has seen the numbers for season five, it seems their enthusiasm has waned and have decided to make the next round the show’s last. But, instead of 18 episodes as previously planned, the final group of episodes has been increased to 19. The extra installment will presumably be used to cap off the series.
Rather than airing all 19 episodes together, the new plan is to break them up into two smaller seasons. Season six will air in 2010 while season seven will be held until 2011. Peter Tolan, the show’s co-creator, says the plan is to run the final episodes to coincide with the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.
Of the final episodes, Tolan told TV Guide that Maura Tierney, who’s featured prominently in next week’s season finale, may pop up for the final episodes. He said, “We loved working with her — that was kind of a big deal to get her… She’s got Parenthood, but I think we have a deal where we can use her for four episodes. And since we have that deal, we will take advantage of it.”
What do you think? Will you be sorry to see Tommy Gavin and the other characters go? How would you like to see the show end?
Image courtesy FX.
dont rush it guys we got 2 season 2 go lol
Man, I’m so thoroughly disappointed to hear this show will be wrapping up for good. I look forward to it every year. The dialog is so well written and the story lines are so engaging. You get so attached the characters especially Tommy. All the good shows end eventually. 🙁 Whatta shame but boy was it a good run.
Dr. Denis Leary is a God, it sucks that the GREATEST SHOW of all time has to come to end but, if we face the facts we all knew it was coming. Dr. Denis along with his colleges from Resume Me have played such great roles (Although it was better earlier then later) nothing should be taken away from them. To be able to tie his real life into the tragedy of 9/11 and make everyone feel even more consumed just proves how much of a genius Peter and Dr. Denis are. Nothing should ever be taken away from those… Read more »
BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION! The writing and collage of characters are great, rivals “Cheers”.
The least FX could do is end the show on its hundredth episode, rather than have it end just a few episodes shy. This is a great show and its getting treated poorly in its final years by FX just like Nip/Tuck was.
I am a late comer to watching this show, picking up the five seasons on Netflix. But I’m hooked now. Season six should focus on Tommy’s physical and emotional recovery. It would be the most painful journey he’s ever faced. Bottom line, he’s never really grieved for the deaths of his cousin, his son, his father, his brother, his marriage, his youth or the promise and hope his life once held. Actually facing the demons of 9/11? What about his own shame for not going into the second tower? Is Tommy ready to do that sober? Real heroism on his… Read more »
great idea
i agree. somebody important would have to die in the series finale and he is left miserable and the cycle continues.
I agree that the show has to end with a dramatic and surprise finish. It would ruin the whole experience if it ended up with everybody (Tommy) healthy and happy.
i agree. it shouldnt end but if it goes, thats the way i think it should
Why would they end such a good show. There is nothing but reality shows and infomercials on TV now and quite frankly, I don’t want to waste my valuable time watching all that piffle. Rescue Me at least has a story involved, like Magnum PI and other shows like it. I think it is really a very dumb move on the part of FX at a time when ratings are so important. Just my humble opinion.
ending this show is the dumbest thing yet, I have watched every episode and its a great show.
i will be very disappointed when the show ends…it is by far my favorite. i think the show should end with there being a horrible fire, thinking tommy will die but he wont, and hell drive off on the rig and you see all of the men that died on 9/11 in their crew sitting in the rig with him. just my opinion…the opinion of just a viewer
When is Rescue Me airing in 2010?
@Wendy: It looks like June but no date has been set.
Thanks Admin. I will be watching for the date.
Love the show. My father was a NY fireman back in the 60’s.
What I think Rescue Me should show a espisode that is more about the ghost that Tommy sees “especially Jimmy Keefe because i think he is hot looking.”