School is out — permanently — for the cast and crew of NBC’s Rise TV show. The peacock network recently cancelled the musical drama series so there won’t be a second season. But, did the execs make the right decision?
An NBC high school drama from Jason Katims and Jeffrey Seller, Rise stars Josh Radnor, Rosie Perez, Auli’i Cravalho, Damon J. Gillespie, Marley Shelton, Rarmian Newton, Ted Sutherland, Amy Forsyth, Casey W. Johnson, Taylor Richardson, Joe Tippett, and Shirley Rumierk. The series centers on Lou Mazzuchelli (Radnor), who is the fictional analogue to Lou Volpe in the Michael Sokolov book, Drama High. Although he is committed to his students at Stanton High School, Lou knows he needs to shake things up, in order to rekindle his passion for teaching. To that end, he petitions to direct the school’s theater program, but soon realizes he signed up for a whole lot more than he originally expected. Soon though, the faculty, student body, and even the town residents find themselves caught up in the new spirit at the school.
The Rise series debuted in March and got off to an okay start with a 1.23 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 5.50 million viewers. It was no doubt aided by following the season finale of NBC’s biggest drama, This Is Us.
Week two saw a small drop when it moved to its new 9pm timeslot, following The Voice. Week three saw a sizable drop and the show fell to a 0.80 demo rating with 4.32 million. The ratings have dropped a bit since then but have remained pretty consistent. NBC cancelled the show last week, likely because they expect a show like this to draw better numbers when it airs out of The Voice.
Some would argue that Rise had some stiff competition on the other networks, remained pretty consistent for the past several weeks, and the series had just 10 episodes in its first season.
Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any word of the show finding a new home for season two so tonight’s finale looks like the end of the road.
What do you think? Did NBC make the right call or, should the network execs have given this show some more time to prove itself? Would you have watched season two?
The show started slow…but grew in heart and soul.
This is a show like l.a. doctors…great writing, characters…etc but requires some patience. I found it to be worth the wait.
Worth another season in my book.
I cannot believe this show has been cancelled! Best show of the season! Jason katims seems to be the only show runner that can create shows for adults with feelings and content and real life characters. I am so disappointed that there is no second (third and forth and fifth) season!
I loved this show-please give us a second season. Great actors and script.
No, if they renewed AP Bio which did much worse ratings wise, then Rise could have been renewed. Just like last year, when they renewed Taken, but cancelled Chicago Justice.
Extremely disappointed that the show has been cancelled. It was an incredible story with an amazing cast. Praying another network picks it up!
Huge Mistake to Cancel!! A great TV show with wonderful talent. Lots of heart and deep thought throughout the season.
It will be missed.
This is an excellent show and should be given another chance. NBC is nuts. Take some of the silly ass nonsense off a leave quality programs like Rise alone. The Networks keep messing with shows times, run a few weeks then take a hiatus and come back for a few more weeks then go on hiatus again. It’s a wonder anyone sticks with a program anymore.
I’m so disappointed!!! Loved this show!!! They crazy to cancel it!!
No it should not have been cancelled. It is a fairly accurate depiction of what today’s teens deal with. It left out the unnecessary filth that is found in many shows. It was wholesome and heartwarming. Shame on you NBC.
NO, it shouldn’t not have been cancelled. It was one of the only shows that hasn’t accurately depicted what today’s teens deal with and go through. It was a wholesome, honest show that left out the filth of so many other shows. This was absolutely the wrong decision for NBC to make.
I really enjoyed Rise. I am very disappointed to hear there won’t be a 2nd season.
I am very disappointed that RIse has been cancelled. I hope it finds a way to come back for season 2 with its entire cast!
Absolutely loved Rise. Large mistake to cancel in my opinion.
I am so disappointed that this show RIse has been cancelled! I hope that this find it’s way to season 2 with its entirety cast
Bring it back. It was a wonderful show. I didn’t miss an episode. I am really sad to see it end.
Me Too 🙁