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?
I am a high-school theatre teacher. My view “from the trenches” is that much of what transpired in “Rise” was extremely unrealistic, but I’m willing to cut the show some slack for dramatic license. I kept watching, even though I found the portrayal of Mr. Mazzu largely unlikeable. Some of my students loved the show, but even more of them responded negatively – their collective opinion was that it was a poor retread, or even a rip-off, of “Glee” and/or “High School Musical.” When high-school theatre students don’t like a show about high-school theatre students, that rather makes me think… Read more »
I am heartsick that they canceled “Rise.” It definitely was the best new show on television. They showed real people, in tough situations. I really, really hope it finds a new home elsewhere.
No, they were not right in cancelling this show. If they had promoted it even a fraction of the amount they promoted This Is Us, it would have helped. Even still, I feel like the show got progressively better with each episode. There was a lot going on and a lot of stories to tell. Last nights finale was the best episode of the season. Every episode was better than the one before.
We loved this show. I was teacher, and really liked the acting and the story that was told. Please reconsider renewing the show. Thank You
I was a teacher, and we loved this show!!! It was very good acting, and script. Pleases reconsider keeping it! Thank You!!!
Good call! Nothing but a nighttime soap opera and boring as well!!!!
Absolutely loved the show,the theme and all the characters. Was looking forward to season 2. Saddens me that it is not continuing. The world is changing, but at a very slow pace. The more things change the more they stay the same. I am hoping that another network will pick up the show. What a great show.♡
Wish you would not have cancelled “Rise.” This high School drama/musical is wonderful with some rising Stars in the entertainment world and would have continued to provide thought producing performances!
I really liked this show. I think they are way too quick to cancel shows. They don’t allow any time for interest to grow. Seinfeld would have been cancelled if the only looked at the first season numbers. I will miss this show.
Do NOT cancel this show. This is so much better than than the multitude of cop and hospital shows and the mindless crap that is considered comedy. AP Bio was renewed? Really? I didn’t laugh once-that’s how stupid it was. Rise is far better than any show on NBC this season. This is real world what today’s teenagers and their families are dealing with. The first episode was a little slow but it has grown into this great show with immensely talented young people. Now that they had put on their play in the season finale I want to know… Read more »
I agree.
Please don’t cancel Rise! It’s a wonderful drama that deserves another season.
Please do not cancel the NBC “Rise” series. I finished watching the final show and it is one of the best programs on TV. It is realistic and these kids are so talented. We need aspiring young people who appreciate the arts. You could develop their storylines to continue next season. We learned about the characters this season, now continue their stories. I love seeing Rosie Perez in a series.
Please, please, please reconsider.
No, this show IS amazing. I laughed, I cried, I got angry. It has everything a show needs. Plus incredibly talented kids. I thought Josh Radnor and Rosie Perez were outstanding in their roles of Lou and Tracy. It just shows me that NBC really has absolutely no clue as to what good programming is.
Just finished watching the latest episode (Finale?) of RISE…NOOOOOO…if this is true and it was cancelled, BIG mistake, NBC. This is one of the best shows this network has on its airwaves. Raw, honest, very realistic, gripping story lines and amazing talent. Why do you cancel all the great shows and leave the mindless crap out there? Reinstate this awesome cast. Take the lead from Netflix and Hulu…people want something they can identify with, something that touches their heart and engages their mind (like all the series these two powerhouses air). Be a leader and put this back on the… Read more »
Ditto. Great, intelligent, soulful show. Talented cast. Much more intelligent than Glee was (which I enjoyed)
BIG mistake NBC……but I know my opinion doesn’t matter. I could not be more disappointed. I loved this show and I am in the 73 yr old demographic. Where are the TV polls?
Rise was a great show. Not many shows I watch with my daughter and this was a great one. Please find a new home for Rise so we can change the finale. I’m tired of the medical and cop dramas. Don’t get rid of this show.