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?
No I do not think they made the right call at all. Their was many events left off from the season 1 finally that can still be told. Relationship between Sasha and Michael, lilette and Robbie, Gwen and Gordy, simon and Jeremy also they could figure out how to over rule the decision of the PTA and get their theater program back etc. not only this was by far the most inspiring and wonderful tv show I watched I grew up in theater and all that. This show needs to be reconsidered for another season their are many unhappy people… Read more »
One of the best shows on TV. Please reconsider so many NEW fans binge watching, signing petitions etc. #SaveRise. @nbcRise #renewrise
No!!! The show was so good!! You were just getting fully invested in the characters and they cut it? NBC needs to rethink this one! There are so many police dramas, firehouse dramas, medical dramas, but there hasn’t been a good arts or teenage drama like Rise in way too long! So disappointing.
My daughter and I loved this show. We were so invested in the characters. We would love to see it continue. The acting was superb. So disappointed it’s being cancelled.
I absolutely loved “Rise” and watched the whole show all last night on hulu. Had I known it was so good and that it was even on, I would have watched it from week to week. Please bring it back even if another network has to pick it up. Thanks.
Rise was the best show on the air this season. Real characters that I found myself thinking about throughout the week. Don’t understand how a show of such real quality in terms of content, writing and acting can be cancelled. It was the only show I watched on NBC. Good-bye NBC.
According to NBC, the arts in schools ought to be de-funded and eliminated. That’s what the 10th episode of the great show RISE left us with. To put it clearly, NBC believes that no matter how it affects students and teachers who give their heart and soul to a program (unless it’s football) they don’t matter at all. Only the ones in power should have a voice, because those are the only ones they answer to. Well, I don’t know if NBC really hates the arts or just diversity . . . but just a word to the wise at… Read more »
I can’t believe they canceled Rise! I loved this show and looked forward to season 2. I hope another network picks it up. Great shows are cancelled while crappy ones live on. So sad.
I really wish the story continued!! I think it deserved a second season. I really thought NBC was going to “rise” above the other networks, I was wrong ☹️
I liked the show and wish it would continue. To me, the story kept getting better as the season progressed. Perhaps some viewers didn’t give it enough time.
I cannot believe NBC canceled the show. It was among my favorites. I hope it gets picked up by another network, I watched it every single week and I’m very disappointed in NBC.
it’s a shame that this wonderful program was canceled after one season asusual NBC keeps cancelling good programs. at east they didn’t do anything stupid and left “this is us” alone. hopefully, NBC will change their minds and bring it back like they did “timeless” that got a hail mary
I looked forward to this show every week .. it filled the void that This is Us left when the season ended in April .. it’s heartbreaking that NBC has cancelled it ! Hulu ? Netflix ? All we can do is I’m. It sure I can go on not knowing what happens next !!!
Rise needs a second season. Everyone I spoke with that watched LOVED it. Give it another chance!
I loved this show! I’m so sad it was cancelled! Please have a season 2!