TNT has announced that their Holly Hunter drama is coming to an end. Interestingly, it wasn’t exactly the network’s decision. But, regardless of who’s responsible, the fans will have to wait quite awhile to see the story wrap up.
Saving Grace focuses on a police detective, Grace Hanadarko (Holly Humter), wo’s great at her job but finds her personal life far more challenging. The series also features Leon Rippy, Kenny Johnson, Bailey Chase, Laura San Giacomo, Gregory Cruz, Lorraine Toussaint, Dylan Minnette, Bokeem Woodbine, Mark L. Taylor, and Tom Irwin.
The show debuted in July 2007 and attracted 6.4 million viewers, making it the highest-rated cable premiere so far that year.
Season two’s debut attracted 5.2 million and, this past June, season three’s return drew just 3.5 million. TNT remained very positive about the series, likely because it consistently rates first with adults 25-54.
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Last season, the network ordered a second season of 15 episodes. The first nine aired during the Summer of 2008 and the other six began running last March. TNT ordered the same number for season three and the first grouping finishes its summer cycle this Tuesday.
According to THR, TNT wanted to pick the series up for a fourth season but Fox TV Studios actually declined the offer. The drama is an expensive one to produce and there’s apparently not enough profit in the cable deal for the studio to continue.
A spokesperson for Fox told Variety, “In today’s rapidly changing television world, shows need to drive revenue off too many sources in order to be profitable for all the partners. Unfortunately, the economics of the series mandated stronger international and ancillary revenue than the show was able to generate. We thought an appropriate ending after three extremely successful seasons was the best outcome for all parties involved.”
Since the series has several ongoing storylines, Fox and TNT agreed to produce three additional episodes to wrap up any loose ends. The network will combine them with the remaining installments from this season and hold them until next Summer. So, fans will get some closure to the series but they’ll have to wait a few extra months to get it.
Michael Wright, TNT’s Executive VP head of programming, is sorry to see the show end. In a statement, he said, “The show’s continued success is thanks to the amazing talents of Holly Hunter and [series creator] Nancy Miller, along with a tremendous ensemble cast and a highly skilled production team. They have taken us on a unique journey, and we look forward to seeing where it will ultimately lead.”
What do you think? Are you ready t say goodbye to Grace Hanadarko? Would you like to see the cast return, perhaps in TV movies?
Image courtesy TNT.
I think Fox is letting go of a really good show. Holly Hunter brings something wonderful to television with this unique drama and her amazing character. I really enjoy the strong female characters, the relationships, and the over all, well-written story. Earl is wonderful, I adore watching him and his ‘interactions’ with Grace’s friends and family members. I really don’t want this show to be canceled. I watch it every week, love singing along with the theme song, and am always disappointed when an episode is over. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE don’t cancel this show!!! Please don’t leave a slot open… Read more »
MY COMMENTS ARE EXACTLY THIS, PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW, SAVING GRACE. IT IS THE BEST TV SHOW I HAVE EVER WATCHED IN ALL MY 56 YEARS AND I LIVE TO WATCH THIS SHOW. IT IS EXCELLENTLY PRODUCED AND DIRECTED AND HAS A MUCH BIGGER AUDIENCE THAN YOU THINK AND WELL WORTH KEEPING IT ON THE AIR DESPITE THE COST. OR HAVE ANOTHER NETWORK, SHOWTIME, HBO SOMETHING PICK IT UP SO IT CAN CONTINUE. WILL ALL THE HELL PEOPLE ARE MAKING ABOUT CANCELLING THIS WONDERFUL SHOW, READ THE WRITING ON THE WALL & KEEP THE SHOW GOING
I’m hoping another network picks the show up. It’s my all time favorite. There’s only one show that could break all the rules and show a woman who’s a hell raiser but has a heart of gold, even though she’s on the highway to hell. Then there’s Earl, her last chance Angel trying to get her to turn back to God. The chemistry between each of the characters is mesmorizing. They each have their own inner demons, but nothing to the complexity of Grace’s character. Holly Hunter pulls Grace’s character to perfection, even when she’s not actually speaking. There was… Read more »
I still think a boycott. But it you want to send Fox something. How about Fertilizer?
Fox is really dropping the ball on this one. I would definitely go for tv movies if they decided to do it.
I don’t know why people are calling this a Christian show. Earl does not claim to be from Jesus, but from the Father. The time Earl spent with Leon on death row, he never tried to bring Leon to Christ but to strengthen his commitment to Islam and Allah. Earl often quoted the Koran, Buddah, and other sacred writings. Earl was keeping in the flavor of teachings given by God (George Burns) in Oh God! When asked if Jesus was His Son, he answered, “Yes, Jesus is my son, Buddah is my Son, Mohammed Is my Son.” Jews, Christians, and… Read more »
I cannot believe it – Why would you cancel one of the post popular tv shows? Lets make another CSI or Law and Order.
I love Saving Grace – It is starting to suck watching TV series – you get hooked and then they get cancelled. STUPID
I say boycott ALL Fox produced shows and movies. Let them feel the pinch of the almighty buck. Right in thier Arse.
FOX is really being stupid to let the show go. I’m a fan, I am hoping another station will pick it up.
Makes one wonder why this show is so much more expensive than the rest, Those that no one watches & no one cares a bit about.
Writers, Cast & Crew of Saving Grace excel.
Maybe there’s not enought blud&guts strewn all over to satisfy the powers that be.
Few shows in this day&age of (snicker) Reality TV deliver what Saving Grace has
There’s only 2 reactions, U love it or U hate it
WE LOVE SAVING GRACE
Save our show, somebody
Kik
Wow, for what we pay for cable, it seems such a sham, to have such shows as Saving Grace, and their unusual and relevant story lines, be cancelled. I am so sick of the reality shows, that seem to flood over the air waves. If I want the real world, I can go outside, why pay all that money to cable for the reel world.
Most of the American public is so easily dubbed. I do hope another cable channel picks up this unique and riviting series.
Thanks Holly and cast for extraordinary Tuesday, evenings.
Fox Network is astonishingly, repeatedly stupid!!! What they pass off as “news” is an embarrassment, so no wonder they would cancel this thoughtful, intelligent, complicated, magnificently written, flawlessly acted, beautifully touching series. The best thing on television…outshines even HBO’s dramas. Given what the political right has presented as “Christian” (Jesus weeps!!), this show puts a much better face on what it truly shoud be… leave it to Fox to miss the message.
I hope that another network picks up this show and continues it. Sounds like Fox does not know a good show when they see it. This happened with Moonlight. The audience complained and when they finally reconsidered all the stars had other commitments. The network said if they only knew. Lets hope FOX realizes before it is to late. Holly Hunter and the rest of the cast will find no trouble finding other work. I am 55, my husband 66 and both my daughters in their mid 30’s. We all love it. The cast mesh so well also. Wise up… Read more »
It is a crime to stop Saving Grace. We need the Networks involved in cancelling the show to rethink this. I dont see why it is so costly to produce. If they take Saving Grace off the air my family and many others I know will boycott FOX and not watch any of their networks. Shame on them for cutting a good show that also teachs lessons to many viewers, old and young alike!
Well someone picked up. FOX doesn’t actually like Christians. Bow we just have to solve the other side. Get peopel who are christians, or anyone who has faith in God to stop watching FOX