ABC’s Six Degrees was yet another ongoing dramatic series of the 2006 – 2007 season. It told the stories of six very different New Yorkers who we slowly learn are actually connected. The show is based on the idea that anyone can be connected to another through a chain of no more than six people. The series, co-executive produced by Lost’s J.J. Abrams, starred Jay Hernandez, Erika Christensen, Hope Davis, Dorian Missick, Bridget Moynahan, and Campbell Scott.
Six Degrees debuted on September 21, 2006 and was pulled from the airwaves after only six episodes due to low ratings (leaving seven episodes unaired). At the time, ABC stated that the show would return in January 2007. Viewers were understandably skeptical. Well, a January return won’t be happening now but there may be some hope for fans of Six Degrees.
In Pasadena, CA, at the annual Television Critic’s Association (TCA) tour, ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPhearson fielded questions about several shows, including Six Degrees. Of fellow dramatic series The Nine and Six Degrees, he said “those two actually may get back on the air in (primetime).” Not exactly a vote of confidence, and yet…
Though Six Degrees is not scheduled to go beyond the 13 episodes of its initial order, strangely enough the series is actually still in production. The cast and crew reportedly took some time off to creatively retool the series. In addition, Josh Charles (who you may remember from Aaron Sorkin’s Sports Night) has been added to the cast.
Though it seems like the show (like so many this season) has been effectively cancelled, it may not be a done deal. The fact that production is continuing seems to indicate that ABC has not given up hope and seriously intends to air the remaining seven episodes. It probably doesn’t hurt that J.J. Abrams is one of the executive producers.
If the revisions to Six Degrees are successful and better ratings are achieved, it is possible that ABC could give the go-ahead for future episodes and even a second season. It’s a bit of a long shot right now but stranger things have happened. We’ll keep you posted so stay tuned! 
My husband and I have watched and thoroughly enjoyed Six Degrees since it was first aired. We are among the many fans out there who are extremely disappointed by, at first the interruption, and then what appears to be its demise. The story lines, the characters, and the actors portraying them were believable and intriguing and we looked forward each week to seeing what was going to happen next. We were totally hooked and cannot believe that a show of this quality has been cancelled in order to make way for some of the stupid, mundane, and totally boring shows… Read more »
Please put six degrees back on the air – it was way better than that dumb “Men in Trees” – and much more up to date – trendy – creative!!! – (Like the whole “puncher” show) Great
acting too! Taking it off took the punch out of Thursday nights – when I got tired of the Grey’s Anatomoy
whining – I always had Six Degrees to look forward to!!!!! 3 of my friends at work watched it too.
The concept of “Six Degrees” was so wonderful…and the cast was great too. I can’t believe the ratings weren’t good enough. I really wish there was a way to get this show back for many seasons to come!
Please put Six Degrees back on the air! I have been checking every week for it! It is one on my favorite new shows, bring it back!
What happened to the Six Degrees TBD January episode? It’s so frustrating that what quickly became my absolute favorite tv show was so abruptly cancelled, and then they got my hopes up all over again with the January TBD schedule. What’s going on with ABC?? And how do we bring Six Degrees back to stay??
Today is 29th january. How come that on ABC website Six degrees next episode is January TBD. Does it mean that it will aired in the next 3 days? 🙂
Please, put Six Degrees back on the air. It was one of the best shows. My husband and I want to know what happens. It was a tivo favorite of ours!
PLEASE DON’T CANCEL SIX DEGREES!!
I love Six Degrees, as my friends also do. Please keep it coming!
I want to save Six Degrees! I have never enjoyed a show so much, and I was hooked after the first airing! I am wondering how this fantastic show got bad reviews? No one asked for my review!!!
My husband and I tivo six degrees and looked forward to watching after the kids went to bed!! We are so disappointed…please bring it back!! At least let us see the 7 episodes that are already done and re-check its ratings! You can’t keep viewers if you keep moving things around in the middle of a series!!
I am not happy to find out that my 2 favorite new shows, “The Nine” and “Six Degrees” have been cancelled. I don’t understand how ABC gets their ratings, but I think it’s a big mistake. The cancelling of these shows has only made me stray to watch other networks. I won’t even try to watch any new series on ABC for this reason. How do ratings work anyway, because I don’t know anyone who watches “The Office” and look at its ratings. I tried giving it a chance, but I don’t get why anyone would want to watch it!… Read more »
Please put Six Degrees back on air. I would like to know what happens.
I would like to comment on the Tv series The Nine. It was one of the best shows this year. ABC is arrogant and non viewer friendly if it thinks its okay to get viewers hooked, with a good show, and then just discontinue with no resolution for fans I will be very careful what I watch on this network for now on. Do the right think for your viewers and finish this years episodes.
Sandra Maclean
Pleeeease, if any powers that be (network producers, schedulers, v.p.’s, etc.) are reading this, PLEASE put Six Degrees back on the air!! Do not make us wait ’til May to see the new episodes of this show! It was one of the few good shows of a completely lackluster fall season this year (and I’m counting all the networks here). I care about the characters and am emotionally invested in the show. So I would love to see how their lives proceed from here, and how they all get even more interconnected. Or hopefully overcome their problems and adversities. The… Read more »