Six Degrees: Still in Production! Is There Hope?

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!