Cable channel Bravo has purchased the exclusive rights to air CBS’ summer drama, Swingtown. Does this mean there will be a second season?
Swingtown debuted on Thursday, June 5, 2008 on CBS. The series was executive produced by show creator Mike Kelley and Jericho’s Carol Barbee. Set in the summer of 1976, Swingtown follows three families as they explore new freedoms and shifting moral values in Chicago suburbia. The series stars veterans of cancelled shows like Molly Parker (Six Feet Under), Grant Show (Melrose Place), Lana Parrilla (Spin City), Josh Hopkins (Pepper Dennis), Miriam Shor (Big Day), and Shanna Collins (Wildfire).
CBS’ President of Entertainment, Nina Tassler, gave the drama a greenlight in May 2007 after HBO had passed on the project. It was expected to air during the regular 2007-08 season but CBS decided to delay the series until Summer, typically a time used to burn off less desirable programming. Critical and viewer reception for Swingtown was mixed and the pilot debuted to fewer than 8.6 million viewers and a 2.5/7 rating/share in the 18-49 demographic. The ratings for subsequent episodes dropped from there.
After seven episodes, CBS moved Swingtown to Friday nights and gave Flashpoint its place on Thursdays. In its new timeslot, the viewership plunged to a low of 2.82 million.
Despite the disappointing numbers, Swingtown has attracted media interest and a devoted group of viewers. The series also still must have some supporters at CBS because the network execs opted to air all 13 episodes rather than pull it.
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Though the series’ ratings are too low to warrant a season two renewal on the network, the CBS studio tried to find another home for Swingtown. They focused their efforts on cable channels which aren’t under strict FCC regulations. On cable, the writers could presumably take the show’s risque exploits even further and possibly attract additional media attention. Unfortunately, there’s been no takers.
Bravo recently made a deal for the cable rights to air Swingtown’s first season in the next few months. The cable station has made it clear that they are merely purchasing the pre-existing 13 episodes and have no intention of producing a second season. The deal effectively closes the door on the series’ future. With Bravo having the air rights for the first season, another cable channel would have little reason to produce season two.
On a positive note, the first (and only) season of Swingtown will be released on DVD in December. With any luck, the executive producers will use this opportunity to answer outstanding questions and to tell us what might have happened if the series had continued. Stay tuned! 
I missed the first couple episodes, but once I started watching, I was hooked. Please get this back on the air. The writing was so smart!
I really wish they would bring this show back or at least air it on another channel. I have never been this hooked to anything on TV like I am with Swingtown. Such an awesome show and they just CAN’T take it off the air with the way the finale went!!
i really loved the show as was so looking forward to another season. I am so bummed to hear that it will not be back.
Loved it! Wish they would make another season! Just when it was gettin good!
I have spent the last few weeks watching every episode on Netflix and I’m totally hooked. The characters are very compelling and the storylines have a strong feminist viewpoint. Plus, let’s face it, Trina is HOT!
I really enjoyed the show very much lived through that era, if i wasnt so stupid and sheilded i would have been right up there with them. please bring the shw back ,so we can see what realy happens.
Best show ever. The actors are great just missing the advertisement about the show. I never realized it was on I found it on Netflix. This would do very well on Showtime or a paid channel I watch shows like Dexter, Weeds and Californication. CBS took no great responsisbility in making this what is should have been. I’m female and this show is very powerful about sexuallity and the positions women played in the lives of men back in the 70’s. Why do you think the 70’s show is so famous (advertisment). Get a clue you have a million dollar… Read more »
Swigtown is a breath of fresh air. Hey it was the year I was born. Love everything the music, is wonderful. Is CBS known for cutting out great shows it appears that way. Come on it screams I deserve a SECOND SEASON and more more more…….
I love this show please make a second season. It deserves a second season
The writing on the first several shows was cliche, trite, and the characters stupid. But after a few shows, I got hooked and really liked the direction of the characters and storyline. They stopped focusing on “kitsch” from the 1976 era and got into character development. (First episode had a focus shot on Tab and daughter’s Dr. Scholl’s–like hello, who cares, and they missed the fact that 7/4/76 was bicentennial). But I loved what they did with Miriam Shor’s character, and the romance between the 2 characters married to the “wrong spouse” was fine. Bring it back, Bravo. Give it… Read more »
I just watched halfway through the first season this week when the marathon aired on Bravo. I was hooked!! This show should have been made in to a second season at least!! I think too many people were thrown off by the name of the show therefore did not bother to watch it. I have to admit i would not have if i had not seen half an episode that sucked me in right away. The show hits home on so many levels with marriage. It is so dead on in some cases i guess that’s what got me hooked.… Read more »
The show has the best writing of any network series I have seen in years. I am not a big TV watcher. Project Runway and now Swingtown are going to be the shows I make an effort to watch. The acting is great. The plot line shows depth and complexity. Everyone and situation has hateful and lovable qualities-perfect. PLAY ANOTHER MARATHON! I will throw a party!
JD
This show has hit the nail on the head for alot of what parents go through. Even if you’re not into swinging, this show has helped me deal with a new teenager, a problem with a friend, and a problem at work all in one season! Imagine what another season could do for my family. Please air this for one more season and re-visit the responses. You may find you have something for ten years to come.
I love this show. My husband and I sawthe entire first season yesterday on Bravo! I had never even heard of it. My husband is not one for TV and he could not roll over to fall asleep like usual. We love this show, Someone needs to pick up seasontwo and do a better job advertising it!
I dont know why or what happened with Swingtown – but it was great and we will miss it. It was intelligent and complex which so much of TV lacks today. I understand that CBS has an “old” audience that just doesnt “get it”, but I guess that is why they never get any good shows! And what cable could do with this series!!! How could they pass it up? I still have faith that someone will see the genius in this show. Keep posting everyone! Who knows. Family Guy made a comeback to primetime.