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! 
Finally a great show to watch, something intresting. I have come to hate reality TV. I don’t care about unruly kids, your pets, dancing or if you can sing or not, I just want to get lost in a fun show with likable characters. Why not renew this show for a second season, this country has gone to crap. Please someone get a another season of this great show. How do some of these dumb sitcoms and reality shows stay and something like this gets pulled.
I too grew to love Swingtown. I couldn’t wait for the next episode to air. I’m extemely disappointed to hear there won’t be another season. Please reconsider. I was a young adult in the 70s and it was fun to go back and relive how it was back then. I became attached to the main characters and was eager to see their relationships unfold. Tonight I stumbled on the season 1 finale on Bravo and was excited to think it was being aired as a lead-in to the start of season 2. I ran to the computer to get more… Read more »
I can’t believe Showtime or HBO doesn’t want this show. It’s terrific. And those of us who grew up during this era have to LOVE the music and the fashions! PLEASE renew it!!
I would lose my mind if I do not find out what happens with the cast in season 2. They have me hooked. I get excited thinking about it. Somebody HAS to pick this up! I am not into a lot of shows and this is def. on my list of must watch.
Please bring back Swingtown!!! A wonderful, adult show, unlike anything else on TV. Bravo or HBO would be the perfect places.
I never heard of Swingtown until I got Netflix and viewed it on “instant view”… After the Pilot I was hooked. BRAVO.. please make a season 2!
PLEASE CONTINUE SWINGTOWN. JUST DOWNLOADED LAST WEEK ON MY I POD THE FIRST SEASON. MY WIFE AND I LOVED AND AND WE STARTED LOOKING FORWARD TO SEASON #2.
My husband and I loved Swingtown and DVRed all episodes. We are so disappointed there will not be a 2nd season. Please give it a 2nd chance!
Please bring back this show. It has been a long time since I got hooked on a TV show…and I’m dying to see what happens next. I agree that Friday was not the best night to air it during the summer, I think it would have had better ratings on a different nght. The cast is awesome, the storyline was great, and it really captured the 70’s.
At least let us know what happened!!!
Swingtown was a really good show, how about bringing it back for at least season 2? It was nice to kind of step back into the 70’s … it gives a break from all of the hectic lifestyles today. I’m personally sick of reality tv…I live that everyday-change it up CBS!
Swingtown is an awesome show, and very addicting!! I think it needs another chance (maybe not friday night at 10 in the summer when people aren’t home). I think Swingtown deserves to come back…I seriously need to know what is going to happen- I hate when shows just leave you hanging!
Bring back Swingtown!! The show was addicting and I need more. Please reconsider….I am looking forward to season 2…3….4…..
Just go to CBS website and click on “feedback”. Then make a request. If there are too many maybe we can have a chance. Or let
Please bring it back! just let people know what channel and we will get it…i will even pay for HBO to watch it!
I love this show – please bring it back!