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 am extremely disappointed to find out this was cancelled, I’ve been anxiously waiting to see an ad for the next season and cannot believe it’s not coming… I would love for someone else to pick it up!!
I am just devastated to know that swingtown is over! This was my favorite show! I have been waiting to hear when season 2 would start, only to find that it has been cancelled! I am very disappointed. Now I will never know what happens with Trina and Tom, or Bruce and Susan, or Janet and Roger. This was just a shock, because it was the best show on tv in a long time!
Loved the show. Caught glimpses on Bravo and just the few snipets I saw made me want to see the whole season from the beginning. It makes no sense for Bravo to take it and show the 13 episodes over again. The cast is amazing. The adult and teen storylines alike. Please continue this. This may not be the best example but they brought back The Family Guy!!!
Grieving the death of another favorite pastime… While many people wonder how someone could become so involved in the unfolding drama of fictional characters, I ask, how could you not? Swingtown, the 70’s set drama that was plump with nostalgia, captivating story lines, sublime acting and exquisite character development has been cancelled. In the past CBS seems to have been willing to take a chance on several new series with fresh perspective and original ideas, yet time and again, at the first display of resistance or hurdle they cower and surrender faith. Like so many series before it, CBS pulled… Read more »
Everyone I knew was watching this – a show to turn on AFTER the kids went to bed – thanks for nothing CBS, Your network is as dead as a Buick………… Lets hope this is not dead and a network will pick this up – it would be perfect for cable….. I’d subscribe to HBO for this!
CBS IS RETARDED!! I am sick to death of their reality crap, all they have going for them is CSI and now Grissom is leaving… so CSI is probably losing steam. I absolutely LOVE SWINGTOWN! HBO is just as stupid for passing up on it, but then we wouldn’t have gotten to see it. I would KILL for Season 2 of SWINGTOWN. What is going to happen between the Millers, the Deckers and the Thompsons? Did Susan and Roger eh hemm… will Trina and Tom actually decide to have a baby and what will that do to their lifestyle? Oh… Read more »
Unbelieveable! Here we go again CBS. You finally picked up a show that brought me over to your network and now I see it’s been canceled? How could a show so good be dropped without being given half a chance? I agree with so many of the others who have posted here I need not repeat what they say. Where was the headcount in my town for the for your stats? Like many, I had everyone I knew turned onto the show, it was one I couldn’t wait to see each week. The end of each episode left me wanting… Read more »
I think that this show wasn’t given enough time! They keep all the crappy shows and always cancel the good ones. If it hints of a good plot line, you can bet it will be canceled after the first season. They also change the air dates from week to week so you can’t find the show. They then wonder why the show ratings weren’t good…duh. I am tired of getting involved in a show, and then it being canceled without a decent ending or anything.
You’ve got to be kidding. Finally, a quality show for adults with real acting. Not another awful reality show. Not another show for senior citiziens. But a show that was great – poignant, fun, thought provoking, nostalgic but fresh. I was so looking forward to a second season. This show wasn’t given a fair chance. Has anyone checked out the acting on this show? They’re all so fantastic – I can’t take my eyes off of any of them when they’re on screen. Please find a new home for this gem. Don’t make us deal with crap like Big Brother… Read more »
Loved the show. Turned half the office on to it. I was doing a search today to see when it will be back on. This is very disappointing. Oh well, Big Love is back on.
Everytime a GOOD show comes on it gets cancelled,WHAT’S UP WITH YOU PEOPLE?I watched every episode anLOVED IT!!!!!!YOU NEED TO BRING IT BACK,
Great show, great story, great actors. Hope someone picks it up for season 2. I’ve seen all 13 episodes at least 3 times. I’d love to know what happens to the charaters. BRING IT BACK!
Oh man, just googled “Swingtown” to see if it would be returning for a second season. So disappointed to learn that it will not likely happen. My hubby and I loved this show! We have quite a few friends that enjoyed it as well. Booo on Bravo for buying the rights with no intention of bringing on Season 2. >:o(
My husband and I were hooked on this show from the first episode. We were so disappointed to hear it would not be coming back. The storyline was superbly written and the last episode left us hanging, eagerly anticipating season 2. I don’t see how they say the ratings were poor. Everyone I know watched this show and loved it. I kept hearing all along that the ratings were great – that they never expected the show to take off like it did. I know alot of people talked about controversial subject matter. This show was tame compared to the… Read more »
I had never heard of this show, then the day after New Years, I got sucked into the marathon on Bravo. After literally watching every show in one sitting, I got curious about it and did some research. I absolutely loved what I saw of this show, and I really think its a shame that Bravo bought the rights with no plans of a new season. Its too bad that a cable network did not pick it up in the beginning because I think it could have been truly great!! Long Live Swingtown!!!!!!