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! 
Why do they cancel the best shows!! Many people, including myself, can relate to the 70’s. It was the best summer show on tv! C’MON, SOMEONE PICK IT UP!!
I was heartbroken when I read this post, this show was my favorite and like nothing else before. I can’t believe they made this decision to not continue a second season. I really wish they would look back over the series and give it one more shot, you never know what might happen and also TV companies make enough money that they could afford to give it a go again!! Please reconsider your decision!!!!!! I agree with some of the others who said that they would subscribe to a certain network just to watch the show. I would be happy… Read more »
I am so not happy with this decision, Swingtown was the one show i was really into and now I have nothing to look forward to on television!! Hopefully they have a change of heart!
This was a great show. I literaly could not wait for it to come on each week. I certainly hope CBS reconsiders and produce a season 2
i lived this life. i love this show please bring it back
why oh why oh why? loved it!!!
This show was great! Could still be, if someone else would just give it a chance! I just love the characters and the actors who portray them are exceptional! This was my favorite show of the Summer months and I wish it could be again. All my friends watched this show and are bummed as much as I am about the cancellation. So sorry to see it go after just the first season. Maybe CBS will realize what they have lost. This drama is so different than anything else you see- especially on this network. I don’t like Soaps at… Read more »
BRING BACK SWINGTOWN!!!!!
I am so upset that this show was cancelled. I loved this show and the characters and plots were excellent. I even got my boyfriend to give it a shot and he thanked me for talking him into watching it. I so wish someone would pick it up. Please, Please someone do a second season???!! This show could do so much on HBO are they crazy. Come on HBO!
I cannot believe this!!! I don’t understand how all these OBNOXIOUS reality shows seem to come back season after season, but the good NEW dramas don’t! Don’t get me wrong there are maybe a couple reality shows that are entertaining… but shows like Swingtown, Dirty Sexy Money and Lipstick Jungle put the fun and imagination back in TV for the viewers… the ones who watch TV shows to get away from “reality”! BRING BACK SWINGTOWN!!!!!
I LOVED THIS SHOW! I have been waiting for its return. I loved the characters, and the way it placed you back in that era. I want to know what happened in all of their relationships. I don’t know how this show didn’t make it.
I’m so so so upset it was a great show. and i cant stand not knowing what is going to happen LOL i have been waiting all winter for it to start up again… PLEASE BRING IT BACK
I am sooooo disappointed that they are not bringing back Swing Town!!!!!! I would subscribe to any channel if they pick it up. CBS sucks!!!! They take their best show off the air??????
omg, someone has to pick this up. I cleared my thursday night every week to watch swingtown. They showed it on AFN we live in Japan. they cannot just leave us hanging like this. I swear I will riot if they dont come out with a second season and be sure to do it for AFN. Come on CBS, or somone, do it for the armed forces over here!
We Loved it! The show was interesting and kept you wanting more.I guess the idiots at CBS don’t know that’s what makes a TV show.Heck they canceled Moonlight? biggest Chick flick I’ve ever seen.My wife and daughter wanted to take a contract out on whomever canceled that oneLOLThen they go and cancel swingtown.shows you that CBS and its “Free” TV is alot like GM.Ford and Crysler They got their heads so far up their beurocratic butts they can’t see the light of day. If you’d have given it a Fall time slot instead of airing it in the summer when… Read more »