A&E has decided to get rid of another original drama series. After two years on the air, they’re dropping The Cleaner.
In The Cleaner, Benjamin Bratt plays William Banks, a recovering drug addict from Los Angeles. Following the birth of his daughter, Banks made a deal with God that he would end his drug use and help others beat their addictions as well. He and his team of recovering addicts use whatever means necessary to help end others’ addictions. Others in the cast include Grace Park, Esteban Powell, Kevin Michael Richardson, Amy Price-Francis, Liliana Mumy, and Brett DelBuono.
The drama kicked off on July 15, 2008 and attracted 2.58 million viewers with a 1.0 rating in the 18-49 demo. Season one averaged 1.1 million viewers in initial viewings and 4.2 million through multiple airings. A&E boasted that The Cleaner was the network’s highest rated original drama to date among adults 18-49 and 25-54.
 Loading ... |
When the show was renewed for a second season, Bob DeBitetto, A&E’s President and General Manager, said, “The Cleaner has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal audience in its first season… Its authentic, dramatic storytelling combined with superb acting, led by an exceptional performance by Benjamin Bratt, has struck a chord with A&E viewers. It is exactly the sort of high quality, engaging programming that our fans have come to expect.”
Now, following a drop in ratings for season two, A&E has changed its mind about The Cleaner. The second round of episodes concluded on September 15th and, according to THR, the cable channel has decided not to order a third.
No reason was given for the cancellation but A&E typically draws more viewers for cheaper, unscripted programming. The Beast, another A&E drama, was cancelled earlier this year, months prior to star Patrick Swayze’s death.
What do you think? Are you sorry to see The Cleaner go? Was the show any less compelling or watchable in season two?
Very disappointed in the cancellation of the Cleaner. It is one of the best shows on television. Every show I get into A&E decides to dump it. Maybe it is time I dump A&E!!!
This is so disappointing. This is a fabulous show that shares real life issues with families that have had or have drug problems. There is a God and He does help us through some of the most difficult situations and our family loved seeing it played out on TV. A&E please bring this back, the acting team is phenomenal and it is good TV!!!!!! We are loyal and have turned many friends on to this great show.
Just read The cleaner has been cancelled! The only programs I watch on A&E are Intervention and The Cleaner.Now it’s gone!! I am very upset about it. I can’t believe the powers that made this stupid move ever watched it!!!Well written-well acted-what more could you ask? Yes we are indeed being dumbed down!!!!
Yet again, a quality drama finds itself cancelled, while the mindless, brainless, Reality Shows continue to get renewed and America gets continually dumbed down.
I wish the networks would actually ask the public what they like and dont like. I am so tired of falling in love with a tv show, like The Cleaner, and the network decides to take it off. I won’t be watching A&E untill they renew the contract
It was less compelling in season two, for me.
I am beyond disappointed that the show has been canceled! The stories were gripping. The acting phenominal. Finally, a show that wasn’t reality (UGH!), a medical drama or a cop show…..and they cancel it. Plus, they run it during the summers. They never gave this show chance and it is such a shame! This show was truly amazing and will be missed.
I’m still desperate enough to hope it gets picked up by another network…..
Loved this so. Wonder acting and a great cast and awesome story line. I can clearly see why they would let it go who would want to keep a show around with those three things in its favor. ( Some times life leaves you scratching your head)..
Well I’m just not happy about this.
I’m very up set they have cancel the show the cleaner and keep the ******* dog the bounty hunter on the air after what he said . The Cleaner was one of the best series I have watched in a long time . I fell you guys are making a big mistake !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have searched for the new fall schedule for The Cleaner and just discovered it will not be renewed. This was the favorite show of my husband and me. The actors were wonderfully realistic, the music was really heartfelt and the premise and content were so interesting and informative. This type of show held our interest as no other. We are extremely disappointed that this quality show will be taken off. We are so sick and tired of reality shows and contest shows. Guess we will be forced to watch On Demand movies from Comcast.
I can understand why A&E did it, with the onset of “these troubled economic times” (Drink!!!) budgets had to be butchered everywhere for a while, and in television that usually means expensive original programming. I loved this show for 6 reasons: 1) It unlike anything else showed the ugly dark side of addiction without sensationalizing it or turning it into a prerevolutionary French freakshow. It also went out of its way to educate on drug abuse without getting clinical or boring. 2)The Writing: This show is one of the most tightly and often inspiringly written shows on television, and it… Read more »
I expected that A&E would cancel “The Cleaner” after I watched the season 2 finale, bit I still think that there should be a season 3.
I don’t think that A&E should have cancelled a show that is an award winner and nominee.
This is not fair! First to Benjamin Bratt and the other talented actors on the show. This program was real! I agree, “Shame on A&E” for not renewing the Cleaner. I was an avid watcher, loved the message especially on how the addictions can affect the family!
Yes I very upset that A&E has canceled The Cleaner. I enjoyed the show temendously!!!
Shame on A&E for not renewing another season!!!!!