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.
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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?
Once again a show I loved, and eagerly anticipated its return, has been cancelled. I need to stop watching the worthwhile shows because that seems to be their kiss of death, and at least then other people could enjoy them.
I think Season 2 was even better that the first one. Stronger stories, more gut-wrenching in nature. Perhaps even darker. It is a shame it has been cancelled when the writers and performers were just hitting their stride. I hope the decision-makers have a change of heart.
Bring it back. I loved that show. Very powerful messages. And imagine that a show about a man speaking to God, and trying to do the right thing…Let’s take it off the air…..come on A&E!
The best show I’ve ever seen!!! Dumb and stupid mistake by A&E.
Bring it back! There are SO MANY people in our world that can relate to this show…it was a must-have on the air!
A huge loss, with lines like “[thats the pain of the alcohol leaving your system…its a pain that you never get used to]” the show really spoke volumes as to the consequences of
letting alcohol get the best of an individual and I am sure resonate with anyone that has
had one to many a hangover.
It also really humanized the victims of drug abuse but also showed how all to often
anything short of rock bottom was not sufficent to open the abusers eyes…
It is a terrible shame that The Cleaner has been cancelled.
Two thumbs down for A&E…
I get so frustrated that the best shows, like The Cleaner, get cancelled and the garbage is left on. What does it take to have a decent show that focuses on people being able to work thru their problems and come out better. I’m sick of shows that seem to celebrate sarcasm, rudeness, immorality and infidelity, dishonesty, violence and so on. If A & E can’t market a decent show and make it work then maybe they need to give up the business. I watched both seasons and have been anticipating the 3rd. How frustrating! I also hope another group… Read more »
I have been waiting for the new season of The Cleaner to begin, so I decided to go online and find out when it will start. To my dismay this wonderful show has been cancelled, what a shame. I am sorry to see it go, and I hope some smart network will realize what a great show The Cleaner truly is and pick it up.
God damn it I was waiting for the next season now I’m frustated the cleaner was amazing I can relate to the show in many ways
wat the hell is their promblem…i loved dat show!!!!
You know I just checked in again at the wonderful site “TV Series Finale” that has kept tabs on The Cleaner’s obit and the comments made. They have posted three of mine and this is the last they will have to deal with. But every chance I get, I do tell others to stay away from A&E! I am still very upset. So what and who cares. A&E does not plan to do a thing. Our only chance to save anything (and probably not) is to see if “TV Series Finale” will pitch the responses to a responsible source, such… Read more »
I AM ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED THE CLEANER IS CANCELLED. SUPERB STORIES AND ACTORS..A&E, PLEASE RECONSIDER.
In the day and age of “reality shows” that are nothing sort of sensationalism. I’m not at all suprised that most televison viewers are more interested in the fairy tale view of addiction versus REAL LIFE accounts. “The Cleaner” grabbed my interest in the first 5 miniutes on the first show I viewed, and continued to hold it to the very end. “Quite REAL” and thats a comment comming from an former addict. Too bad some viewers just cant take the real deal!
I can’t believe they have cancelled the Cleaner!!! This is one of my favorite shows!!! Please bring back on air!!