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?
Are you freakin’ kidding me??? Cancelled??? What in the world is wrong with the decision makers? Absolutely terrible mistake. I was anxious for the new season to begin and am so disappointed. Will definately watch it on a different network if there are any out there without their head up their ass! Thanks for nothing!
I cannot believe they are cancelling the best show on their network I love The Cleaner and everyone I told about it also got hooked dumb mistake A&E
I am disappointed to hear that the Cleaner was cancelled, it was a great show and I enjoyed watching it. I hope another network picks it up…it is sad that so many shows, that aren’t worth it, get kept on the air but a good show like this gets cancelled for no reason other than a small drop in the ratings….
I am very disappointed that A&E has decided to cancel this show. I watched the complete first season ON DEMAND and fell in love with the story lines and the actors. I hope A&E reconsiders canceling the show.I thiught the second season was better than the first.
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Canceling this show was a BIG mistake. There is a faithful following. I looked forward to it every week I hope they decide to bring it back
I finally decided to check on The Cleaner as I hadn’t seen it promoted yet this
season…needless to say, I am hugely disappointed with A&E! I have been a big A&E fan for quite a while, but I will have to rethink my loyalty if they don’t bring this great show back.
I am devastated! This show is great. Benjamin Bratt is very authentic in his role as William Banks. The storyline is interesting and exciting at the same time. The fact that it is based on real events is enticing. I can’t imagine what the real “Cleaner” ever handled what some of the episodes show. The cast was great and I feel the family aspect of the show brings an element of how a cause can interfere with family life. I will miss the Cleaner tremendously. I do hope another network will be smart enough to pick it up. I know… Read more »
My daughter and I were both looking forward to another season. Wonderful script, actors. Very useful for starting conversations with teens about life and drugs. Very disappointing they’ve cancelled…one of the few programs worthy of our time.
What a shame !! Another GREAT show cancelled… This was truly an inspirational show that alot of people could relate to in their real lives…Not to mention a talented cast…
This was a big Boo Boo A&E…..I hope another network picks up The Cleaner and they blow the ratings away!!
I am really devastated that A&E will not be renewing another Season of THE CLEANER. I am a grateful recovering drug addict myself, and the show and it’s episodes have really helped my family and friends to understand just what it is that drives us to that point and what helps us to recover. It has brought my family and friends closer through tears and trials. Most people I knew had given up all hope of me EVER getting clean. They considered me a hopeless cause and pretty much assumed I’d die in active addiction. We as addicts (whether still… Read more »
If You want to help post your coments on A&E Website by copying this link to thr address bar in your browser and let them know how you feel. http://community.aetv.com/service/displayDiscussionThreads.kickAction?as=119137&w=267435&d=327004&ac=new&d-1169404-p=1
I was waiting for season three and found this while looking for a “The Cleaner” shirt to sport around, I had no Idea. I think this show was totaly real and helped people see how bad that things could get for them if they were seeing some of the sighns the people on the show had. I am an alcoholic and an addict. I go to AA meetings twice a week and to be honest with you this was my third meeting, the show. I know that I am not going to be the only person who will miss this… Read more »
I hope that another network picks the Cleaner I loved it. The Best show to come around in a long time
I can’t believe they are cancelling! This is one of my favorite shows ever….
I vote we cancel all of the reality tv show crap and bring the cleaner back!!!!!!
i agree