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?
I’m so sad that they’ve cancelled the Cleaner! This was the best show on tv! I won’t watch this channel again! How sad! Great stories and amazing actors! What an incredible loss!!!!
With all of the reality shows now, it was great to have a show with some substance. I REALLY wish they would bring it back
How disappointing to lose this show. It proves the A&E is more interested in airing lame shows such as all the reality shows. Maybe another network like TNT of USA will pick The Cleaner
wow, I am highly disappointed in A&E for cancelling this amazing show. I watched the 2nd season and then went out and bought the 1st season just to know what I missed! i’ve been dying for spring/summer to come because i know that’s when the season usually ran and i find out it’s been cancelled. i agree that A&E plays so many reruns of other shows as well as all that paranormal stuff and that ridiculous steven segal show, but a great original series gets knocked out because ratings dropped? hopefully another network picks it up…
I was just curious when the new season was going to start!!!! What a bummer!!!! I can’t believe they would cancel a show that I would never miss. Not to mention with such a great cast.
Benjamin Bratt is the best!!! I think A&E should rethink this decision.. The Cleaner is where it is at, as a person in recovery the show is something special.
The show was great and the only problem is that it stopped the number one commodity in the U.S. drugs.
I love the Cleaner. Everytime a staion gets a good show, they cancel it. I have no reason to watch A & E any more. Bring back the Cleaner
I just found out also that The Cleaner was cancelled. What a waste, it was a great show. There is nothing else on this channel for me. In fact The Cleaner was the only reason I even started watching this channel. I hate all the crap on tv now. I will miss The Cleaner!
go figure…….when you have a good thing – do everything you can to screw it up. Good going you nuckle heads. Real smart decision! NOT!
Checked t0night to find out when my favorite show was to begin again – only to find out it has been cancelled. Rarely do I watch this channel – but The Cleaner was great work. I will truly miss it and hope the network changes their minds.
I am older than the demographic but was fascinated by the show…well written, superbly acted and always compelling. I wouldn’t miss it and recorded it when needed. If the decision was economic…A&E couldn’t afford the high caliber actors, why didn’t one of the major networks pick it up? This show is better than 2/3rds of what passes on prime time….in the same calaber as NCSI and Criminal Minds. What are the networks thinking?
I can’t believe they cancelled this GREAT show! I loved it and didn’t miss an episode. I was looking forward to season 3. A&E has too many shows on that are reruns, e.g., CSI, Criminal Minds, etc.! This show and cast will truly be missed.
This is very sad news. I thought The Cleaner was one of the best shows on any network. It was possibly the best at showing the everyday stuggles that.. addicts and those close to addicts go through in their lives. I do watch A&E’s Intervention regularly. I wonder what A&E’s replacement will be for The Cleaner, maybe more reruns of The Soprano’s, Criminal Mind, or CSI Miami. I know I’ve seen every episode of CSI Miami at lease twice. I guess Hoarders is the new in thing now, how many of these can you watch because each episode is pretty… Read more »
I seldomly watch A&E because I prefer to watch true-reality type shows (48hrs, 911, fbi investigates, intervention, etc) I can learn from. I started watching ‘The Cleaner’ from the episode one until it ended. If I missed a show, I was sure to watch it online. This was a phenominal show based on one man’s true-story of his daily dedication in helping drug addicts in need. Its my opionion this show should NOT have been cancelled. Considering its A&E, three seasons was a good run for them. Just because the ratings were as good as Season 1 was no reason… Read more »
Booooo!!!!! I love the cleaner. It was an excellent show! A&E has horrible shows, i don’t even watch the network now. Grrr. The cleaner should be brought back.