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?
This is a tragedy!!!! This was the best show on TV. I used to watch A&E all the time but have to admit lately with shows like Dog, Exterminator, and now Fugitive what is going on I am very dissappointed in the network and hope they reconsider.
I am very disappointed to hear The Cleaner got canceled. Being in recovery myself the show is real and true to the everyday struggle of being addicted. I HOPE another network picks up this show. TNT did pick Southland it’s a great show. GO TNT! All of my favorite shows get cancelled. BIG THUMPS DOWN TO A&E. Will never watch them again.
Need to think cancelling The Cleaner. I am finding i am watching less tv. Finding it harder to find shows i enjoy. I am so sick of reality tv. SOON I WILL BE ABLE TO SAVE MONEY BY CANCELLING CABLE.
I was just checking to see when the Cleaner was coming back on and am really disappointed that the show was cancelled. I loved it. It was one of the best programs on TV. I loved seeing Benjamin Bratt play this character – I loved the plot line between addiction/sobriety and deals with God. I hope that another network picks this show up.
Being the wife of an addict, this show was often painful to watch. I do, however, have to give it a huge amount of applause for how realistic it truly was. “Intervention” is SO fake and it’s supposed to be a “reality show”. Yeah right. The entire cast of “The Cleaner”, down to the kids, was exceptional! The story lines were awesome and the guest appearances added a lot, too. The writing was wonderful. It was so easy to connect with everyone. Why would you cancel a show that has merit and keep on something mindless as “Dog”? Gene Simmons’… Read more »
BOOOOO A & E! That was the best show on your station! My husband and I have been waiting for the show to come back on and now that I get online to check when it is coming back on…it has been cancelled! 🙁
I hate when you get someone hooked on the show and then cancel yet you still have these stupid shows still running!
DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just started checking to see when “The Cleaner” would be airing again and again I find that a show with so much merit and that I loved has been cancelled. Based on a real addict who completely turned his life around and is now helping others in the same boat. Bravo to him and to Benjamin Bratt for realistically portraying his character. This show will be missed by many! I know I am one!
Thumbs down to A & E!
This was a great show. I’m sad to see it go.
What the HELL, This was by far the best show on TV and it gets canceled WHY. I dont understand why a show that was well written good acting with a real life feel of the people we all see in everyday life or our selfs looking in the mirror its sad that a great show that helped people is gone and big hair dog gets to stay give me a break you SUCK.
I am so upset, I haven’t been this upset about a show since high school when “my so called life” was canceled. I think this was a great show, and they should bring it back! It was one of the few shows I recorded and looked forward to watching! A&E come on!
Bring The Cleaner back Damn it!!!! I really enjoyed that show and you take it away. Next you’ll be taking away The First 48! You guys suck.
I can’t believe they canceled The Cleaner!! That was my favorite show. I watched religously! I’m supper bummed =( I vote for them to bring it back! Bring back The Cleaner!!!
I cannot believe they cancelled The Cleaner, but keep such cruddy shows as Mind Freak or Dog. I hope another network picks it up.
I can’t believe they cancelled the cleaner I love that program! THERE ARE SO MANY OTHERS THAT COULD BE CANCELLED !LIKE ALL THE REALLITY SHOWS THAT ARE TAKEN OVER………..
My hope is that another network such as TNT or USA would pick it up like TNT did with Southland. I really cant beleive that A&E brought back that show about catching racoons or rats and not The Cleaner. Like do they think we are all just mindless idiots that need our entertainment to be simple. SHAME on you A&E!!!!
Can’t believe it. I finally get involved in a show and poof…gone. Really enjoyed the show being in the so-called off season of tv since I am an adult and am not a teacher. It was a great show too watch while network tv was showing the reruns. Not sure what’s going on with me lately but seems stuff I like is starting to go away…bring the cleaner back A&E…please!!