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?
What’s up with the network, why take off a great show. Until the Cleaner came on your channel I never watched A&E. One of the best shows on TV. Back to the other channels that will offer some good shows. Shame on A&E! Vicki.
It is very sad to see this show go, it was an inspiration to clients at my employment (crises center; mental and substance abuse). I think season two was even more powerful than one. It was a tell it like it is type of show, and most are just not ready for truth!! Bring it back A & E, be bold and spread some help and knowledge! Sorry but you have lost viewers in north Florida, but you are making so much money you don’t really care.
Let me start by saying I was ticked off when I found A&E canceled the Cleaner. I think what Warren Boyd (he is the man the character is based on) is doing is honorable and I feel that people have the right to know what is going on. With the Cleaner the viewers (me included) got to see what one mans fight can do to help someone. Yes he has a team of great people working with him but it takes a lot to face an addict. It also shows one person can make a difference to someone and in… Read more »
I too no longer will watch A&E, no point. They keep coming out with reality ******** one after another. A&E needs to wake up
Yes I agree with all comments. What a waste of a perfect tv time. I just hope that they get this back on the air. I am not holding my breath. I would die if I tried.
The show was good, but it was just too dark. I know that was the reality of the show and its premise, but after seeing one drug addict -alcoholic after another be rescued from the depths of hell week after week, it just got old and quite frankly depressing. The show needed something to break-up the monony of the drug-addict of the week storylines. IMO it needed an underlying story arc other than William’s relationship with his family that would’ve given the audience a bit of a break from addict of the week scenario. After Season 2 ended I’d already… Read more »
Disappointing! I totally connected with the show and will take my programming needs elsewhere! TV Execs SUCK!
I can’t believe A&E cancelled The Cleaner. This show could, did and probably could have continued to save lives. How is it that those stupid reality shows like Housewives of Atlanta or whatever continue to torture us? Even the reality show SURVIVOR continues. How is “The Cleaner” not a show about REAL survival?? I’m so saddened by this and I know people who suffer from addition needed this show.
A&E you suck, man. u took off a really good show. who cares about those “botox zombie” shows.
I AM OUTRAGED. they can make 20 shows about the same old thing but when a real good show comes along they get rid of it…a&e really messed up.
For whatever it is worth, I also no longer will watch A&E. The cleaner was a “real” show one that unfortunately many can relate to. Who wants to watch dancing with the stars, or American Idol, or any reality shows, (don’t know, nor care what channels they are on) other than the CLEANER which was a reality show. I shall resume reading good books.
That really stinks!! It was my favorite show more than 24! which was my favorite,,so much junk on A and E and then you get a good life saving show that people can relate too,I know it has had to help thousands of people,,,bad move,,loved all the cast!!!
NO!!!!!!! I am also done with A&E.. they finally get one thing right and up and cancel it?! Incredibly disappointing, this show was amazing.
I am very upset that The Cleaner will not be back!! This was a wonderful show and I am so sad that it was cancelled. The show offered true life drama about addicition, and I know someone who was stuggling with addiction this show may have saved a life. How could A&E do this, I am with you on not watching any more show’s that A&E offers
Well, this makes it official. I will no longer watch any shows on A&E. After looking for reasons to watch anything I found The Cleaner. What a disappointment.