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?
I AM SAD ABOUT CANCELLING THE CLEANER AS I LIKED IT ALOT.
OH WELL another good show down the drain.
This particular show is and was reality that most people just brush under the table if they are not touched by the heartbreak of addictions and ultimate loss. Benjamin’s talk with his higher power (I prefer to think of as God) many times had insight of how the futility of trying to help an addict get their lives back was so defeating by the power of the drug. The drug dealers only make me hate them even more for their cupable involvement in bringing down humankind – they might as well be killing them and they are – slowly. I… Read more »
My wife and I are very sad and disappointed that this series has been cancelled. It was a great drama series that depicted real life issues and not a reality show. The writing and acting got better and better. Ironically, they brought in bigger budget actors in season two to keep the series from sinking and they end up getting axed because of budget concerns. A&E has no other shows that I’m interested in. What a shame.
Well this is as stupid as any one can believe!!!!! Why would you cancel a geat show like the The Cleaner it is edcational and entertanting. I really hope that another station pick it up.
A&E you are very STUPID!!!!!!!
LOVE this show!! I did find it a bit less compelling in the second season (trying to carry too many stories in an episode) but now I know why. What a shame. This was real television that can make a difference.
Great show and will be missed! Drives me crazy, the networks hook you and then pull the shows leaving you hanging! What a rip!
Unbelievable, to remove a show that can actually teach us a good thing or two about life was removed. Am sure that if the show had a negative impact on us, it would still be airing. No wonder this country is turning into violence. I am not one to watch muchTV, but when I began to watch The Cleaner I became a true fan of the show. I hope it is aired again, maybe someone else will pick up the show.
In season one, Benjamin was more human, torn between the commitment to his family and his clients, and also struggling with his addiction. The family and team member’s characters were being developed really well, to the point where it kept you coming back because you wanted to know if Melissa would take William back, if Melissa would have an affair with her boss, if Ben would start using drugs, if Lula, the perfect child, would snap and cut her wrists or something, if William and Akani would give in to the sexual tension, if Swenton would be able to come… Read more »
I’m very disappointed that this show was canceled.
Yes, I am very upset it was one of the best shows on TV! I love Mr Bratt and I am sick to death of those reality shows BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO A&E
I am very upset. The highlight of my Tuesdays was to watch the Cleaner. But ya know what, A&E’s loss. If Ben is lucky, maybe the creators/ directors will find another Network to pick it up so we can continue watching the weekly adventures of the Cleaner!!!
this completely blows my hope that TV had finally found a worthwhile project to show a positive side to the fastest growing sickness in our society and the recovery efforts that work at least as well as any program. I guess REAL reality isn’t popular enough to impress the executives at A&E. Benjamin Bratt had finally found a character he was born for, and the other actors/actresses portrayed their parts as if they were plucked from the actual world, not TV land. thank you to the cast and crew for the most inspirational series since MASH and China Beach
the cleaner was the best show on a&e. you need to bring it back and get rid of some of the other scrap you show.
I am so disappointed about this cancellation. I wish that another tv station would consider picking the show up like The Medium or Scrubs. Instead we are subjected to more reality tv, like Dog the Bounty Hunter or Hoarders or that weirdo Criss Angel show!