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?
Shocked! This show really hit home for me. I’m sad to see it gone. The cast created for this show was a great ensemble. It taught so much. Warren Boyd, you are a true inspiration to those who take care of addicts in our lives and give them a chance. I know I do everyday.
Warren, thank you for sharing your story with the world. It will always be a close part in my heart, mind and soul.
This was the BEST show! A&E shame on you..There has to be some smart network out there that would pick this show up
I love this show!
Very dissappointed to hear it was canceled, maybe another network will pick it up? Enjoyed every episode and either watched it live or set the DVR to record it.
I am very sad to see this show cancelled. It was by far one of the best shows on the air. I hope that another station with some brains (tnt,fx,tbs,spike) picks this show up.
this show was awesome! I loved it! Why’d they have to cancel iiiit! =[
why cancel such a great show? i dont get it, great acting and stories. i agree, cancel that and put on kristie ally???? ignorant!! very disappointed in this station.
When a TV show garners the respect of the viewing audience, the network (A&E) should rethink why they chose to cancel “The Cleaner.” It packed a punch and was current regarding some of the issues facing our society. It covered all genders and it covered all races and it covered all ages. It was a show that was credible. Now, we (as the public) do not have much say-so regarding what is presented to us on TV, but I for one have had enough with murder (CSI-Miami, CSI-NY, Cold Case, Criminal Minds, NCIS, etc) and reality (Survivor, Kendra, Keeping Up… Read more »
I LOVED this show. I am really sad to find out that A&E decided to cancel it. It had a lot of potential and the story was so inspiring…. 🙁
Well another great show cancelled!!! I guess A&E thinks people would rather watch a silly reality show like ” Kirstie Alleys BIG LIFE instead of something thats a real heart warming drama with a message of hope!! Well i guess the “fat and untalented” win out!! But since most Americans are so fat, i guess they can relate while sitting on their couch eating popcorn and pizza!!! Bring back true acting!!! Whats next, a show featuring “facebook/myspace” addicts who can’t leave their computer for fear of missing the latest gossip!!! ohhh now there’s an idea A&E!!!
I couldn’t believe it when THE CLEANER disappeared suddenly. Someone near and dear to me is a recovering alcoholic and while he rarely watches TV, he watched this along with me and found strong truths in it, as did I. As an earlier comment said the show addresses important social issues. We concur. The acting and writing were superb. Cancelled? Is A & E crazy?
I loved this show. It was probably one of the only really good TV left. And now its gone. A&E has cancelled all of its worthwhile original shows and replaced everything with pointless reality crap. Major thumbs down to A&E.
awesome show! sorry to see it go
The Cleaner was the best show on TV. I loved this show and couldn’t wait for each week’s episode. Why do they always cancel the good shows? They keep crap reality stuff and cancel good shows that have an important message. This wasn’t just a tv show, it showed the ins and outs of addiction and how addiction effects the entire family. Shame on A & E. But b/c of this I no longer have any reason to even flip on their channel.
I love this show dammit