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?
Geeze! I just found out about them dropping the cleaner. This is just so upsetting!!! Just when you really really get into it they sneak up and just rip it away with no warning and not a care in the world about how others feel. Figures. How can we possibly make our voices heard?? Where can we go to or write the person about this with petitions in hand if needed???? Any ideas out there anyone??? We pay for television big time in many way so the public should have SOME kind of input since they seem to have our… Read more »
I am sorry that this show was cancelled. I thought that it was only going to gain in popularity HOWEVER, the lack of “sexual” content in it could’ve been its “demise.” I personally don’t think that it needed any of this but somehow, shows that lack in this department, DO NOT fair well with audiences. IT REALLY IS A SHAME! Now we all can have more of what we’ve always got like Law & Order, all day. everyday. woo………hoo…..
I found this show to be very touching and motivating. As for some viewers it hit the head on the nail. I cant believe its canceled. I was so looking forward to season 3 and now not sure what will fill in the big shoes of replacing it. Wish the cast the best of luck and thanks for 2 awesome seasons!!
Wow-I am so disappointed. This was an incredible show that taught not only me, but my 2 teenagers what happens when you let addiction into your life. We need more “role models” like William Banks on TV. It’s amazing what one person can do to help another one. Boo Hoo! Maybe another network will pick it up……
I just found out about this now. I was SO looking forward to a new season of The Cleaner. I cannot believe that A&E would cancel this show. How is it, a show about exterminators is more important than a show that is about real life issues that are heart breaking and on going.
EPIC FAIL A&E!
I truly loved this show and I am very sad that it has been cancelled. Extremely disappointing! A&E made a bad decision and should really reconsider their decision. All my friends and family will be disappointed as well.
This really really turns me off! A lot of disappointing group of people up here in Maine! Time to turn off and cancel A&E…your getting too quirky!! Loved everything about that show………..sign off!
Hated to see it go! Loved it.
I loved this show sooooooo much!! why would they take such a deep and amazing show away i have been patiently waiting for it for so long! I am very sad about it!
This was an excellent show. Really hate to see it cancelled. Seems like any shows that actually have people helping people or that involve God in any form, just don’t make it and that’s a real shame for our society. Maybe if we could learn to help one another this world would be a better place.
I can’t believe it. I have been waiting for season 3. Oh my, this was one of my favorite shows and THE only reason why I watched A&E. I’m tired of reality show and this one was an excellent show. Some network please pick up “The Cleaner.” I will still have to start Benjamin Bratt though. He is such an awesome actor.
They did it again:(:( The network cancelled another great show. Not surprised though…..Many shows have been given the axe. A&E would not know a good thing if it hit them in the face. Poor judgement on their part…..A loss for everyone. My hope is that perhaps another network will pick up “The Cleaner”.
This sucks! I loved this show and couldn’t wait for season 3, once again, something good to finally watch and they yank it, thanks A&E for being an A**.
The show was great and if A&E really listened to their viewers it wouldn’t have been canceled in the first place. I can honestly say that it was probably one of the main reasons I watched that channel. Not to mention that it was very realistic and most people could relate to it. The show actually helped people. It helped me to know that other families go through that same thing with their loved ones in danger. Profit over value is always a bad decision
I am heartbroken that such a valuable show was cancelled. I thought that TV was supposed to inform as well as entertain and when I watched “The Cleaner”, I applauded A&E for accomplishing that theory. Now, for the most part A&E has chosen to take the low road and flood the screen with mindless, useless-to-noone-except-the-actors-and-the-network garbage! Thumbs Way Down for that one A&E!