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?
I’ve been waiting for the promos for The Cleaner on A&E, then checked out the upcoming episodes on my TIVO only to see there were none. Went online and just found out it’s been cancelled. I am so disappointed as I am so often when I find that rare show I decide to follow and it gets dumped. Lately I don’t even begin watching a show until it has been on for years, and I watch the reruns on cable. Hoping the network or another picks up this amazing drama.
All the best shows get cancelled. I don’t understand it. The Simpsons and Family Guy get put on for YEARS and they’re horrible, but let a good quality show come out and it’s cancelled.
OMG! I LOVED THIS SHOW. BRING IT BACK.
i was looking forward to watching a 3rd season. the cleaner was a great show that should not have been cancelled. bring it back!
My brother is a drug addict. The show helped me and my mom get threw some of our real life problems. We even got my recovering brother to watch it.
The TV producers only renew stupid reality shows and sitcoms. The real life stuff and good shows that coincide with our lives get cancelled.
I was wondering what happened to the show. I always check the guide thinking maybe time or day had changed, but it never showed up. I loved that show, never missed an episode. There are so many reality tv shows about issues and interventions, however this was way better then any of them, not to mention a story line to follow. It actually had the whole story of someones life and that people can make a difference with understanding and experience. I found the show very inspiring that people who have “been there, done that” really can understand more of… Read more »
I am SO sad they cancelled this show! My husband and I faithfully watched both seasons and were anxiously waiting for this season. When we didn’t find it listed in the “guide” – that prompted us to search the web for news. Bad decision for A&E. I hope they’ll reconsider and bring it back.
Say it aint s0!
Why in the world would they cancel this show!
I loved it!!
This is so upsetting!!! I loved this show and it was so real not to mention how extremely handsome Benjamin Bratt was. It left with so many unanswered questions. Maybe this will change and it will air again…..I hope.
Wow…this was such an inspering show, that should’ve never been cancelled! Just like intervention and other addiction shows have poked theyre head out in the last few years this show like so many others has shown people(addicts) that there is a way out. Just like all the reality shows in this same category,The Cleaner makes it clear that the stereo type of an adddict is over rated,anyone, whether they look like it or not can use some type of help for there lushes!
BIG MISTAKE…BIG MISTAKE
@admin
What did you mean when you put “No Season Three for Benjamin Bratt” on there?
@Pikachu: Cancelled after two seasons.
I can’t believe they cancelled this show. Me and my daughter loved watching it. I hope they get enough negative feedback about the cancellation and decided to move forward with another season.
I agree withheather. And another thing I’m noticing, what’s with all the commercials? Not only are there fewer good tv programs but now the damn info-mercials have taken over. Thank God for NETFLIX so I can rent the good programs with NO COMMERCIALS.
I am so bummed!!!!!!!!!!! Once summer rolls around there are so few good shows on to watch and this was one of the best