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?
Funny how they do away with a show that can truly help people across the Globe!! A & E messed up on this decision; The Cleaner was a one in a million show with dramatic but true story lines….you cant get more real than dealing with addictions which in one way or another we all suffer from!!
I miss this show and its cast!!!!
The network didn’t even have the decency to let people know properly that the show was I not coming back. I had to search and google to find out about if The Cleaner was returning. They treated this show, and Benjamin Bratt, with utter disrespect, in my opinion. The cast also was a fantastic cast. I really miss the show and wish they could have passed it on to another network, maybe USA. USA and TNT seem to know how to treat their shows. I tune in to their new shows – the other networks’ new shows I am ignoring.
ya i just found out today when i read this because i was woundering why it wasnt already back on when i found out i was sad why i loved Benjamin Bratt great actor and great storyline
That totally bites!!!! I really liked this show!
i guess you can only beat a dead horse for so long. same story, different characters. bye bye
A shame to let this program go to the grave yard. It was very original and explored issues in a way not seen before on TV. The entire cast was superb! Especially Benjamin Bratt. Hopefully, A&E will rethink this foolish decision before it’s too late and the actors go else where.
Why does t.v. always get rid of the good ones? This was a awesome show! I’m sure the fact that it had a “religious theme” had something to do with it. Heaven forbid someone decides to air & keep a show that offers some hope & faith!
That was one of the best dramas on TV.
OMG! Cancelled-This is very sad cuz I was not aware of The Cleaner being cancelled and was wondering when it was coming back. I must say this rating stuff may not mesh w/reality. Well should I be surprised after the unrealistic and rushed ending to Galactica–I still haven’t recovered. Then the insipid and wussy and unimaginative ending to LOST–I could not even begin to express my disbelief that these writers could ever get a job again!! The Cleaner may have needed a tighter script and more suspense but then again the writers and directors are to blame for this. Fire… Read more »
I miss The Cleaner. Great cast and writing. Hope it comes back, perhaps on a different network.
Sooo upset that A&E cancelled The Cleaner. It was a great show and Benjamin Bratt was outstanding as William Banks! It was a different and I loved how it showed his struggle and compassion for other addicts. Bad decision, A&E
This was the only thing I watched on A&E, sad to see it go
I can’t believe they canceled one of the best shows on tv.Coming from a woman who is married to a recovering addict,this show had brought so much into my life!!How sad!!!! No reason to watch A&E anymore!!!
too bad the canceled this show. Great cast, good story lines. Why was it canceled???
By all means let’s do away with anything entertaining and thought provoking and add yet another mindless stupid reality show. Now there’s some brainless entertainment.
I will miss The Cleaner and it’s cast. Benjamin Bratt was priceless.