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?
Very disappointing, was one of the best and my favorite shows on tv. Very good drama and real life. Loved the show!
I LOVED THIS SHOW!!!!!!! I am so pissed that they cancelled it. They have the stupidest show on today that I cant be that surprised but still I am surprised. I guess people don’t want to watch a show with substance just crappy ones that a 1 year old child would find immature.
I, also hope/wish someone will pick it up, somebody smart enough to know a great show when they see it. I have an older child that fights his addiction every day, and another that has been clean for 22yrs. they loved this show ’cause of it’s positive message that it can be done, and how you can go on to help others.
This was my favorite show. My friends and I that are in recovery would get together and watch this every week during the season. It is/was the most realistic portrayal of addiction and recovery that has ever been made. Even the reality shows while real (I think) don’t depict the challenges of people in long term recovery as they try to navigate our drug indoctrinated society. It was obvious to us that the nuances captured by the writers of this drama could only come from someone that had lived both lives. Every week a new dynamic was addressed, I can… Read more »
I will miss this show. I really enjoyed watching it. It was well writtened and well acted. I hope another network picks it up. How come the powers-that-be never ask us what we want? I am tired of crap on television. I am tired of stupid reality shows. The Cleaner was show made you think and at times it was extremely gut wrenching. I want this show back on the air!
You know I just got finished watching your new show”The Glades” (I realize this space is not about that) but just had to say that you CANCELLED the cleaner which was a GREAT SHOW and delivered a POSITIVE MESSAGE, to put on this kind of TRASH> And then have the nerve to say MOVE OVER “CSI MIAMI” it is not even in the same league. The lead man looks like a BUM, acts like an IDIOT and the show TOTALLY SUCKS!!!!!!!
“The Cleaner” is truly missed! Reality TV often replaces good quality shows like “the Cleaner” – it’s a shame indeed!
I’m dating myself but I remember when the most popular shows were kept on the air. Now if the show is trashy and saves the network money then it’s aired over and over again regardless if anyone is watching. The Cleaner was one of the best shows ever. Let’s hope TNT or USA picks it up!
i wish one of the larger networks like abc or nbc could pick it up….i was sooooo looking forward to season three i am sooo disappointed. it touched a place in my heart along with anyone else who has been touched by the struggles of addiction whether it was them or someone they loved…millions of americans can relate to the show and wish they would have met william banks before their addiction got the best of them. please bring it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I truly miss this show, too. I have so much trouble finding anything of value like this show was and honestly I don’t think it will happen. They just don’t keep the good shows.
I totally agree with Barbara P. re: the executives, all they think about is $$$$$$$ and their STUPID TRASHY reality CRAP!!!!!
this was the best tv show. It had the most posative message and im sorry to see it go.
The Cleaner was one of the most profoundly original,exceptionally,well put together ,written and the acting was superb. I am very disappointed that it was not picked up. You’d rather put on reality trash than have a quality show. It is most unfortunate that we can’t get rid of executives who have no taste as easily.
Bring it on!!
Unbelievable. One of the best shows to come to TV, and it’s gone. But I’m not surprised. Too ahead of its time for the American public. And, yes, GOD forbid we mention GOD.
AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!