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 can’t believe it’s cancelled!!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVED this show. What’s up w/these networks, they keep the sorry shows unless the ratings are over the top but get rid of the good shows. I miss The Cleaner…..wish they’ed bring it back.
I cannot believe u cancelled this show. It was my all time favorite. Benjamin Bratt was outstanding in this. Please bring it back!!!!!!!
I am so sorry to see “The Cleaner” go, such a great show! Finally a show that is deep and thoughtful, story lines about helping others instead of putting yourself first. I am deeply saddened that this show was canceled! A & E, please bring this show back!
I am really disappointed the network decided to cancel “The Cleaner”. I really enjoyed the show, and was looking forward to another season. Get rid of some of or all of the reality shows and bring back “The Cleaner”,PLEASE.
You really had a program that I’m sure would have drawn a bigger viewership had you left it alone. I can remember some shows that made it big when some producers were thinking of cancelling past shows.
Bring the show back.
I can not believe they canceled “The Cleaner”!!! I found it to be a rare breath of fresh air. A real man’s struggle with his faith, sobriety, and family all while helping others get clean. An AMAZING man and a great show. I sincerely hope the network finds it in it’s heart to change it’s mind and bring “The Cleaner” back!!!
I can’t believe they canceled The Cleaner. It made me not want to do drugs. I hope I continue to stay off drugs.
The Cleaner was cancelled but they still show Desperate Housewives, go figure.
I cannot believe The Cleaner was canceled. Nor can I believe the original Law & Order was canceled. Law & Order made some ridiculous casting errors but hey, it is Sam Waterston and it is a lot more educating than CSI. BAD MOVE. And why is it that anytime you come up with a quality show like The Cleaner that actually speaks to the problems many people face today in their families, gets canceled. Again, BAD MOVE!!! If all you want watching television are snookis and twits then keep on the track you are on. There is a reason shows… Read more »
My husband and I absolutely LOVED this show. We told so many people it was by far the best show on television. We are ridiculously upset that a show of this calaber and quality has been cancelled. Get rid of the crap reality shows and put The Cleaner back on. I WANT IT BACK!!!!!
I think that sucks! It was one of my favorite shows! Amazing stories and great actors! Too bad they are not continuing it!
Bring the Cleaner back
I love love loved this show. So sad its gone 🙁 I use to be addicted to pills and heroin.And I’m surrounded by addiction in my family. I started using when I was 15 and I’m now 21 and doing a million times better. I loved this show cuz it helped me see and the world to see that it can happen to anyone. Drugs are an evil thing and can catch u quicker than u know it. And this show portrayed that on a different level than any other show I’ve seen. Def a loss. :'(
wow that stinks!! i really liked that show! i was looking forward to another season but guess not! i could relate to this show on a personal level, being a recovering addict myself. what a shame that they took it off the air.
Finally! I show that alot of people could relate to. Everyone seems to know someone in that type of situation. It was a unique show, and was fun to see cameo appearances. It’s too bad the networks think that EVERYONE likes to see friggen reality shows every day.
Bummer, bummer…BUMMER!!!