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?
Looking to see when season 3 starts. CANCELLED!!!! WHAT!!!! Having dealt with the addiction of someone I loved who comitted suicide, I loved this show. Wish I’d have known about this man four years ago. Bring it back. I’m sure he will never run out of stories.
I was very dissapointed when I found out the The Cleaner had been cancelled. It was my favorite and it’s stories really hit home to me. Being a recovering addict myself I was really moved and touched by the stories, I really hope another network picks it up, tv really needs a show like this that explains the struggles of an addict.
I am evtremely unhappy that The Cleaner will not be coming back on. My husband and myself both enjoyed this program. I didnt have to read a book while he was watching some stupid show like the The Family Guy or American Dad, etc…. Benjamin Bratt brought soo much to theis program. His Character was awesome. Sorry to see it go….. :o(
I was so disappointed to learn that series has been cancelled. Good acting, good storylines and a great series. It always amazes me that crap like Private Practice can remain on TV but a great series like The Cleaner is cancelled. Please bring this series back!!
Nah thats stupid… Bring the show back it had substance not like all the other crap on TV.. What can we do to get it back on?? Love love love the show..
Oh A&E I’m so very disappointed in you. I loved this. I happened to see it while flipping channels and saw Benjamin Bratt and decided to watch as I always thought he was very attractive. Eventually There was a weekly gathering of me and some of my friends at my apartment to watch, and I dvr’d every episode. I’ve been waiting for the show to come back and am very disappointed that of all the nonsense on television these days, the good shows seem to be the ones that get cut. *sigh* Thanks for disappointing me A&E.
if this season went for seven years, i would never miss an episode. Benjamin Bratt is truly superb. All the guest stars were fantastic ~ Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Lewis, etc.
Come on A&E ~ you have a gem here.
STUPID, STUPID, STUPID a&e. I loved this show. It had a great story line that was based on a real person. Benjamin Pratt was great and so was the supporting cast. I will really miss this cast. Hopefully a real network will pick up this superb show.
I was just checking to see when the Cleaner was going to start again and found out this very depressing news. I love this show and truly wish they would not have cancled it. it was so raw and real. very hard to find that these days on T.V. A&E should have really thought twice about cancelling this show……. truely very disappointing!!!!!
I was wonder when it would be back on so decide to search and find the bad news. This was one of the shows we did not have to fight over the TV about we both enjoyed watching. Do you know how hard it is to find a show that both the “caveman husband” and “chick flick wife” can watch together. Very disappointing!
Very disappointed to see my show cancelled….I was and avid Cleaner watcher, and I thought it really hit home on a realistic level. Why do the networks get rid of good shows and not shows that genuinely deserve to GO!!! Bring it back, it deserves the acclaim and for being on air.
I can not believe A&E would make such a foolish decision to cancel The Cleaner. This show was so original and like nothing any other channel had that its cancelation is pure stupidity! The writing, the acting, the theme, all of it was just a perfect blend to a great show. Now TNT has all the good shows… Way to go A&E!
This surely is a depressing note. I really enjoyed watching The Cleaner. There are so many shows on television that are a waste of time. At least this show didn’t make me want to fall asleep out of boredom.
I have been waiting for The Cleaner to start again and got very impatient that it wasn’t on yet. I googled it and found this awful news…. I am so disappointed with A & E! I hope another network will pick up this one of a kind awesome show! It gives a needed voice to how many people in this world are drawn into addiction & need help to get out… so sad you sold out A & E.. I am done with you!
This was the best show on tv!! Why don’t you cancel one of those stupid hoarding shows and bring back the cleaner! What is wrong with you, a&e??????