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 just can’t believe they canceled my favorite show on tv. I am sooo bummed! Please bring it back! All my friends & I watched it every week! You’ve got to be kidding taking it off for those stupid reality shows! Aren’t there enough of those already?! Ok now I’m getting upset! Just bring it back A&E or else I’ll never watch a&e again!!!
Jenn “addict”
The Cleaner was one of the best and most emotionally captivating dramas on TV. It’s an outrage that this series be dropped in favor of all those crappy unscripted reality programs. Sorry to say I won’t be a loyal viewer any longer, A&E. This is an outrage.
I MISS THIS SHOW> I REALLY MISS THE GREAT ACTING
I have nothing to watch on A&E now……. bad, bad choice!!
LOVED IT!!!
BRING “THE CLEANER” BACK!!! My husband & I both loved that show!
i loved this show. it was one of the best written shows on tv. i guess the network would rather save some money and put some stupid reality show on so some more people can get their 15 minutes. i sincerely hope that another station picks up this show.
One of the best series I’ve ever watched. It touched me personally. I just don’t understand. I hope another network picks it up. I was looking forward to watching it this past summer.
can’t believe a&e cancelled this show,it was great and different from most.It really could
have brought notice to the station,most people can find it or doesn’t look at it.Hopefully,
another station can see or hear how great it was,because this station was only one word…………….DUM<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Very poor judgement A&E. No longer think you are a leader among network creativity and genuine tv entertainment. Shame on you!
Loved the show. Going to miss it. Hopefully, it will come back on.
I’m so bummed that A&E canceled this show!!!! Bad choice on A&E’s part!
I loved this show, it was an inspiration to me, being a recovering drug-addict myself. It gave me insight on my life and made me proud of my choices so far. Plus it was an all out amazing show, period! Ben Bratt is an AMAZING actor, i will miss this series dearly.
When you finally find a series that shows the reality of life, they cancel it. This is a show that I allowed my children to watch so they knew what to expect if they did drugs. Bad choice for A&E. Let us hope another network picks it up!
WOW this is a very poor choice A&E!!! The Cleaner introduced me to your station and it was one of the best series out there! Another station will pick this series up, you wait!
this is way too disappointing!!! i loved this show and was wondering why the hell it wasnt still on!