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 went to look up if The Cleaner and some kind of extended break. I was SO disappointed to discover this!!!! I looked forward to watching such a talented cast. It sucks I won’t be able to see it again 🙁
I will miss The Cleaner. There is so much junk on the telly, and it’s quite sad that a high quality rarity like The Cleaner has been cancelled. A sign of the times. Most of the networks are into one objective, and one objective only: making a big profit. Thus, trashy programming is on the increase, and the public’s diet for quality diminishing.
What is extremely frustrating is the fact that Networks are cancelling compelling and interesting series ie: The Cleaner, In Plain Sight, Mercy (all different channels) just for cheaper programming and assinine reality shows. Enough is enough! It is almost impossible fo find a decent television series now that you can look forward to every week yet you can find a ridiculous reality show on every hour of every day!!!
I cant believe that this show was cancelled! It was definitely one of my favorites! It should b aired again!
Another quality program is a faded memory. The role fit B.B. like a glove, too. he’s never been hotter.
WTF??! Well this is how I find out the show was cancelled? Maaaan am I disappointed! My husband and I watched this show faithfully every season- Ive been waiting and waiting and finally checked today to see when it would be back on? I agree with everyone all of that sillyness on A&E- reality shows and Hoarders?? This was a very good show- an awesome show! I saw the chick from The Cleaner on a new show last night and it made me wonder. You guys really cancelled a great show that was helping a lot of people. How dare… Read more »
WOW! You cancel the cleaner just when it started to become compelling. As it neared its cancellation it was repetitive but, still a good show. I don’t uderstand? And you leave a dumb show like ” The real housewives”. C’mon!!!!!!!!!!
Just heaping on my dissatisfaction too over the show being canceled. Benjamin Bratt had really latched on to developing this character and using it to show that not all of the people we call “heroes” have it easy. A great show, great lessons and even an example that letting a little God in your life can have some positive effects!
A & E was in the wrong for cancelling a great show. Now I watch more reality tv on other stations since the cleaner was based on reality. A & E you made a wrong move. Lost a vivid watcher of your stations. Who cares about hoarders. thats sick and discusting tv.
You cancelled one of the best shows on TV. The Cleaner had the action 24 and the acting of any of the top rated reality shows.
This was one of A&E best shows….Can’t believe after 2 seasons they would cancel a great show like this!!!I am Very disappointed!!! In A&E!!!!
Why is everyone dropping the good shows is it becuase there was not sex in it? A good show about someone that is doing good for people that have a problem. I was faithful and thought about wondering when it was coming back on. Very disappointing.
I absolutely loved this show. Can’t believe they cancelled it.
What a waste !!! My son and I were fateful watchers of the show. Sorry it didn’t make the cut. 🙁
I cannot believe you cancelled The Cleaner. I just checked to see when it was coming on tv again just to find you cancelled it? Unreal. You cancelled one awesome show. But that seems to be what tv does now…find a good show and you cancel it. I’m about to stick to movies and cancel tv altogether. You guys just don’t get it.