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?
Men… WTF that show was the best out of all netwotk t.v show. why are you goingto cancel it. It was the best. Yall are SORRY n STUPID….
This show is not only based on real stuff-serious life and death stuff. Like Bratt, I to have benn on both sides of the tracks-except I ventured into the rehab/therapy area.
A&E have many a good shows BUT as Ted mentioned above, the best way to get them the message is to not watch ANYTHING!!! what a sad day….. tom.
I think you have made a hugh mistake in cancelling the cleaner, and my household will not be tuning in to A&E anymore this channel is a LOSER!!!!!
I am telling . . . A&E really does not care what the viewers think about the loss of The Cleaner. They think we will simply let it pass . . . and welcome their new exciting line-up .
WHAT? They think we are stupid when they are stupid. Come on USA . . . pick it up!
You want to send a real message . . . STOP WATCHING A&E!
This is the one drama that was made to help people understand the truth that other people have struggles like theirs in life, no bull just life and made me even know there was an A&E I have been waiting for it to come back, there is no reason to trust a network that gets you hooked and dumps you just like a drug. You have really messed up to cancel “The Cleaner” the actors are the best and deserve more from you. They and us gave you a chance, you didn’t A&E give one to us. I wish someone… Read more »
I think that it is soooo stupid to cancel THE CLEANER it was such a gooood show, and I think you people (who ever it is that decides these things) are just as STUPID !!!!! for doing so. I’ll probably return to the other channels, because yours really, really SUCKS!!
Absolutely one of the best dramas on TV! You have to bring this show back! Another network has to be smart enough pick this show up and understand how to advertise a show!
I’M NOT ASHAMED TO BEG FOR THE RETURN OF MY FAVORITE TV SHOW. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE AR A& E. FINALLY GET A WINNER AND YOU DON’T SEND THE ACTORS OUT TO ALL THE TALK SHOWS TO PROMOTE THEIR GREAT SHOW. WRONG MOVE, BELIEVE ME.
they have lost a true gem. it was so fresh and informative. i learned so much and the acting, story was just great, especially when you see the other networks flooded with garbage being sold as “reality tv”
You blew it A&E. Bring it back. Excellent show!!!!!!
What will you replace it with…..another “reality” show???
I can’t believe they took this off the air! It’s one of the best shows out there!! Please bring it back –
Its a shame to see thought provoking dramas being canned for no good reason. Its back to doing business based on the lowest common denominator ( inane and reality based shows win the day ! )
I really was sorry to hear this show will be cancelled from A&E. I really thought it was awesome. Heart wrenching!
Why, or why? One of the few shows I watch. Bring it back!
A&E are you kidding me? Someone pick up this awesome show. A&E keep up the good work with your unscripted crap.