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?
This show helped someone close to me know that they needed help and gave him courage to do something about his addiction problems. He knew it wouldn’t be easy because it is not easy for the realistic ways this show is depicted. I cannot stand it that another great show is gone. what is the point of watching TV anymore.
I was so looking foward to the return of this show. Why is it that the best shows always get cancelled. Come on A&E. Give us a break
Such a shame – this show doesn’t glamorize the drug scene. In fact it does just the opposite. I am shocked by how these people live and some chose to stay on drugs! The acting is teriffic and I’ve gotten to really care about the main characters. This is such a good show – please, please don’t cancel it!
What in the world are they thinking?!? Everyone that I have talked to that has watched this show can’t wait to see the new seaon. I hadn’t heard anything so I was checking it out. I am VERY sorry to see this show go. My husband loved it too.
A & E ….. PLEASE CONSIDER BRINGING BACK THE CLEANER!!!!!
WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU CANCEL THE CLEANER…..
THIS SERIES IS ONE OF THE BEST EVER…
PLEASE BRING IT BACK
I am so tired of low budget, low interest, ridiculous “reality” shows that seem to dominate the airwaves. These networks wonder why there is no interest in their programming.
Yes I agree with all the above comments. There was a whole group of us sitting around New Year eve talking about The Cleaner and saying what a great show it was. Everyone said it will be back in the spring, but I will let them know it has been cancelled.
Its too bad that you wouldn’t get rid of some of the other stupid shows that are on. Please bring the Cleaner back with the same actors.
This really sucks another good show off the air…..what a shame I really enjoyed watching it and the truth behind it. 🙁
I can’t believe A&E cancelled this show!! My husband and I loved how reality based this show was. It definitely showed people that they could get through some of the hardest situations people can experience. Not to mention Benjamin Bratt was Excellent along with all of the other cast members. It is a very moving and emotional show that I’m sure alot of Americans can relate to whether society wants to admit it or not. Almost everybody has come across addiction in some form. Even if they are not the ones with the addiction. I thought the show offered hope… Read more »
I am very shocked and unhappy that The Cleaner was cancelled. What are u people thinking? We thought it to be thought provoking for many folks and helpful to thoses struggling with addiction. The acting was over the top and the actors were supurb, what a great cast, they made sense to be cast together, they complemented one another. We don’t get how the best shows on T.V. get cancelled and the “****” is still on t.v., nor your scoring used to decide what shows get cancelled…………..You have made a mistake on this one.
I can’t beleive they cancelled the show. It seems that they always take the good shows off the air and keep some that have no reason being on tv.
Will miss it sorry to see it end
I loved watching the cleaner because it didnt glamorize drug use it showed the ups and downs of it. it was the most realistic show about drug and alcohol addicts and got people thinking more about it and realized that they can get help and it does get better. i would really like to see this show come back and drop something so useless and timewasting like hoarders.
I wish A&E will reconsider, I loved this show I never missed it. The Cleaner had meaning to it, my sons even watched it and it showed them they did not want to ever try drugs. Please think about this it is a great show. I am not just saying this because of the other comments but I will not watch A&E if it is not on for a 3rd season, that was the only show that I watched on that channel!!
I am terribly angry that they have discontinued “The Cleaner” it was far better than most of the television shows they have on tv this season. It showed more of the distruction drugs have on family and friends. I was so looking forward to seeing it again this season. I was also sorry they cancelled “The Beast” when they did I had hoped they could air at least one more season before Patricks unfortunate death!
I agree with the other comments. I really enjoyed this show. Hit home for me. I also agree that I will stop watching A&E, they offer nothing for me.