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 to cannot believe they cancelled such an awesome show. Benjamin Bratt was wonderful. As were all the other actors.
I would rather watch The Cleaner than Intervention any day! I know they say..Ratings.blah, blah, blah. Who knows the real reason. It’s a very BAD move on A & E
part.
It would be great if another network picked it up.
I am devestated this show has been cancelled. This was quality programming for a change instead of cops chasing bad guys or lawyers having affairs in thier offices. I am really sad to see it go. I never missed and episode. I guess cheap realitiy TV is what this world has come to.
I absolutely loved this show. I was married to an alcoholic and drug abuser for 19 years, and I could relate to this show. All the actors were great. When I saw Benjamin Bratt do a cameo on Law and Order a couple of weeks ago, I knew The Cleaner had been cancelled. What a shame, I never missed an episode even if I had to record it.. I agree with the Guest above who wrote ,just because you can get those horrendous shows cheaper, you choose to air them instead of something actually entertaining and of value as well.
I was very sad to see this show cancelled, especially considering some of the garbage they continue to renew (Dog the Bounty Hunter, Hoarders, The Jacksons ???). My husband is a recovering alcoholic, and this show touched him deeply and brought him hope. We never missed an episode.
It disappoints me that people would rather watch “unscripted” reality shows than a well written and acted drama series. They are few and far between and now one of the last good ones is gone.
I couldn’t be more disappointed. As a recovered alcoholic myself, I could appreciate the accurate portrayals of the addicts and their specific story lines. This show was right on- as genuine as Intervention and Hoarders. I, too, hope that another network has the insight to see the value in The Cleaner.
A& E definitely made a mistake taking this on off.
This show was terrific and I for one would love to see it back on the air.
I think cancelling this show was a BAD idea. The show was great. It shows the outcome to many ‘real life’ situations. The episodes had good and bad situations showing that sometimes it works and sometimes it doesnt’t. Really sad to get rid of a good show.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH A&E, THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST SERIES ON A& E.
just like a&e to cancel a great series.
i think we should stop watching a &e so they will be cancelled.
debbie stanley
I am so upset; my husband and I loved “The Cleaner.” We both used to “use,” and we have been free of drugs for over 20 years with the help of God as well, and we found it true to real life with its ups and downs. You get by and get through with the help of God and family. We loved Benjamin Bratt and the whole crew. I too hope that another network will pick it up. Is there any way to get something to A & E so they find out how many people really want this show… Read more »
I am beyond upset– this was my favorite show– I cannot believe this! I thought both season were excellent– how stupid is A&E! any hope it will be picked up by a more savvy network?
Really foolish to drop relevant well acted shows.
I didn’t get a chance to watch the original series but was fortunate to watch someone else copies and thought it was a great show. I work for a rehab and we watch the series as part of the treatment program. They are compelling and edge of your seat good. I so hate that it was cancelled. Maybe they can bring it back???
I’m very sad to see yet another good show go bye bye… ratings like reviews are not always correct…
Great show! Too bad it’s gone. Not a smart choice to cancell!
Sooooo……………..sad! Loved it!!!!!!!