It’s been a rough road for Mitch MicDeere. Now, it’s come to an end — at least on NBC. The Firm has been cancelled after one season of 22 episodes.
The Firm picks up years after the young attorney (Josh Lucas) made his deal with the mob to take his old crooked law firm down. He and his family have come out of hiding but their problems haven’t gone away. The show also stars Molly Parker, Callum Keith Rennie, Juliette Lewis, Natasha Calis, Tricia Helfer, Martin Donovan, Shaun Majumder, and Paulino Nunes.
The series represented one of NBC’s biggest launches of the season but it misfired right from the start. The two-hour premiere brought in a dismal 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demographic with just 6.32 million viewers.
When The Firm moved to its regular timeslot on Thursdays a few days later, the numbers got even worse. Week two dropped 29% in the demo and the ratings kept falling in subsequent weeks. After hitting an embarrassing low for a primetime show — a 0.8 demo rating with 2.97 million viewers — NBC sent it packing to Saturday nights.
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The numbers have been awful since that move — even for a Saturday night show. It’s frequently outperformed by movies and crime drama reruns on the other networks.
To date, The Firm has an average of a 0.7 rating in the demo and 2.10 million viewers. On our NBC Ratings Report Card, which measures the relative demo success of shows on the network, the show has a “D-” grade — even after low viewership is taken into account.
On the positive side, NBC’s deal for The Firm is unique and a bit more like the one the network had for Merlin, the supernatural drama produced by the BBC.
Sony and eOne partnered to produce The Firm, primarily for the overseas market. Thanks to pre-sales and Canadian production tax credits, the cost of producing the series was already paid for and NBC was able to pick up the show for a greatly reduced licensing fee, just like any other secondary buyer.
Not surprisingly, The Firm won’t be back on NBC (according to TVWise) because the network has opted not to renew its deal with Sony and eOne. The series could continue to be produced for other markets however and even possibly be picked up by a cable channel here in the US. There’s been no word on the show’s fate beyond NBC so, for now, we’ll have to wait and see.
There are 22 episodes in the first season of The Firm and tonight’s marks the 17th. Right now, the finale is slated for June 23rd. If a second season isn’t going to be produced, hopefully the last episode will supply enough closure for the few million faithful viewers who’ve kept watching.
What do you think? Are you sorry that NBC isn’t continuing the show? Would you watch on another channel or purchase season two on DVD?
Image courtesy NBC.
There are so many horrible shows on TV, but this isn’t one of them. It’s disappointing that they are canceling the show.
I loved The Firm, never wanted the show to end and always looked forward to the next week. Not surprising it had low viewers with the changing of nights it aired. I was always checking to see what night it was on. I don’t think they gave it much of a chance. I hope it comes back !
I’m done with NBC. Should have put the FIRM on Friday nights at 9:00pm. Should cancel the decision makers
So disappointed.. the firm was one of he best series I have watched in a few years.. What to do now without ” The Firm, Prison Break and 24…..Come on NBC this as a great show.
We are so very disappointed to learn the show is cancelled . It is one of my very few favourites. Yes, I would buy season 2 on DVD if it became available.
I loved The Firm! Even the lead actor’s ‘lisping’…..good writing, great acting.
I hope cable picks it up!
Sramota !!! Pravite BUDALE OD GLEDALACA. Ovo postoji samo kod VAS IDIOTA !
So disappointing for The Firm to have ended soon after Season 1. I consider it one of the best series shown on TV. I hope some of these companies bring it back.
I love the Firm and sorry that it was cancelled. I hope someone picks it up.
Very unhappy about this!!! My husband and I really like this show!!
Please, please bring “The Firm” back!
I cannot believe that The Firm is not coming back!! It was an excellent show. I ensured I had my PVR set as to not miss a single episode. It kept you on the edge of your seat.
Please bring it back
This is the second time that i have been disappointed ..What is the matter with you guys.. The firm is the best T.V. shows i ever seen for long time…Pleace bring it back for us… THANK YOU
I’m totally agree with Jina A.
WE LOVE the FIRM!!!! Please give us this show on cable! There have been few other shows we’ve enjoyed this much!
My family and I got addicted to “The Firm” , put everything else aside to watch each episode!I can’t believe NBC would cancel the series; it was one of the few crime dramas worth watching, with great actors .Please bring it back for another season on NBC and Global.