The dramatic series The Nine, about a group of bank hold-up hostages, was pulled after just seven episodes on ABC in November due to low ratings. Reportedly six other episodes were shot but left unaired. ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPhearson was reportedly a big fan of the show and the network maintained that the series would return. As recent as last week, that was reinforced when McPhearson told Media Village’s editor Jacki Garfinkel, “I love the show, but honestly we don’t have a set game plan right now.” We now have some additional information.
At the annual Television Critics Association (TCA) tour in Pasadena, McPhearson addressed questions from critics about The Nine. He told the audience that the network may air the remaining six episodes sometime in this season — likely before May. Unfortunately, the show is almost certainly cancelled; production has been completed and no further episodes have been ordered.
In a lunch with writer Joel Keller, McPherson shared what additional seasons would have held for the drama. The story plan was to reveal the mysteries of the robbery by the end of the first season of 22 episodes. Then, the ramifications of the robbery on the characters would continue to be examined in the following season(s). The series was reportedly based on a real case involving a couple on their first date. The two were attacked and robbed and the experience made such a strong bond between them that they later married.
McPhearson also shared that, though the ratings were a disappointment, they wouldn’t have done anything differently on series like The Nine. “The shows were incredibly well-produced. We loved the shows creatively. I don’t look back in kind of hindsight and say, ‘Boy, we should have done this differently, that differently,’ about those shows — may have just been timing.” Except perhaps a show’s title.
McPhearson also said he believed that part of the reason why The Nine didn’t premiere stronger was the show’s name. It was originally supposed to be called “Nine Lives,” which he thinks would have suited the storyline better. “The Nine” presumably made the show seem too ambiguous to viewers.
The big question is, “In the remaining episodes, will we find out what happened in the bank?” The answer is, unfortunately, “No.” Because the episodes were already completed, all of the questions won’t be resolved. McPherson shared, “It wasn’t designed to end at the end of the 13, so it doesn’t answer that specific question.”
It was hinted that perhaps ABC may work with The Nine creators Hank and K.J. Steinberg to offer fans some additional information on what might have been. That could include releasing synopses of the four scripts that were ordered back in late October 2006 but were never shot (in a similar vein to what CBS gave Smith fans).
Hopefully ABC will get around to airing the final six episodes soon — and stop holding fans hostage. We’ll keep you posted on any new developments so stay tuned! 
UPDATE: On February 28, 2007, MediaVillage reported that an ABC source shared privately that The Nine has indeed been cancelled.
It’s ashame that excellent shows like “The Nine” keep getting pulled from network lineups. The show was never given a chance. But it’s important that they brought back “Six Degrees”. Please. This show deserves a second chance but not “The Nine”?
Are the filmed episodes ever coming to DVD??
This was one of the best shows i have seen in such a long time. I sorry to see that it is not being renewed. I hope they air the other episodes. I really wished that the show would come back
This show was awseome. I miss it sooooo much, it had a great storyline and great actors. I can’t understand why it failed. I noticed that someone said that it didn’t appeal to the younger demographic, I was 15 when the show started airing (16 now, yay!) and I loved it, me and all my friends absolutely loved it. It is much better than the crap on the CW that claims they are supposed to appeal to the younger demographic (more like the stupid demographic) Reba was the only show worth watching on the CW and they cancelled that, I… Read more »
I thought The Nine was a well written show- a quality program. It made my list of automatic DVD recordings to ensure I wouldn’t miss an episode. My sister and I would keep in contact about the show if she missed any part of an episode. I was very disappointed as well as angry that ABC stopped airing a show that I enjoyed so much. I can’t believe ABC executives would just stop airing a show with questions unanswered. I agree with others who say Tim Daly is a quality actor and ABC did the same thing with his show… Read more »
The Nine captivated my interest immediately and I feel slightly angered that I might not ever find out what happened. I think ABC should definitely find the time to finish up the season and answer loyal fans questions.
the nine was by far one of the best shows on television. the show’s creativity, excellent writing, and superb acting (which was well-deserving of awards) will be missed. it is extremely disappointing that the show was not given a second chance by abc.
Please put the Nine back on. It’s a great show. Tim Daly is such a creative actor. I’m a fan of his. Please give the show another chance.Thank You Kathy McGoldrick. Love Ya Tim.
this was a great show and it should have been given more of a chance. unfortunately, ratings rule and adult dramas, etc., have to make room for more crime shows and reality programming as they appeal to the younger demographic.
this was a good show.I watched it every week. it would be nice to see what happens. if it’s not going to be a series on every week make it a mini-series and at least give it an ending
tim daly is a good actor as well as others and they deserve to show what they can do
I loved The Nine. I would make sure it was set to TiVo every week so I wouldn’t miss it. It was one of the first shows in a long time to grab my attention so much I had to watch it on TV instead of just buying the DVD when it came out the next year. I was very disappointed the first night it did not come on.
I just wnated to add my two cents worth. I thought this was a good show with good likeable characters. I am disappointed to learn that it won’t be on this season. I hope to see what is left, dissapointed that you choose not to air it. It was different we haven’t much of a variety to choose from.
I was so upset this show was pulled off the air! It was never given the chanceit needed and deserved!!
ABC please give it another chance!
I don’t understand why shows with such a great story line seem to bite the dust so soon. Not fair to loyal fans. The show was flat out good.
I loved the Nine, and looked forward each week to a new episode. I enjoyed the characters and thought it was an
excellent storyline. Really disappointed that no new episodes have aired. Hoping that changes. I want to know what happened inside the bank.