After just a few airings, ABC has pulled host George Stroumboulopoulos and The One: Making a Music Star from their schedule. The reality show was looking to find the next hot singer in a similar vein as Fox’s American Idol. Unfortunately, the show didn’t find ratings and viewers.
The singing-competition show debuted to some of the lowest-rated ratings in reality-television history, garnering just over three million viewers. That’s the smallest audience for a series premiere on one of the four major networks since 1990. In addition, the show’s 1.1 rating with the all-important 18-49 demographic group of viewers was the lowest in ABC’s history. ABC aired three episodes in total and repeated the two-hour debut, doubtless in an attempt to try to build viewer interest. It didn’t work.
ABC is expected to settle with the production company of The One for the unaired episodes since ABC is said to have been contracted to purchase at least a dozen episodes. The One was produced by Endemol USA, who also produces ABC’s hugely popular Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, so the settlement is expected to be amicable. Another Endemol USA reality show entitled For the Rest of Your Life is already being produced for future ABC airings.
The cancellation leaves ABC with some programming holes to fill in its schedule until the Fall 2006 season begins. For now, reruns of According to Jim will fill the Tuesday night slot while George Lopez will replace The One’s Wednesday night results show.
Though it is possible for the singing competition to conclude on the sister cable network ABC Family (which shares episodes of Kyle XY) or through webcasts on ABC.com, no plans have been announced as yet. Audiences may be left hanging though it would seem that most viewers may not notice. 
ABC did nothing to help this shoW!!!!!
Maybe it’s FCC policy but they have yet (as of 5/08) to fulfill any “winner” requirement.
from what i read, according 2 fcc policy, they have 2 name a winner at some point.
Nice website! Thanks for the effort and info!
I’m curious, from a viewer (embarrassedly — but come on, Aubrey was hot!) and business perspective, did The One ever complete their show and crown a winner? Did they just make a buy-out payment to all contestants? What happened?
Thanks,
Stan
http://tvseriesfinale.com/2006/07/the_one_abc_shows_not_a_winner.html
I think this is the audience’s fault ot watch this spin-off of American Idol. This is a waste of time to see this piece of crap go out after just two weeks and 4 episodes. I agree is there is another one set i think the audience will have to step up ASAP. And as for the network they have to stepped it up,as well. It was a disappointed way that the show was cancelled. I actually liked it this much similar than American Idol. I think you should have at least finished out the contest and then decide when… Read more »
I’ve watched this show and was not too excited about the contestants singing ability. I liked the concept but American Idol contestants are way better than The One contestants.
I think it is ridiculous for ABC to pull The One and not let their audience know what happened. I had to do an extensive search on the internet to find this site with “the real story”! I liked the show and especially the way the judges encouraged the contestants to do their best. I have no use for a show that is mean and nasty when people are doing their best. There is enough pain in this world. To me, the success of The One is that the panel of judges, experts in their field, found a way to… Read more »
ABC is setting a bad example to not let these performers have their chance. ABC should follow through with the contract.The performers gave it their all, opening their personal lives and I think ABC owes it to them, the producers and the viewers to at least have let this show run its course. Several of the performers had real talent.