After months of speculation, FX has finally put rumors of The Riches’ cancellation to rest. The show is over.
The Riches debuted on March 12, 2007 on FX. The TV series follows a pair of Irish con artists and their children who assume the identities of a wealthy family who has died in a car crash. The show stars Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver in the roles of Wayne and Dahlia Malloy.
The series debuted to 3.8 million viewers and 1.9 rating/5 share in the desirable demographic. The numbers fell during the 13 episode season but FX still renewed it for a second year. The numbers fell significantly in season two and The Riches lost almost 50% of its 18-49 viewers.
For those that did watch, they only got to see a shortened season because of the writers strike. Only seven of the 13 planned episodes were produced and ended with storylines unresolved. It was hoped that the remaining six would be added to the order for season three but that won’t happen now.
 Loading ... |
Though the season two ratings didn’t warrant a renewal, FX was hesitant to cancel the series. Riches was a hit with critics and Driver received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Ultimately, as is usually the case, it came down to economics and resources. Things weren’t likely helped by the fact that neither Izzard or Driver were available to return to production any time soon. Izzard is booked for two movies and has a busy stand up schedule that keeps him touring. Driver recently gave birth to her first child.
After months of waiting, actor Todd Stashwick (Dahlia’s cousin Dale on the series) broke the cancellation news to fans on Thursday. The network made the official announcement a few days later.
In a perfect world, a final episode or movie would be filmed to wrap up the series’ cliffhanger. Based on the show’s ratings, that seems unlikely to happen. Stay tuned! 
This is a complete and utter shame that FX is this stupid to lose a show that was so highly rated in season one, and because of the writers strike FX will 1 by 1 lose viewers completely. **** FX. **** them in their stupid asses!
Oh, man. I remember when this show came out, I didn’t even watch it right away. My friends were talking about it and a couple nights after that they showed a re-run of the pilot, and I was instantly hooked. I tuned in every week and didn’t miss a second. I was very happy to hear they were coming back for a second season, but was incredibly dissapointed to find out it was only an 8 episode “season.” FX has the ability to create shows with deep characters and thought provoking storylines, but all anyone cares about is who wins… Read more »
I don’t want to believe this…. My wife and I must be the worst luck for TV shows. We get interested and the show goes away.
Smart and funny shows like The Riches, Arrested Development, Big Shots, Pushing Daisies even Wonderfalls get canncelled when something like Kath and Kim will likely run for 10 seasons.
Shame on you America. Shame on you FX.
I will be very sad if I never know what could have been. I blame anyone involved. The actors, and everyone Inbetween. So I get hooked on a show that I find wonderful only to be left without conclusion or anything besides a season 1 dvd set that just kind of sits there kind of looking sad because nothing will be resolved. They could have at least gave us a half-assed ending, which would have been better then this, and fared alright for others. NOTHING right now has the same talent or charm, and that makes me want to swear… Read more »
Another One Bites The Dust!!
The article says that the show was a “hit with critics” yet viewers couldn’t handle it. In America we have dozens of mindless shows to keep us occupied and a handful for intelligent audiences. Listen up! Americans with an IQ over 50, let us band together and rise against this wretchedness!
I’m not surprised. I liked the show, but they ended up having to leave the real Riches’ house and being on the run again. So it would have required a lot of retooling since they couldn’t have the original premise anymore.
I guess it just goes to show you that the television audience in this country requires more dumbed down and simple shows. TO have a show like this with brilliant acting, writing and storylines is just too much for some to handle.
I know for a fact this show would’ve done way better had it been on Showtime or a similar station with a captive audience that has an IQ over 3.
I can’t believe they can’t finish the show – another great television success in terms of the overall show has gone to the dogs. (reference Sopranos)
This show would have fared better on HBO or Showtime.
I’m very upset that there will be no 3rd season. I absolutly loved the show.
Eddie Izzard is a genius, Minnie Driver’s performance was absolutely BRILLIANT, and all of the actors did an outstanding job. I would like to see it finished on the screen, but if that’s impossible why don’t the creators write a book so we can read how the story turns out. This series is one of the best of the best! Well done to all.
I watch very few TV shows — and now I remember why. I hate not knowing how the Malloys’ story will end. Most of what is on television is total crap and then great shows like this and Arrested Development get yanked. Still, I love Eddie Izzard and hope he enjoys continued success — I’d watch anything he was on.
EVERYTIME I BECOME DEDICATED TO A SHOW IT GETS CANCELED. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE TELEVISION EXECUTIVES. YET SURVIVOR LIVES ON. POINTLESS TO EVEN BECOME INTERESTED IN TELEVISION
un-f^@&!#$ believable.
I think I’m gonna die now. One of the best tv shows ever created…
And boring “the same stuff all over again” stuff like Greys Anatomy, Supernatural, Gossip Girls and whatnot gets new season after season.
Dammit. I loved this show so much. I have literally watched the season 1 DVDs THREE times through and downloaded the short season 2 which I have also watched thrice through. I was hoping so hard for even just a wrap up to the show. It clearly ended mid-season, not with a season finale episode… This is why I don’t watch television.