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! 
We to, are one of the few who seldom watch network TV and then something like the Riches comes along. We watched this religiously, recording it every week. Season 1 – EXCELLENT! Season 2 – so, so. It was tough recording season 2 when it’s schedule was hit and miss. The writers strike didn’t help either, the last 3-4 episodes were very confusing, never really connected with the relationship that was going on between Dahlia and her employer. The series really needs a final movie to clean it up. Reminds me of the Leslie Nielson sit-com “Police Squad” years ago… Read more »
I stopped watching braodcast TV because of all the mediocre crap. FX just blew off one of the best series ever to hit the airwaves.
To say they’re cancelling the show because it wasn’t drawing viewers is completely lame. FX did little or nothing to promote this show in the first season, then the second season schedule was completely chaotic. And they’re surprised no one knew about the show? Completely. Effing. Lame.
See ya, FX.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? This was one of the best shows EVER and they cancel it … just like Las Vegas, cancelled …. for what yet another stupid reality show … come on bring it back, it was the best.
This Really Pisses Me off this was one of the Best Shows on TV. It was a Great Show that kept you hanging Week after week that left you wanting more. Please FX Bring back The Riches
What a shame! This was truly one of the best shows on television. Most of the other stuff, especially the reality shows, are a complete waste of time….
It is hard to believe that television series that have all won outstanding awards are being eliminated from the line up for the new season. I agree with some of the comments submitted, that the reality and other such shows should be taken off the air so that meaningful series can be shown on the network channels.
I also agree that things on The Riches series got a little chaotic, but the main theme of the program should have been highlighted more.
I am very pissed off about the decision to cancel the show. I hope to see that they will come out with a movie to wrap up the season but would rather them just shoot the last six episodes. It is a same because it was a good show and all. oh well
I’m not really surprised at the loss of viewership. It may be a TV drama, but there should still be an element of escapism, and with Izzard at the helm you would have expected a bit more humour. The writing had become way too convoluted and with all the entanglements the family had gotten itself into the characters were devolving into people you just weren’t rooting for anymore. At the end of season two I had essentially figured they were trying to write themselves out of a renewal as I was only cheering for the poor neighbour lady and the… Read more »
First the 4400 and now the Riches. I quit watching network TV because they did the same thing to good shows like Home Front and My So Called Life. Yet they leave on the most craptastic programs like all the reality shows. I give up. After Desparate Housewives and Lost are over I am giving up television and going back to reading!!
Bring the season to an end, its a good show that deserves an ending at the very last. Hadnt they learned their mistakes from canceling FAMILY GUY before? Admit you were wrong, bring back The Riches. And may i just add DiDi’s Hot!
Exquisite is the only word I can think of to sum up The Riches.
Marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution. b: marked by nice discrimination, deep sensitivity, or subtle understanding having uncommon or esoteric appeal.
The cast was an ensemble in the truest sense of the word.; the sum of the parts. The Riches was an example of what drama wants to be when it grows up. What a shame.
Man, that realllly sucks. Seriously. I’ve watched EVERY episode of The Riches from the very beginning. I can’t believe they’re canceling it! Actually, this is the only tv show that I’ve ever been addicted to…THAT’s how good it was.
As a girl who never watches stupid shows that follow a story line, new episodes every week, I absolutely loved The Riches. It’s quite a captivating story line, with characters that are easy to love. [[Minnie Driver is gorgeous by the way ]] Basing this cancellation solely on the drop of ratings during season two is completely irresponsible. Look at season one ratings people. I just really wish I could find out what happens with this family, the son who is kidnapped, the father who’s losing his family, and that lovely Ms. Driver.
PLEASE BRING BACK THE RICHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m now reviewing all the episodes and wondering why FX did such a half-assed job of promoting The Riches. I would like to see the story resolved (hell, I’d like to see it continue ad infinitum.
Under The LobsterScope
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! 🙁 … first arrested development now this!