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.
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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! 
Bring this show back!!! I loved it! This is a show that I couldn’t wait for the next episode. Please do something!
This show was amazing and always kept me on my toes why would u cancel it such a shame to put such a good show down the drain…this show was really the only tv show i actually looked forward to watching.
Such a shame…. why was it cancelled? Because it was different, provocative, interesting, dysfuntional and endearing all wrapped up in one. The powers that be really missed the boat on this one, I think they should have tried to revive it after the strike. I will miss this show.
Neilson and those other crap evaluators of television programming need to stop pandering to the lowest common denominator and the numbers that the Television execs WANT to see.
Intelligent programming for intelligent people is not going to ever be evaluated properly, for as long as companies like Nielson discontinue using families that do not fit their predetermined preference for viewing habits.
Crap system it is that cancels great programming!
I never write about things like this, but why would you cancel such a great show? Did you just run out of ideas?
I am sure there are talented people that could write a few more episodes. You really should reconsider this one. You don’t have a lot of hits going on right now do you?
Thanks for your consideration. The Riches was truly entertaining and it was NOT a reality show. We have enough of those don’t you think?
Linda
all the shows that i like get canceled… this sucks… The Riches, Firefly, Kyle XY, Jericho… just to name a few… i hate these money grubbing networks.
WHY?! So many can relate to this family on many different levels. Loved all the characters on the show, it will be missed greatly!
NOOOOOOOOOOO….JESUS FING CHRIST THAT WAS THE BEST SHOW EVER….CANCEL CRAPPY NIP TUCK
Ugh what bull figures they go and end one of the best shows ive seen in a ong time, Bottomine and profits its bullcrap……ugh dam it man wanted to know what happens next i was lookiing forward to this season.
WOW!!!!!!!!! I DIDNT REALIZE THE SHOW CANCELED WHAT A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!!!!
WHY IS IT ALL THE SHOWS THAT REALLY ENTERTAIN YOU WITH RELATING ISSUES GET DISSED? IF IT WAS A REALITY SHOW THAT IS SO BORING AND DEGRATING IT WOULD HAVE A PROMINATE FUTURE.
Of course. Smart shows for smart people have to make way for more dating/reality/celebrity ego-stroking… so sad. Loved this show, and everyone on it. And will miss the characters.
I can not understand why this show was canceled??? With all the reality tv CRAP shows out there, there just isn’t anything for people who are still hungry & interested in great tv shows with good actors & unusual/story plots!!!! It’s pathetic that these tv execs make all these crappy decisions for all of us!!! Bring back the Riches PLEASE!!!!! Call me “Tired” ( of reality tv, cop, lawyer & CSI themes)!!! Bring back the GYPSIES!!!
So dissapointed to hear season 3 cancelled!!!
No no no no no no! We were wondering when the heck our show begins airing this year. The cancellation must not have been well advertised. This is terrible, we CRAVE more Eddie and Minnie et al. We need our Riches fix!!!!!!!!!!!! FX don’t leave us hanging like this!
OMG…Fox…r u nuts!!!!! One of the best shows you had!!! I rank it up there with Nip/Tuck. I was really looking forward to season 3. Geeezzzz!!!!!!!!! Come on …bring on The Riches !!!!!!