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! 
FX is making a big mistake in removing the show,it had a great story! All it needed was more of a twist in drama..and it would have brought more people to watch..it sad to see it end like the way it did with no endind..but maybe another network will pick it up and add the drama it needs…im sure the show can make it if you had better writters and more drama..on another network like TNT…FOR SURE…THE RICHES IS NOT REALLY A FOXNETWORK KIND OF SHOW……
The first season was brilliant…so fresh and original. The writers just phoned it in in season two…even loyal fans were wondering WTF? It’s a shame…they destroyed a really good show. Not the first time FX had a good show then killed it… Remember “Thief” with Linda Hamilton and Andre Braugher? A great show with a multiracial ensemble cast that was really good but the moved it around so much that no one could find it!
I’m going back to TNT and the Closer and Grace
Damn writers, why can’t you just be happy that you have such a sweet job. The second series was crap, you can see they weren’t putting in the effort in anymore. It wouldn’t have been cancelled if the second season was as good as the first one. Why don’t American TV writers put some effort into their job instead of just making it up as they go along. In England and Ireland people write a whole series at once so it retains some coherence. You should learn from them. Also stop misappropriating clever, original British TV shows and remaking them… Read more »
i cant live w/o the riches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love this show, and Eddie Izzard….I can’t believe that it got canceled without even a wrap up episode. I’m going to write my own damn ending. The needed to promote it a lot better, and I am pretty aggravated that they won’t finish the series. I don’t even LIKE most shows on tv, and this is one that was original and awesome. Please come back!!
The show is me, and I, it, too.
goddamn writers’ strike
They did it with firefly and they have done it again! Want to know the ending!
omfg.. why!!! oh why!!! 🙁 this is quite possibly the best series i’ve ever seen on any channel. Great plotline, great characters etc….bring it back…in fact i’m not going to watch fx nemore until this show is back on.
the riches was my favorite show on tv. i dont think it was promoted enough. maybe showtime should pick it up and throw in some foul language and stuff … bring it back !!!!
I love this show. Please bring it back.
FX started to show The Riches late at night and I watched the first episode..became addicted..and eventually downloaded all the episodes from TIVO. My god!! What an original series and what an interesting story and plot lines! Why is it the most creative and original programs always get cancelled????? The fact that it is an FX series and it’s cancelled really surprises me. FX is known for original shows and ideas. PLEASE reconsider bringing it back!!!!!!!!! You need 500 signatures for the petition?? I’ll get them..I just won’t say how..:) Izzard..you’re fantastic..ALL the characters are great..I know I will miss… Read more »
Iam truely disappointed. Its a shame they can’t do something to promote the show and bring it back.
I just finished watching season one and two.
This show is truly outstanding!
Its one of the few shows with cast members that not only know how to act,
but are exceptional at it!
I thought the whole plot was refreshingly unique
and quite frankly I’m extraordinarily disappointed, as others have stated before, that this incredible show couldn’t get a wide enough range of viewers while plenty of other programs much lesser in caliber have amassed gigantic audiances
The entire rich family was casted wonderfully and kudos to all the actors for sharing such memorable and high quality performances.
just finished the dvd’s LOVE this show.. very sad it won’t be back 🙁
It is really sad that one of the best dramas on TV today can’t get an audience. I can’t understand how some of the crappy shows I see on TV while flying on Virgin Airlines or in the hotel rooms can continue to exist, when The Riches is not going to make it. So sad. Really sad.