There’s another casualty on network TV. CBS’ military drama, The Unit, has been cancelled after four seasons on the air.
The Unit revolves around an elite military unit and their civilian loved ones. The series features the talents of Dennis Haysbert, Regina Taylor, Audrey Marie Anderson, Robert Patrick, Max Martini, Abby Brammell, Michael Irby, Scott Foley, Demore Barnes, Alyssa Shafer, Danielle Hanratty, Kavita Patil, and Rebecca Pidgeon.
Created by acclaimed director and writer David Mamet, the series debuted in mid-season 2006. An average audience of 15.5 million viewers ensured a second season for the drama but year two didn’t go as well, attracting 11.1 million viewers. The show has continued to decline in the ensuing years and season four has averaged an audience of 9.67 million. Though the overall viewership isn’t too low, the series does skew older. The average age of The Unit’s viewership is about 55.
The series has been “on the bubble” for awhile and many took it as a bad sign when showrunner Shawn Ryan signed on to helm FOX’s Lie to Me. Ryan however maintained that he would continue on both shows if The Unit was renewed. He’d previously performed double duty while working concurrently on The Unit and The Shield.
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Like most of the networks’ actions these days, the decision to renew or cancel came down to finances. CBS had asked for all of its shows to reduce their budgets. The Unit is actually already cheaper to produce than it looks. Shot primarily in Southern California, it costs less than $3 million per episode to produce. That’s about half as expensive as other primetime dramas.
A couple weeks ago, Haysbert told the LA Times that he was unsure if he wanted the show to come back if it meant making too many creative and salary concessions. He said, “There are a number of factors that go into whether I want it back or not. It’s been a great ride and, if I don’t work with these people again, I’ll certainly play golf with them.”
In an age when the networks and studios have to watch every dollar, they’ve all been favoring renewing shows that are created by sister or in-house production companies. Since 20th Century Fox TV produces the show, the network wouldn’t benefit if the show went into syndication.
Prior to the cancellation news, Gary Newman, chairman of The Unit’s studio, said, “For the CBS viewer, this show is unique. The audience may not be huge, but there’s going to be enormous disappointment if it goes off and it’s replaced with one more procedural or forensics show.”
Image courtesy CBS.
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1598 Comments on "The Unit: CBS Cancels Dennis Haysbert Series, No Season Five!"
Wife and I liked this show.
I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THEY HAD LOW RATINGS. EVERYONE I KNOW WATCHED IT.
Cancelling the show was the worst thing that could have ever done yes the shield was good but the unit was the best I think ending it the way they did was not the best way yes it was nice to see Betty blue getting married call Ryan getting his star but there’s so many more things that were left on finished I think they should bring the unit back for at least another season to wrap things up maybe having Blaine retire or move up somehow and take over Ryan’s position
I am a retired Veteran, this series had a lot of issues covered that was “real world”, soldiers dealing with post traumatic stress, difficulty with marriage and personal life, dealing with loss of comrades. To me it helped with stress relief. I wish they would either bring it back or start a similar series.
So disappointed that they cancelled The Unit, it was by far the best programme that has been on the television EVER in my opinion…maybe they could make 1 feature-length episode so we could see how all the Unit members moved on after the end of the 4th series
Cancelling this series was an extremely bad decision!! It’s time to bring it back
I would beg them to bring this show back. I watched it when it was on originally and loved it and I watch it over and over still. Disappointing that E-ring only lasted one season and then this show lasted only 4. Great cast, with actual lessons written in by great writers. Great job by CSM Haney helping put this together.
Just discovered this show on Prime Video (even though it was recommended to me years ago by a buddy of mine in The Corps), huge fan of military movies, books, and shows. Was immediately saddened to see there were only ever 4 seasons made! It blows the pants off of many other shows I’ve seen, and come on.. whats better than a show about Delta?!?! Would LOVE to see a couple made-for-tv movies, or something along those lines! Get on it CBS, no more NCIS, CSI, or Criminal Minds spin-offs (even though I love them all as well)!
I am right that we were left hanging in the air yesterday with “the unit” suspended for criminal activities with no conclusiocFxn ? Is there a conclusion ?
I believe that there is a conclusion, that the cliff-hanger to season two and two-part season premier for season 3. I am watching them all on Prime Video as we speak.. I’m HOOKED! if you’re into this kind of show.. and like to read books as well, look up the first in a series called Black Site by Dalton Fury, all about The Unit
I recently watched all four seasons of the unit and was really impressed, had to look on line to see if there is a season five. very disappointed to discover season five was cancelled CBS we need season five and more. we are fans of the show and would definitely add to our box set
I watched an episode a couple of years ago and was so impressed I bought the box set for all four seasons, and it knocks spots off of anything even close to it.
CBS, please do the right thing and bring it back, whilst the viewing figure finished off at 9.75 million per episode, look at the figures worldwide and you’ll be surprised!!
I’ve known it’s been canceled for awhile but I always check online to see if it’ll come back. Maybe they should make movies about the Unit with the same cast. Damn good shows. Owned all 4 seasons for years..
Well, I finished season 4 tonight on Amazon only to find out the show stopped there. So disappointed! Hilarious to find this post with so many similar comments! Loved the show. Totally agree with the comparisons between this show and the rubbish that’s usually on TV. Too bad. No way to bring this show back, but, boy, it would be nice to see something with a comparable ethos. Ranger on!
There’s a show called “Strike Back” which is similar, might be worth a look.
Strike Back was ok but wasn’t as great as the Unit. It was basically an action packed skinimax porn..
Extremely good show! So disappointed it got cancelled.
This is the best show I’ve seen in a long time. Bring it back, my whole family loves it and watches it.
BOYCOTT BOYCOTT DAM GOOD SHOW