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.
I think they are crazy this show had me running home every Sunday night to watch it. The cast was great and the chemisrty was awesome. I will be one sad viewer not having the Unit to watch anymore. CBS is losing there minds.
I am so upset about The Unit being cancelled. There isn’t any other show on that’s even remotely like it. How many CSI and Law & Order shows are still on air? Come on?!??!
Total bummer!!! I loved this show. Never missed an episode.
I am 28 yo and I loved the Unit. I had been looking for it since the new season for all the other shows started. I am very disappointed that the show was cancelled. The network needs to bring it back!
Canceling the Unit was totally political. To Nationalistic for our biased media. No media persona cares about the what over 55 year olds thinks. Attitude: They are on the way out anyway and might revive the Free American Rugged Individualistic Ghost.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
i LOVED THE SHOW AND AGREE WITH ALL THAT POSTED
You got be kidding me . CBS must be on the OBAMA band wagon in cutting out and controlling what Americans enjoy!!!!!!!!
what a shame!! this was a great show.there is way to much vulgar and just down right nasty tv on now days. this was our tv night and escape like as good as going to the movies . what a waste. what ya gonna do now make some more white trash tv!!??
******* dumb ***** !
it just makes me sick. All these stupid reality shows and they take off the one good thing on
I cant believe CBS would make such a rediculous mistake!
its just sick.
the new shows arent even that good.
guess its a new channel for me too!
Not too happy that The Unit was cancelled! For Goodness sake, you could make a 2 hour movie and end the season cliff hanger. I hate it when you TV people leave the fans in a lurch! I guess the viewers don’t matter even though we are the ratings! Ican understand if you have to cancell it for some reason, but to leave us hanging is not nice! I guess that’s why we stick to reality shows, when it’s done for the season, it’s done, no harm no foul. But would it hurt you head honchos to actually end the… Read more »
I can’t believe there can be money saved or made by the junk that is being put on TV in place of really good shows that have a consistent viewing audience. Well, now I’m down to watching two shows a week. I wonder when they, too, will be canceled. Good thing I have a good collection of DVDs and live close to the library because I absolutely refuse to watch the ridiculous “reality shows” and other poor productions that are being shown.
I have been wondering when The Unit’s was returning and just happened to check to see it was cancelled. The Unit was one of the best shows on T.V. Overall good story lines, strong, smart, intelligent women that matched the men in the show. I am very disappointed that it is not returning. CBS huge mistake for cancelling. The “Baby Boomers”, have the money and we are important consumers in this country. It is time for advertisers to recognize our importance and not disregard what we like and enjoy.
SPEECHLESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!