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.
Why cancel it? It was a great show, I always took this show as a way to thank our military n their family. I know plenty of people who love this show. I’m 28yrs old n been watching this since it started. My in laws watches this show and they are in their 30’s n 40’s definitely not 55. My friends are in their 20’s n loves this show as well. So pls bring this show back. I don’t understand y these good shows get canceled n soap opera is running after 30 yrs. This show is on the same… Read more »
the marketing department did very poor in advertising the awesome TV series The Unit, NB this has only been made available th the Caribbean only recently with proper marketing and advertising the viewer-ship certainly will increase i hope my comments will be taken into consideration thank you
As an ex-Army oldtime Nam-Era Vet , I can tell you that most of the returning GI’s that I know did watch all the series. Does one of the 22 year old programming directors really think we sit around watching Dancing with the stars, or some of the “NEW” programs that waste the space on our tv guides ? Get with the real program and put the UNIT back where it belongs on primetime; by the way us old guys do buy all the pills and meds on the long commercials we do have to sit and watch between the… Read more »
i’m 16 and i am OBSESSED with this show! i’m so upset that its cancled. please come back!!!
I sent the script to Mr. Dennis Herbert, agent who informed I need a agent before anyone would talk with, so I tried that and they informed me I would have to recommended by someone. Well how are people suppose to get their stuff out there. If everyone keep coming up with excuses. If you want this move to happed tc me at the e-mail above or phone call mr-stephen1
I have written a move script for a four hour move for the unit show, and have been trying to get intouch with someone from the staff to discuss this script. Therefore, I would like someone from the show to contact me @ ilovebopping@aol.com mr-stephen1 (302-602-64-49)
I really wish that they would reconsider cancelling The Unit. It is one of my all time favorite TV shows, and I am very dissapointed with the untimely end to it!!
Best show in a long time. It should no have been cut. I even had it listed on my facebook as my fav.
I’m an XGI. 1 year in Nam. Forward Observing Team 70-71.I Corps. Every once in a while there are shows that go beyond the origonal intent, make you think, open a door into an otherwise clandestine world that we all knew existed but just never saw up close. The UNIT is just such a series. On par with MASH before ,this one packs the ballistic punch of a 9mm, the certainty of metal to metal contact with the exactness of laguage that harkins back to the training barracks at Camp LaJune or Ft Benning before political correectness. If there is… Read more »
This show is amazing. I’ve never been so drawn to something like his. i watch it every time it comes on and disappointed to find it canceled. Im only 14 not 55 and NEED this show!
The unit so shouldnt of been cancelled. It was lagit my favorite show. I loved all the action and suspense. Cancelling this show was one of the most dumbest thing a person could do. I cant get over how good this show was, but the ending to the whole series was stupid. What happened to Molly and Tom Ryan? Also, Charles just got married and now the shows over?! Ughh! This bothers me so much!
WOW I just finished watching the complete series and I so loved it, in every way you can fall for the people in a TV show I did. This show left you wanting and waiting for what was around the next corner. It was not the best ending at all as I was very disappointing in how it came to a close, just didn’t seem to do the series justice how it came to an end. Would be the greatest thing to see this series come back to life as there is no other like “The Unit”
At least make a movie or two. This was a show on par with MI-5 and 24.
The Unit is an amazing show! and it needs to come back. I’m a 17 year old.. not 55 and I think the show is great
yeah thats true, it was an amazing show
BRING THE UNIT BACK , I ENJOY THIS SHOW……. COME ON !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRING, BRING IT BACK