Court will soon be adjourned for ABC’s new legal drama. The Whole Truth has been cancelled.
Airing on Wednesday nights, The Whole Truth stars TV veterans Rob Morrow and Maura Tierney. He plays a powerful defense attorney who was raised on the wrong side of the tracks. Tierney is on the opposite side as a Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney whose father was a sheriff. Viewers are shown how each side builds their case, using their own version of “the truth.” The rest of the cast includes Eamonn Walker, Sean Wing, Anthony Ruivivar, and Christine Adams.
For whatever reason, most viewers haven’t been willing to even give the series a try. The legal drama got off to a very poor start right out of the gate. Whole Truth debuted on September 22th to a poor 1. 5 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 4.85 million viewers. The news got even worse in week two and the rating dropped by 20%. The last two episodes seem to have evened off, registering a 1.3 rating and about 4.4 million total viewers.
The Whole Truth’s been ABC’s lowest rated show, attracting an even lower rating than My Generation; another freshman drama that was pulled after just two episodes. Likely because of the caliber of the show’s cast and because it’s being co-produced by Jerry Bruckheimer’s company, ABC has been more patient with it. That doesn’t mean however that they’re going to order any more episodes. ABC has now cancelled The Whole Truth.
Via Twitter, co-executive producer KristieAnne Reed confirmed that the cast and crew will complete the initial 13 episode order but that will be the end. At this point, it’s unclear how many of those will actually air.
Whole Truth remains on the schedule this week but will be preempted next week for the In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville interview special. On November 10th, ABC airs the Country Music Awards. Whole Truth is tentatively scheduled to return after that but those plans could certainly change.
Though Whole Truth has been cancelled, there is some positive news for fans of the show. With the news of the cancellation coming this far in advance, producers have time to give the series some closure. The cast and crew are still shooting and are scheduled to continue until mid-December.
What do you think? Should The Whole Truth have been cancelled? Why do you think it didn’t catch on?
Image courtesy ABC.
NO! This is one of the best courtroom shows I’ve ever seen! The fact that you see both sides of the case really gives the viewer a real look into the case from both sides. Although I HATE how Jimmy never wins a case, this show should have another chance. I beg of you ABC! PLEASE! : (
Like those commenting before me, I am baffled that a new show could be canceled after just a few weeks. The Whole Truth’s approach to storytelling made it unique amongst the plethora of cookie-cutter judicial system drama offerings. Terrific cast, interesting cases, steady character development. ABC, reconsider. Either that or hopefully there is another network that sees the value of this program and snatches it up!
I love this show, I am very upset that ABC is cancelling it so soon! However it is still running for the 13 episodes so maybe the ratings will pick up and they will have a change of heart!
I start to wonder if I should also stop watching TV shows since I haven’t been very successful with my favorite shows this season. I really liked the first episodes of the Lone Star, Jimmy Smits was great in Outlaw and now the next show I like is going to go be canceled! The TV networks really don’t seem to have it together anymore. How can they even think about to cancel a show after such a short period of time. With ‘The whole Truth’ I saw some really good character development going on regarding the main actors. I will… Read more »
This series never had a chance because ABC didn’t market it at all. I love Maura Tierney (and Parminda Nagra guest starring? Genius!), but the only reason I watched it was because I accidentally found it while switching channels around week 2. With this cast, ABC should’ve been splashing news of this show everywhere, but instead it was nonexistent. If another network would pick this show up and get the word out, it would be a hit!
I can’t believe they cancelled this show. Like many others have said, it was one of the few on TV that I really enjoyed & looked forward to. I, on a fluke, just found 2 more episodes that are airing. One tonight (12/1/10) & one in a week (12/8/10) for those of you who might be interested. I think this show gives great insight on how our Judicial system works and it has a great cast. I do TIVO it, so I hope that still counts towards being a viewer. PLEASE bring this show back! Maybe a different day, timeslot… Read more »
We love the show and was very disappointed that it was cancelled. Maybe it was the time slop. Acting good and case episodes interesting. So much junk on TV and when something like this show doesn’t even leave the just doesn’t make sense. Hoping that popularity will grow
loved this show—
Oops! I really meant to type Rob Morrow, not Rob Lowe. I believe the decision to cancel the show was very premature. I don’t think it had a fair chance. The acting was great and the content was much more interesting than those cop shows. I always looked forward to watching the show. Not much on tv interests me any more but this was a good show.
I really enjoyed “The Whole Truth” series. I love Maura Tierney and Rob Lowe and the way they bantered with each other. The show moved along quite well and was never boring. I’m sorry to see that it is cancelled!! I don’t think it got enough publicity. I’m getting a little tired of “Law and Order” and that seems to have replaced “The Whole Truth” for the most part. I know you have run other “special” programs in its place. I kept hoping that “The Whole Truth” was coming back. So sad.
loved this show…. best new show of the season!!!
The Whole Truth was a good solid courtroom drama – with just a touch of tension between the two principles. A bit tongue in cheek – thought it was just right to relax at in the evening. Wish there were more like it – very disappointed it was canceled.
Really liked this show. I wish ABC would reconsider.
So many awful shows on the air, and this good one is cancelled.
loved the show , looked forward to it every week. Really miss the acting!. ONly ONE thing , every show the person was always found guilty, Not the way it is folks. Wish another network would pick it up , we love rob morrow. Miss it
I think ABC made a very short-sided decision when they cancelled Whole Truth. It’s one of the few shows this season that got me to turn on the TV. It was a fresh and well-acted show, and stood apart from the pack (of lawyer shows) with thoughtful stories/angles. Ratings don’t happen overnight. ABC should have given it a fair chance — shame on you!!