On Monday night, ABC aired what was promoted as the season finale of the dramatic series What About Brian. But as fans of the show know, the March 26th episode only marked the 19th episode of the season. If the series was given an order for 22 episodes and there are lots of storylines unresolved, where are the rest?
What About Brian debuted on ABC on April 16, 2006 with the first of five initial episodes. The series follows the story of Brian Davis (7th Heaven alumni Barry Watson) as a “third wheel” in a group of close-knit friends and couples. The series also stars Sarah Lancaster, Rosanna Arquette, Matthew Davis, Rick Gomez, Amanda Detmer, Jason George, Amanda Foreman, Tiffani Thiessen, and Jessica Szohr.
Following the initial season’s ratings, it seemed fairly certain that the series would not return for another. ABC surprised many by renewing the series with an initial order of 13 episodes for a second season for Fall 2007. When the show returned on October 9th, ABC seemed encouraged by its early second season performance. On November 10th, ABC increased the 13 episode order to a full 22.
So, with the March 26th episode only marking the 19th episode, some are wondering if this means that there are three episodes that haven’t been aired? In short, no. Shortly after ABC gave the additional episode order in November, the ratings dropped by about 20%. A network rep has confirmed to us that the episode order was trimmed back, though this was not officially announced. Losing three episodes likely made it difficult for the producers to end the season as they would have liked.
ABC has already announced that 11 of its series have been renewed for next year. What About Brian wasn’t one of them. With the drop in viewership and its shortened season, it’s unlikely that ABC has enough faith in the show to give it another chance.
We’ll probably know Brian’s fate by mid-May when the network announces its full Fall schedule. Until then, Brian viewers can take sollace in knowing that they’ve seen all of the episodes that were produced. Fans of other ABC shows like Big Day haven’t been as lucky. Stay tuned! 
There are 2905 signatures to petition to bring the show back. We need everyone who has posted here, to sign the petion. We want to see What About Brian again, don’t we??!! It was one of the best shows and like somebody said before it would have the following like 90210 and Party of Five. Please sign it!!!
I’m 29 and love the show. . When I found out that the show was cancelled I was in total shock. I thought for sure it had a good rating. Seemed really popular at the time. Barry Watson Makes the show look good. He’s sexy. I hope they come up with a way to bring the show back.
Thanks Amy Rodgers
loved the show and wished it would come back.
I can’t believe that such stupid shows stay on the air like American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and THE BACHELOR, but a feel good comedy about friends and family gets kicked off when so many people enjoyed it. Like so many people who have posted here, my husband and I loved this show and looked forward to watching it every Monday. One of the few good things about a Monday! I started searching the web just now when it didn’t come back with all of the season premiers and am extremely sad and disappointed to learn that it’s been… Read more »
Hi! I’m Sabine from Germany. As far as I know the series hasn’t even been on german television yet. I live in the Netherlands at the moment and luckily they broadcasted it here.
It is a great show and it is so unfair that the cancelled it. Finally there was a series that’s not so “over the top” and realistic. I love it! Even my boyfriend does… They should really think about making a third season at least to properly finish the story. It is not always about the number of viewers! They should have money enough!!
Accessing the internet…looking to answer my question ??What About Brian?? Cancelled.. this show could easily be the New
“Friends” Bad decision to Cancel this new group of great Friends and Drama. ABC has cut their own foot off with this decision. You may want to call a special meeting of the “minds” to discuss returning this show. Its grat that Brian is on Samantha who..but where are the rest of Our new “Friends” It’s a pity.
🙁 i cannot believe this show is gone!!! I now have no reason to even be home on Mondays…I am also not a big fan of any other shows on this network…seeing all the comments above-seems they made a huge mistake!
I really loved this show and I was really hoping that it wasn’t canceled! Me and my friends here in portugal love what about brian and we still don’t understand why it was canceled! and as for all this coments we’re not the only one who doesn’t know why it won’t be a third season! ABC please bring back what about brian!!
I am really disappointed about this show. It really was a good show that was just starting to really go somewhere and they ended it. Look how many people have commented on this show. Doesn’t that count for anything or is it all about the money? At least go one more season to answer our questions!
I love the show! The storyline was amazing and I invested so much into the characters. I’ve been waiting so long for it to come back, but just like everyone else, was confused at when ABC would be airing it. I think 10:00 on a Monday night was a big mistake and there was not a lot of promotion for the show. Why did ABC neglect such a wonderful series? One more time, BIG MISTAKE!
I think that What About Brian is one of THE BEST shows I have seen in a very long time. After the first show I couldnt get enough. I looked forward to every week, all week. I dont know who cancelled it but he should be fired!!
This was such an awesome show, with really great, lovable characters. Whoever ‘pulled the pin’ on this one has no perception of what the viewing public like to watch……
Please bring this What About Brian back!!!! It was the best show abc had and everyone I knew loved it!!! I’m so sad to know it has been canceled I was getting on the internet to see when it was starting back up! At least bring it back and it so we can at least know the ending!
I cannot believe that there are no more episodes of What About Brian; the show has great quality, you grow to love the characters, and then… ABC stops the show!!! Don’t they realize that people from all over the world love it? I am from the Netherlands, and the people that watched the series over here, really appreciated it! But I guess it’s just another money & ratings thing… Please ABC, realise that sometimes it takes some time for people to find a series, but when they get hooked, you’ve got gold! Don’t stop now!!!
Ugh, this was MY FAVORITE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! I miss it SOOOO MUCH! ABC bring it back please!