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!
What about Brian was a great show. They should give it another chance. Just because it doesnt get as many viewers as other shows doesnt mean it isnt good. Bag the reality shows.
Just found out What About Brian was Canceled. I can’t beleive it! I loved the show. I was looking to see when the show was scheduled to come back on and I came across this information. I wished that ABC would have given it a fair chance to catch on. The sho was far superior than the crap that had replaced the show. I hope ABC revisits this and brings back the show.
I live in Australia and thought this was one of the better things that filtered down to us from US tv. I was surprised something this good about our generation got made at all. Now I know my surprise was warranted, they’re canning it so we’re left with death and ‘mutilated womens unit’ shows. They keep characters our age in the submissive ‘doing what older people tell them’ position, and keep the main focus on older characters til they finally all drop dead and give us space to breathe. Jericho cancelled too? Thanks alot. Why doesnt someone kill the Winchester… Read more »
Brian (Barry Watson) and the whole show has a great fan base here in Glasow (Scotland). Not surprised to see it axed. All the good USA shows are.
I can NOT believe this show is not returning!!! I watched it every week! It seems every time there is a great show on it gets canceled. Who are they getting to do the ratings anyway??? No one has ever asked my opinion! I’m giving it anyway. What About Brian should never have been canceled. It was a great show and I will miss it. I may have to watch another network now.
What about Brian is a GREAT show, and so many of my friends watched it as well. PLease bring it back!
I hope this show comes back. I agree about Tivo. I hardly watch any TV on regular time. I just finished the last 5 episodes of What about Brian online. Now I am going to wander forever what might have happened. This kind of show makes TV fun.
What About Brian stopped because Brian (Barry Watson) himself left the show to a new ABC show “Sam I Am”
Loved What About Brian. Crushed to hear it was cancelled. One of the best shows.
I don’t know where to start… I’m just so bummed. I agree with a lot of you about some of these shows. You get hooked on a great show and then the network yanks it. I absolutely LOVE and adore Six Degrees!! It is an amazing story line every week! It’s so exciting to see how close the characters are in their lives to each other. I just spent a ton of time watching the last 4 episodes online and then I watched the last one twice, because I was so bummed that there aren’t any more episodes!!! Also, What… Read more »
PLEASE dont’ cancel What About Brian! I’ve not been this hooked on a show since 90210 over 10 years ago! It’s the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, ABC does it again. They’ve canceled another show do to a drop in ratings. The actual drop was 17.3% of viewers when the show returned a month and a half after it’s hiatus and changing time slots. Wonder why the viewership dropped? Hmm… Let’s ponder that. Meanwhile, lets go watch BINGO on ABC! (Exciting, no, not in my book.)
Thanks ABC, another viewer lost to CBS, FOX, and NBC.
This show has only just started in the uk and now after the second season gone. What the hell is the point in that. It was just starting to get interesting.
I signed the petition. WHAT ABOUT BRIAN needs to come back. I agree with Ann. I was able to catch up online. This show deserves a fair chance. “bachelor” and such suck. Brian and Laura way cute. The show is fun to watch and a great escape.
I think you are ALL crazy …I LOVE WHAT ABOUT BRIAN…..It is a great story and you NEED to keep it on the air waves…LB