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!
This was a great show. I looked forward to Monday nights to watch this, because typically Mondays were a slow night on tv. Why is it that the shows that have chemistry and good real life situations always get canceled. My husband even enjoyed watching it!
My husband and I loved this show. We never missed one episode and couldn’t wait for Monday nights because of it! Please bring this show back. I know, cancel a great show that I was hooked on and pick up a show featuring the Geiko caveman! Great Idea! Yeah right! Are you kidding me!! I was hooked on this show like I was Friends and 90210! Hey, ABC, I love October Road, too. Are you going to dump that one as well?
I am SOOOOOO upset just read fall tv schedule not a happy camper LOVE What about Brian and now Its not comming back its another Melrose and 90210 how could you do this ABC Bring It back PLEASEEEEEEEEEE !!!!!
I am NOT happy, I logged on my comp 2 see when the next season episode would air, and I read it didn’t get renewed! GRRRRRRRRR
Once again a great show has been canceled. I am so sick of the reality shows and all of the game shows. When i watch tv i just want to be able to enjoy a show and look forward to seeing what is going to happen next week. This was one tv series that I actually stayed home for.
I LOVE this show and am so disappointed that its been axed. I live in Australia so we probably won’t even get the full series of episodes now…
Bring it back!!!
Bring this show back!! I love it!! PLEASE!
I just want to say I am from AUSTRALIA and every single person I know is in love with What about Brian and we are so disapointed that we wont get to see it anymore. Please bring back Brian!!!!
Please abc do not cancel one of the best shows on tv. I never missed a show. I love the entire cast but my favorite one is Barry Watson. We have too many reality shows. I don’t know who sits behind a big desk and decides what show gets to stay or go. But I know that no one has ever asked me for my opinion. I miss that show and I want it back.
I was wondering the fate of the show (I had heard rumors of it being cancelled). Just did an internet search and found the news. How sad! This was a great show. What the heck happened? Please bring it back!!!! We need good shows like this…unlike some of the other TV we’re subjected to! Too many open ended stories, so many future directions to go. Yes, there is a lot of potential for greatness!
I WAS SO UPSET TO HEAR WHAT ABOUT BRIAN WENT OFF!!! PLEASE BRING THIS SHOW BACK!!! WHY WHEN YOU FINALLY START LOVING A SHOW IT GOES OFF? ALL OF THE STARS ON THIS SHOW ARE GREAT ACTORS AND THE STORY LINES ARE GREAT!! LET US SEE MORE, WE LOVE IT!!!!
I LOVE this Show, something I can realte to. Friends with kids, others not, some people married, some are not. PLEASE bring it back!
HD
Great characters. Great chemistry. Talented cast. Intelligent writing. Funny and warm series with tear jerking moments.
Devastating news regarding my favorite tv show: What About Brian. Big mistake ABC. You have nothing left for me except Oprah.
Maybe another network will consider it?? Cable? I’ll follow them (the cast) anywhere.
What About Brian, is a great show, and I think abc is making a big mistake!! The wrong shows are being cancelled. Cancel those damn reality shows, and bring back real actors and actresses!!! If this show doesn’t get picked up for a 3rd season, then you have lost another viewer on your network, this was the only show that I watched on abc. It’s a shame, that all of the good shows are being cancelled, I don’t understand, I mean really,that stupid show Bingo, come on, how retarted and stupid is that show! What a shame, I really don’t… Read more »
finally get a great show my wife and i both enjoy and u cancel it thats sad
please bring it back