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!
Ditto to all! My husband and I loved “What about Brian.” One of the few shows we could both agree on. We would always be waiting for it to come on and scheduing our day around it. ABC really messed up by not bringing it back. They could have had the next 90210, Melrose Place, Party of Five success and following. This show had all the same viewers as 90210 that are now late 20’s early 30’s and this was finally a show that mirrored our lives. I am sure it’s too late, but we would love to see it… Read more »
i`m from mexico, since the first time that i saw what about brian, i was happy. come on for a 3rd season, bring it back, pleaseeee, i`m tired of programs like grey`s anatomy or csi. there`s a lot of people who wants the same, a comeback for what about brian. 3rd 3rd 3rd, come onnnnnnnn.
This show was my favorite! I want to know what happens with all of the story lines; don’t leave me hanging!
Totally agree with Gemma….
Love the show, the cast and storylines. Better than all this reality t.v garbage thats on these days…
Bring back Brian….
I LOVE WHAT ABOUT BRIAN–PLEASE BRING IT BACK FOR ANOTHER SEASON..WE WERE REALLY HOOKED ON IT, MAYBE IT JUST NEEDS A NEW NIGHT AND TIME FOR MORE VIEWERS!!
I only found out last night at the end of the show that it was the last. Not happy Jan.. I love this show.
I want more!
What About Brian was the BEST show on tv.
C’mon!! It cant end now.
I’m absolutely spewing!!!!..we just got the final episode in Australia to find out that there is no more!!..i finally find a good realistic show and it only lasts for one season, thats Crap America!!
I watched the 1st episode on TV, here in New Zealand and I was hooked! I like the show… It is kind of down to earth and appealing to a lot of people. I have signed the petition…
I too am from Australia and absolutely LOVED this show…whoever is running these networks needs to look outside their square office in a big way and show some committment and think about a different time slot. I am so sick of CSI, CSI, NCIS, CSI and more CSI and oh those medical shows (they all give me nightmares, not to mention what it must do to children at an even earlier than What about Brian timeslot). Greys Anatomy is good but all the gore is too much…this show actually made you feel good in a world full of crime and… Read more »
I just watched the last ep here (in Sydney Australia). Like everyone above I loved this show and never missed an episode. What About Brian rocked! Please make a 3rd season……please! regards from Mark, Sydney Australia
just watched the last episode in australia.
grrrh at canceling the show, now forever in limbo if laura and brian get together!
Don’t get rid of the show, it was a great show, entertaining. GIVE IT A CHANCE. I’m from Australia and I know all of my friends love the show too.
Really not happy. I agree so many of the decent shows are pulled off. But hey, we know it’s all about ratings – eyeballs for advertisers and all that jazz. Wouldn’t it be nice if it could be about story telling…
i am so upset that they cancelled this show! i signed the petition and maybe another channel might just have it.. i mean, they can change at least one character to someone else if they aren’t able to do the part.. it would be so good if they would bring this show back..
now i’m afraid if they’ll cancel “prison break”!!!