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!
I just found out What about brian has been cancelled. What a disapoint to find networks still dont have the balls to stand up and be counted as people for programming that is pleasant and non violent. Stop cow-towing to people who dont watch as much tv as they text on their cells anyway
I was waiting for the 3rd season. So so so so disappointed it was cancelled.
I don’t watch much tv but this one I actually couldn’t wait to watch after work.
What a shame.
OMgosh. I sent a letter to ABC stating that they just don’t get it (in so many words). What I forgot to say is that any network with the mentality of thinking that a Geico commercial being made into a sitcom is a great idea, doesn’t have the mentality to understand what the viewers like and want. Come on, Cavemen? The commercials are annoying and now a series? Now maybe some of us can see what’s on the other channels since we were loyal to ABC, at least when watching WAB. WAB was the best show on tv. Does anyone… Read more »
I figured it was cancelled I love What about Brian. I looked foward to seeing each episode. I really am geting tired of getting into a show and then getting it yanked out from under me!
What a shame. Shame on ABC!! WHAT ABOUT BRIAN was such an awesome show. It was such a mix of people and situations that I think everyone could relate to someone. BRING IT BACK and get rid of the stupid reality and game shows!!
Wow, that really stinks. I loved “What about Brian”. Why doesn’t ABC cancel “America’s Funniest Videos” instead. Get rid of reality shows!!!!! BRING BACK ” WHAT ABOUT BRIAN”
I’m from england and What about brian was barely promoted here from what i saw. I stumbled on it and i love it. I think its a great show and im really dissappointed that it’s been canceled. I think had this show had the promotion it deserved alot more people could and would have enjoyed it. I havent finished watching the second season and now im really dissappointed as i approach the end that there will be no more episodes.
Crap, this was my absolutely FAVORITE television show. I enjoyed drinking my glass of wine and watching all the drama. I’ll definitely miss it.
FYI: Anyone in the production business who cares- this was my favorite show last year…and I am a t.v. addict so there. I was hooked on Seinfeld, Melrose Place, Law & order and now, What about Brian. Seems to me ABC finally got a show I liked and now they are cancelling it. Go Figure! I watch t. v. every night so I know a good show when I see it. I just found out its not on the fall line-up so I am pretty bummed out.
I hate to watch shows that come on at 10:00, but I used to have someone call me at 9:55 to make sure I was awake to see What About Brian. I rarely watch ABC, but I LOVED that show; I am really disappointed that it was cancelled.
I just went online to see what the status was on the What about Brian TV show, that was the only show last year that I watched religiously….. I had a baby in November and I always had all my kids in bed by 9pm so I can watch that show !!! I really miss it, wish ABC would bring it back on air. I am so disappointed to hear that it will not be on this fall… I was really really looking forward to watching what happens to everyone this season!! 🙁
This was such a great program, and one that many different people were able to relate to. I am very disappointed that it won’t be returning! I didn’t miss an episode, either, and looked forward to it every week. I know many people who felt the same! How can we bring this show back?
The fall season it upon us and I’ve eagerly been waiting for the return of WHAT ABOUT BRIAN to find out that’s it’s been cancelled. With all the below par shows on TV these days I looked forward to Monday nights. Not a surprise though, did ABC ever consider promoting it, not much. This show was top notch and the storylines were real! Please reconsider your decision and bring it back.
Come on this show was awsome I cant belive it wont be returning. Im sick of all the reality shows, this was one of not many thing anymore I actually wanted to watch
why do we even bother watching tv anymore ? as soon as a show comes on like -WHAT ABOUT BRIAN – the networks KILL IT… what are they thinking ?? this show had lots of story lines left to tell but i guess they dont care about the ”viewers”