Call the FBI. There’s another victim of the cancellation axe over at CBS. The network has cancelled long-running crime drama Without a Trace.
First airing in 2002, Without a Trace follows an FBI team that’s tasked with finding missing persons. Each episode follows the search of an individual and tracks the time that they’ve been missing. The series stars Anthony LaPaglia, Poppy Montgomery, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Enrique Murciano, Roselyn Sanchez, and Eric Close.
The series averaged 15.09 million viewers in its first year on the air and grew to a high of 18.68 million for season three. The show’s ratings have declined over the years and season seven has fallen to about 12.2 million. Like many shows on CBS, the drama tends to skew older.
As part of cost-cutting efforts, CBS put Without a Trace and Cold Case on the bubble this time around. Both Jerry Bruckheimer series have become expensive over the years and the network insisted on cuts in salaries and production costs. Both have had an upsurge in the ratings lately but CBS was leaning towards renewing Cold Case.
And then, Cold Case was renewed for season seven at the beginning of this week. As of Sunday, it was looking possible that Without a Trace could still return for a midseason run but the network has now decided against it. Costs and an abundance of new and cheaper shows are contributing factors.
Coincidentally, the series finale of Without a Trace airs tonight. The episode is called “Undertow” and revolves around a man who disappears after a late night dive. Oscar winner Martin Landau (Mission Impossible) guest stars as the father of Jack (LaPaglia) and Danny (Murciano) and Elena (Sanchez) take their relationship to another level.
Image courtesy CBS.
“I don’t think CBS likes making TV for grown-ups.”
Any comment I was going to make would not be as succinct as this one.
Adieu WAT, sadly I must add you to the list of quality shows that I loved that network executives seem to love to hate.
TNT has cobbled together a few keepers, those will have to keep me warm it seems
I have only one word for CBS… ********!”
I can not believe these MORONS cancelled WAT! I could not wait for it to return this season. I am so disappointed with CBS. I hope they go belly up! They will deserve it.
CBS continues with it’s mindless “reality shows” and cancels WAT. What a disappointment.
Unbelievable. Absolutely the best show on network television. Actually the only network program I make it a point to sit down and watch. It was a class act in every way even to the theme music. Actually, I am not surprised at anything the bone head liberals at CBS would do based on their recent past history
They must just keep hiring AH at CBS. Another dumb ass move. If they keep it up I’ll have nothing to watch on CBS. Don’t watch their News, don’t watch Realality Shows. Now there is not much else left to watch. If they cancel CSI, NY and CSI, Miami then I’ll have nothing to watch on CBS.
I love this show! Anthony LaPaglia is the best! I am very disappointed, I looked forward to this show every week. I too have watched from WAT from the beginning.
Here I am, looking at the fall line up for the only 3-4shows that I watch on tv.. and I can’t find WAT. So I google it and find it’s cancelled? It is the first show I can say I’ve ever watched from beginning to- well, now end. I’m so disappointed.
Can we do anything to get this show back?
I don’t think CBS likes making TV for grown-ups.
I can’t believe this show has been canceled. This was one of the best shows on TV and was right up there with Law and Order. You have really goofed this time. Whoever made this decision should find a different line of work because you are clearly out of touch. If you need to cut costs cancel the reality shows, your useless news program and the staff that goes with them. That should save you enough money to keep WAT.
Today is the first time I learned that WAT had been canceled. To say I’m disappointed is a major understatement. WAT was one of the few remaining shows featuring believable characters that viewers could care about. The very talented cast will find other roles on other shows, but it won’t be the same for viewers. What will take the place of WAT? I suppose it will be another mindless “reality” show or stupid not-funny comedy. Whatever. . . I won’t be watching. Thank goodness for cable and Netflix. And the networks wonder why they’re losing market share?! Their overpaid execs… Read more »
I am very disappointed that Without a Trace has been canceled. I loved this show and
will really miss the well written series. Wish we could do something to bring it back
to CBS.
I heard a rumor that WAT was being cancelled…..I CAN’T believe it!!! This was the best show on TV since it began. CBS is losing it’s viewers and I know I’ll be tuning in to FOX now. This is the only CBS show I watched after the whole David Letterman debacle, so as far as I’m concerned the network doesn’t even exist.
WAT is the only reason I watch network television besides the occasional Law & Order. The show had intriguing story lines and great actors. CSI can’t even compete, and to consider replacing WAT with more repulsive reality shows is so shortsided and a bad sign for your network. I have no reason to ever view CBS again! I hope another network or cable will pick up the show. I don’t even have cable, but would consider it for WAT. Until then, my dial will stay on PBS-the only place for intelligent, insightful television.