Yesterday I watched the final episode of "Life on Mars," ABC's version of the BBC show (haven't seen that one yet). The American "Life on Mars" wasn't perfect, but I highly enjoyed every week, especially the chemistry between Jason O'Mara and Gretchen Mol. The "mystery" wasn't really keeping me tuned in, but I really liked this show and felt it was a good companion to "Lost..." and seriously, what IS a good companion to "Lost" ??????
Probably the thing that pisses me off the most about "Life on Mars" cancellation is.... actually two things:
1. I looked up the ratings. The premiere episode had a little more than 11 million viewers. The show went on a two month hiatus with an episode that had almost 8 million viewers. When it came back in late January , it premiered after "Lost" to an audience of 8.89 million people expecting the second half of the cliffhanger episode we had seen in November. But no, ABC decided to stick a random episode in there and air the cliffhanger the next episode. hmmm... anyway, but the point is, "Life on Mars" averaged 8.97 million viewers the first half of the season (7 episodes) and 5.84 million viewers the next 10. The last five episodes of the season aired with everyone knowing the show had been cancelled (kind of taints the numbers to me - who is going to watch a show that they know will be over in 5 episodes?)
2. ABC is replacing "Life on Mars," a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City with "The Unusuals..." a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City. WTF! Seriously.
So now I've compiled a list of some of my favorite shows to be CANCELLED by their poopy networks. Yes, I am still upset by many of these cancellations.
"Eyes" - ABC (5 episodes, 2005) I was super upset when this show got cancelled. Witty, funny, Tim Daly-filled... what more could you want? But no, not good enough for a post-"Lost" time slot. It's amazing I like "Lost" so much, considering how bitter I am about the shows that come after it.
Probably the thing that pisses me off the most about "Life on Mars" cancellation is.... actually two things:
1. I looked up the ratings. The premiere episode had a little more than 11 million viewers. The show went on a two month hiatus with an episode that had almost 8 million viewers. When it came back in late January , it premiered after "Lost" to an audience of 8.89 million people expecting the second half of the cliffhanger episode we had seen in November. But no, ABC decided to stick a random episode in there and air the cliffhanger the next episode. hmmm... anyway, but the point is, "Life on Mars" averaged 8.97 million viewers the first half of the season (7 episodes) and 5.84 million viewers the next 10. The last five episodes of the season aired with everyone knowing the show had been cancelled (kind of taints the numbers to me - who is going to watch a show that they know will be over in 5 episodes?)
2. ABC is replacing "Life on Mars," a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City with "The Unusuals..." a quirky cop show with a twist set in New York City. WTF! Seriously.
So now I've compiled a list of some of my favorite shows to be CANCELLED by their poopy networks. Yes, I am still upset by many of these cancellations.
"Eyes" - ABC (5 episodes, 2005) I was super upset when this show got cancelled. Witty, funny, Tim Daly-filled... what more could you want? But no, not good enough for a post-"Lost" time slot. It's amazing I like "Lost" so much, considering how bitter I am about the shows that come after it.
"The Nine" - ABC (7 episodes, 2006) Another Tim Daly show. Unique concept, some great actors. More post-"Lost" disappointment. Too bad I don't get DirecTV and can see the unaired episodes this summer.
"Reunion" - FOX (9 episodes, 2005) This show was a bit soap opera-ish, but it had an interesting concept that was playing out well (someone is killed at their 10 year high school reunion and we find out why and who did it by exploring a single year in each episode).
"Miss Match" - NBC (11 episodes, 2003)
Alicia Silverstone starred in this short series about a divorce lawyer who was a matchmaker on the side. I thought it was funny and romantic, but it was stuck on Friday nights, so of course nobody watched it.
Alicia Silverstone starred in this short series about a divorce lawyer who was a matchmaker on the side. I thought it was funny and romantic, but it was stuck on Friday nights, so of course nobody watched it.
"Keen Eddie" - FOX (13 episodes, 2003-2004)
This show was perfect for Mark Valley. He's been in multiple shows since ("Boston Legal," "Fringe," "The 4400," and "Swingtown," among others), but was at his best in "Eddie." He's kind of a sleazeball in everything else. Sort of like what happened to Bradley Cooper after "Alias." This is another show that got "second wind" when Bravo was able to air the remaining episodes several months after its cancellation. Oh, did I mention Eddie had a really really cute doggie too?
This show was perfect for Mark Valley. He's been in multiple shows since ("Boston Legal," "Fringe," "The 4400," and "Swingtown," among others), but was at his best in "Eddie." He's kind of a sleazeball in everything else. Sort of like what happened to Bradley Cooper after "Alias." This is another show that got "second wind" when Bravo was able to air the remaining episodes several months after its cancellation. Oh, did I mention Eddie had a really really cute doggie too?
"Wonderfalls" - FOX (13 episodes, 2004) A girl who works at a Niagara Falls gift shop suddenly discovers that inanimate objects can speak to her - and want her to do things. Creative, funny, and different. Might as well stamp CANCELLED on there too.
"Pushing Daisies" - ABC (19 episodes, 2007-2008) Ah, "Pushing Daisies." This show brought us the wonder that is Lee Pace. Sigh. Anyway, I also fell in love with the bright and beautiful colors, pint-sized Olive (Kristin Chenoweth), snappy Emerson Cod (Chi McBride), wide-eyed Chuck (Anna Friel), and of course, Digby, Ned's loyal dog (who Ned couldn't even pet!)
"Andy Richter Controls the Universe" - FOX (19 episodes, 2002-2003) Basically what I remember about this show is the craziness and subsequently funny-ness that is Andy Richter. I also enjoyed his show "Andy Barker, P.I." (2007, cancelled after six episodes), but not as much as his first comedic gem.
"The Mole" - the Anderson Cooper version, ABC (22 episodes, 2001-2002) An expertly crafted reality show that introduced me to the wonderful Anderson Cooper.
"Jericho" - CBS (29 episodes, 2006-2008)
I actually watched most of the entire first season in one weekend on CBS's online player. I LOVED this show. The first season was probably better than the second, and I guess we were just lucky to get a second season at all (thanks peanut lovers).
I actually watched most of the entire first season in one weekend on CBS's online player. I LOVED this show. The first season was probably better than the second, and I guess we were just lucky to get a second season at all (thanks peanut lovers).
"Arrested Development" - FOX (53 episodes, 2003-2006)
Although "AD" ran for much longer than the rest of the shows on my list, I had to add it because of the constant threat of cancellation (oh I remember the horror of thinking I would never get an episode after the season 2 finale) and the show was axed with much more comedy to be unleashed. We never got to see Mother Boy XXXI for goodness sake!
Although "AD" ran for much longer than the rest of the shows on my list, I had to add it because of the constant threat of cancellation (oh I remember the horror of thinking I would never get an episode after the season 2 finale) and the show was axed with much more comedy to be unleashed. We never got to see Mother Boy XXXI for goodness sake!
So what have we learned? ...besides that ABC and FOX hate me? The TV and movie business is basically all about money. It's not as obvious in film, where if we hear about a project, we'll almost always get to see it, in one form or another. But TV is a medium that requires a continuing narrative... which obviously means there has to be multiple episodes/seasons to tell it's full story. So it really disappoints me when networks (and their advertisers) decide a show is over. Frankly it seems ridiculous that they would want to get rid of a show that draws five million people to watch their station/commericals. But why settle for five when you can have 20 million with shows like "CSI" and "American Idol?"
