2011-2012 TV Season Cancellations
I thought it would be interesting to keep track of what shows get canceled and when this TV season (on broadcast only). I'll put them in order of cancellations starting from earliest to most recent. Only official cancellations will be put here. I also have lists for cable cancellations in 2011 & 2012.
---STATS---
ABC: 5 dramas, 2 comedies, 2 reality/talk
CBS: 3 dramas, 2 comedies
FOX: 4 dramas, 2 comedies, 2 animated, 1 reality
NBC: 4 dramas, 4 comedies, 2 reality
The CW: 2 dramas, 2 reality
Don't see a show here? It may have been renewed or could be in danger.
If I missed a show, let me know and I will add it.
My three main sources are deadline.com, tvseriesfinale.com & TVline.com
---STATS---
ABC: 5 dramas, 2 comedies, 2 reality/talk
CBS: 3 dramas, 2 comedies
FOX: 4 dramas, 2 comedies, 2 animated, 1 reality
NBC: 4 dramas, 4 comedies, 2 reality
The CW: 2 dramas, 2 reality
Don't see a show here? It may have been renewed or could be in danger.
If I missed a show, let me know and I will add it.
My three main sources are deadline.com, tvseriesfinale.com & TVline.com
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- CreatorChad HodgeStarsRandy SteinmeyerEddie CibrianDavid KrumholtzCenters on the Bunnies and patrons of the original Playboy Club in 1960s Chicago.Marking the first cancellation of the season! Officially axed on 10/4/11, after just 3 episodes. NBC will air repeats of 'Prime Suspect' in its place until 'Rock Center With Brian Williams' premieres.
- CreatorJohn EnbomChris NielStarsHank AzariaKathryn HahnMo MandelAlex is recently divorced, and Helen lost her fiance a year ago. Obviously, these two are definitely not ready to be dating again. So naturally, they end up in bed together one night. Oops. And they're co-workers. Double oops. At least they have one thing in common: they're both in need of getting back on the horse again but unable to figure out how. Despite their little romantic encounter, however, they decide to just remain friends. Helen insists this has nothing to do with Alex crying like a baby after sex. And Alex tries to reassure Helen that she'll have no trouble finding a new boyfriend as soon as she removes the pictures of her dead fiance that are all over her apartment. The rest of the office tries to get Alex back out there... but no matter how many terrible shirts they make him buy, he's never going to be a ladies' man. His colleagues aren't actually much help: from the boss who can't wait to hear about Alex's sexual exploits to the eternal "player" who wants Alex as his new wing man. When he finally gets up the courage to go on a date, Helen finds herself just a little jealous... which is what Alex secretly wanted all along. And one drunk-dial later, they end up back in bed together. Looks like this might be the start of something (awkward) big. This crooked workplace/romantic comedy written by John Enbom (Party Down) and directed by Emmy Award winner Todd Holland (Malcolm in the Middle) proves you can try to put yourself back out there, but sometimes what you need is right in front of you. Even if it's a really bad idea.officially axed on 10/6/11 after 4 episodes. NBC will air repeats of 'Whitney' in its place.
Update As of 1/16/12, NBC released the remaining 3 episodes online. - StarsMario LopezHenry DittmanBo YoungbloodCelebrities go head-to-head with civilians who hate them to win their "haters" over.officially axed on 10/6/11 after 4 episodes. CW will air repeats of 'Ringer' in its place until mid-season.
- CreatorDavid HornsbyStarsDavid HornsbyKevin DillonDave FoleyAn uptight writer of a weekly etiquette column is forced to hire a rude, crude, sloppy life coach to jump-start his articles. As time goes on, both learn valuable lessons from each other.Officially axed on 10/7/11 after airing 2 episodes, production shut down after filming 9 episodes. CBS initially planned to burn off the remaining episodes on Saturdays, but was pulled from the schedule on 10/18/11 after one Saturday airing.
- CreatorIvan GoffAlfred GoughMiles MillarStarsAnnie IlonzehMinka KellyRachael TaylorA cat burglar, a car thief, and a dirty cop get a chance to turn their lives around; fighting crime and working for the mysterious Charlie Townsend.Officially axed on 10/14/11 after airing 4 episodes, production shut down after completing 8 episodes. ABC plans to continue airing the remaining episodes to burn off.
UPDATE: Episode 7 aired on 11/10/11, episode 8 is nowhere to be found. - CreatorAlexandra CunninghamLynda La PlanteStarsMaria BelloBrían F. O'ByrneKirk AcevedoJane Timoney, an iconoclastic female detective, must make her bones in a tough New York precinct that is dominated by men.On 11/15/11, production was reported to be shut down after finishing the initial 13-episode order. NBC is airing the episodes through December, before replacing it with "The Firm" in Jan. 2012. They have all but officially cancelled it, though actors were "allegedly" told the show was over for good.
UPDATE: the final 2 episodes aired on 1/22/12, sealing the shows fate with a new series low. - CreatorChristopher MoynihanStarsMather ZickelDan FoglerChristopher MoynihanThree 21st century men attempt to channel their inner toughness and redefine what it means to be a "real man."On 12/8/11, ABC pulled the dude comedy from its regular spot and will air repeats of "Last Man Standing" until "Work It" airs in January. No official word on it being cancelled, but considering the poor ratings and the sudden exemption, it's a goner. 5 episodes remain to be seen.
Update: As of 12/14/11, ABC released the remaining episodes online, pretty much admitting the series was over. (source) - StarsTy PenningtonPaul DiMeoMichael MoloneyA family that has faced hardship has their dilapidated house completely rebuilt while they are away on vacation for a week.On 12/15/11, after 9 long seasons, ABC officially announced the final episode will air on January 13th, 2012, making it a total of 200 episodes. ABC also said they would reunite the crew for various specials in the future.
- CreatorJonah HillAndrew MogelJarrad PaulStarsJonah HillNat FaxonWill ForteA pretentious seven-year-old attempts to attend regular grade school after his family goes through hard times.The first cancellation of 2012! On 1/8/12, it was reported that FOX has decided to ground the smart-aleck seven-year-old permanently. However, there is still a future for co-creator and voice of Allen, Jonah Hill, at FOX (he has a live-action show in development).
- CreatorTed CohenAndrew ReichStarsBenjamin KoldykeAmaury NolascoRochelle AytesTwo car salesmen dress as women to get jobs as pharma reps. Their disguise makes them better men at home, though they cherish their time as themselves at a bar.On 1/14/12, after just two episodes ABC gave the series a swift execution. Reruns of Last Man Standing will air in its place for now, but the long-awaited return of Cougar Town could take its place in the near future. Not that anyone cares, but the remaining episodes will probably just be shelved and forgotten.
Update Yep, Cougar Town is taking its spot. - CreatorDavid ShoreStarsHugh LaurieOmar EppsRobert Sean LeonardUsing a crack team of doctors and his wits, an antisocial maverick doctor specializing in diagnostic medicine does whatever it takes to solve puzzling cases that come his way.On 2/8/12, FOX officially announced the odd-ball doctor series would end with its current eighth season. Ratings and high production costs do have a factor in it all. The series has struggled to lower their budget for some time, but has not been successful. NBC was also rumored to possibly take the series over if FOX cancels it, but NBC’s president made it clear that would not happen due to the high costs. The series is expected to end in May 2012 with an official ending.
Update: FOX announced the series finale will air on Monday, May 21st, 2012, after a one-hour retrospective for the series. - StarsRachel KroesAnna AlschbachPaul FisherDuring the heyday of the "supermodel" era in the 1980s and early 1990s, Paul Fisher was a legend in the modeling industry. With his bigger-than-life personality and often brutally frank opinions, he earned his reputation as a star-maker through his uncanny ability to spot the potential superstar in a group of inexperienced young models. Now he's taking his passion for the business and focusing it on bringing small agencies from around the world together under his new venture called The Network.On 2/9/12, The CW announced the early return of 'America’s Next Top Model.' While not technically official, everyone is saying this is it for the horribly-rated series. The ironic thing is that The CW damaged the ratings of new series ‘Ringer' along with some veteran series so this one could have a chance to gain large traction. Unfortunately, it was just crap with an evil queen running the show. 2 episodes are shelved and for the CW’s sake, they better burn them.
UPDATE: On 5/17/12, The CW announced their Fall 2012 schedule and while still not commenting on ‘Remodeled,’ the series was nowhere to be seen, especially since they even listed mid-season series. Perhaps they will mark this off to another horrible decision they made and will honestly pretend it never happened. - CreatorKelly MarcelCraig SilversteinStarsJason O'MaraShelley ConnChristine AdamsCenters on the Shannons, an ordinary family from 2149 when the planet is dying, who are transported back 85 million years to prehistoric Earth where they join Terra Nova, a colony of humans with a second chance to build a civilization.On 3/5/12, FOX officially announced the prehistoric drama was not returning for a second season. The first season (which finished airing Dec. 29, 2011) had ratings that were fairly shaky at times, but not horrible and even picked up by the end. People are saying it is the highest rated series to be canceled this TV season. There is a rumor that “higher-ups” at FOX just did not care for it, but who knows. However, 20th Century FOX TV plans to shop it around to other networks. But don’t hold your breath; “Nova” was a huge risk and experiment for broadcast TV which ultimately underperformed expectations.
Update: On 3/27/12, it was reported that Netflix (who was interested in picking up and continuing the series for their streaming service) had given up on handling 'Nova' do to negotiation issues. This was the series’ last inkling of hope, it is very dead now. - StarsTy PenningtonTim GunnJennifer AshtonHelping viewers to completely transform all aspects of their lives, including family, physical and emotional well-being; fashion, home design; personal finance; food; and jobs.On 3/12/12, ABC officially announced the poorly rated daytime show would air its last episode on July 6th, 2012. This is good news for General Hospital, which solely depended on The Revolution to fail (it was renewed for the 2012-13 season).
- CreatorSteven LilienElizabeth SarnoffBryan WynbrandtStarsSarah JonesJorge GarciaJonny CoyneIn 1963, all the prisoners and guards mysteriously disappear from Alcatraz. In the present day, they resurface and a secret agency are tasked with re-capturing them.On 5/9/12, FOX decided to cancel the J.J. Abrams series a month or so after its freshman run. It debuted with strong ratings, but began dropping a few episodes into the first season and never stopped. By the March 26th finale, the numbers had dropped drastically, but this particular night hit a series low. It had 13 episodes which all aired, leaving many questions up in the air.
- CreatorHart HansonStarsGeoff StultsMaddie HassonMercedes MasonAn Iraq war vet suffers a brain injury that triggers the ability to see connections between seemingly unrelated events, objects or people.On 5/9/12, FOX decided to cancel the Bones “spin-off” with one episode left in its 13-episode, freshman run. It had slipped some in the ratings and the 9pm Thursday slot after Idol was not helping. Then FOX pulled it in March and decided to schedule the remaining episodes of The Finder to air on Fridays at 8pm beginning April 6th, 2012. There was no doubt this show was doomed the second that happened, and that Fridays were just a space where they had burn-off room. On Friday, May 11th, 2012, the season (now series) finale will air.
- CreatorSusannah GrantStarsPatrick WilsonJennifer EhleMargo MartindaleCenters on an ultra-competitive surgeon whose life is changed forever when his ex-wife dies and begins teaching him what life is all about from the here-after.On 5/10/12, CBS announced the freshman drama would not be returning. It started off to poor ratings, dropped a bit, finally inching up some and evening off. On 11/15/11, CBS ordered 3 additional episodes, instead of a full-season order (bringing it to just 16 episodes total). It finished its first season run on 2/3/12, averaging the season as the lowest rated scripted series on CBS (out of 22). Considering ‘Medium’ had slightly higher ratings than ‘A Gifted Man’ in the same Friday time-slot and was also cancelled, things did not look great for the series.
- CreatorJulie LarsonDottie Dartland ZicklinStarsLaura PreponLauren LapkusJake McDormanA comedy about a 20-something woman based loosely on the outrageous number one best-selling book by Chelsea Handler.On 5/11/12, NBC cancelled the comedy series based on Chelsea Handler’s book and life. It did well for its debut, but eventually dropped some as time went on. The unofficial series finale aired March 28th, 2012.
- CreatorKyle KillenStarsJason IsaacsLaura AllenSteve HarrisAfter a car accident takes the life of a family member, a police detective lives two alternating parallel lives, one with his wife and one with his son. Is one of his "realities" merely a dream?On 5/11/12, NBC cancelled the mystery-drama before finishing its freshman season. It started off with alright ratings, but nothing great at all. Ratings dwindled more and more as the series continued and everyone pretty much knew it was going to get the axe. This marks NBC’s third failure in the Thursday at 10pm slot in one TV season (Prime Suspect & The Firm, which was moved to Saturdays). Not to mention they have been completely unsuccessful in finding a drama for that Thursday slot since ER ended its 15-season run in March 2009. The unofficial series finale is scheduled to air on May 17th, 2012.
- CreatorTad QuillStarsAmanda PeetDavid WaltonMargo HarshmanOn the surface, Alex and Pete could not be more different. The recently divorced Alex is a hard-working, high-strung lawyer who is raising her 10-year-old daughter, Charlie, as a single mom following her husband's incarceration for insider trading. Unwilling to let anything get in her way, she downsizes into a smaller house and hires charismatic Pete, a free-spirited ladies man and recovering gambling addict who desperately needs this gig with Alex to jumpstart his life -- and prove that he is no longer a screw-up. Upon hiring him, Alex quickly realizes that she has met her match in Pete, who -- along with his motley construction crew - will not only tear apart her kitchen, but transform her worldview in the process.On 5/11/12, NBC cancelled the comedy that ran for just 3 weeks. NBC definitely didn’t do any favors for the mid-season comedy, airing all 6 episodes in the back-to-back “burn-off” style, finishing in just three weeks. That is a very unusual way to air a new comedy series and hope it will gain any type of audience, unless the intentions were strictly to “burn-off” the series as fast as possible. The unofficial series finale aired on April 4th, 2012.
- CreatorLennon ParhamJessica St. ClairStarsLennon ParhamJessica St. ClairLuka JonesAfter a divorce Jessica goes to live with her best friend Lennon, not realizing she would have so many problems with her boyfriend Joe.On 5/11/12, NBC cancelled the other mid-season comedy destined to burn-off. It was paired up with Betty White’s prank show, but debuted with unimpressive ratings. The ratings dropped lower since its debut, remaining at nearly the same numbers and not moving. It was exempted after its April 25th airing and then announced to be returning with the final 2 episodes to air on June 1st, 2012.
- CreatorAdam F. GoldbergSeth GordonStarsBret HarrisonAlphonso McAuleyChristian SlaterA high-tech security firm takes extreme, and often questionable, measures to sell their protection services.On 5/11/12, FOX officially cancelled the struggling series weeks after pulling it from the schedule. It was originally cancelled in Spring 2011, but was surprisingly given a second chance after all. When it returned in March 2012 (after a 10-month hiatus) for a second season, ratings were not that great. A complete lack of marketing and significant changes are some of the big factors that contributed bad ratings. Then on 4/13/12, FOX decided to cancel their plan of moving Breaking In to its season 1 spot after Idol on Thursdays. Five out of the thirteen season 2 episodes have aired, leaving eight on the shelf. No official word if the remaining episodes will ever be released in some form.
- CreatorRobert HarlingStarsLeslie BibbJennifer AspenMarisol NicholsSeeking a fresh start, recently-widowed mother-of-two Amanda Vaughn moves back to the affluent Dallas neighborhood where she grew up to find herself in the whirling midst of salacious gossip, Botox, and fraud.On 5/11/12, ABC condemned the Christian “Belles” from another season. They were doing fairly decent on Sunday nights, but definitely not a ratings hit by any means. It went down some since the series debut, but was doing well enough for ABC to not give up on them entirely like they have with many others. On 4/8/12, ABC decided to test out ‘GCB’ in the 9pm slot, which will be free in the fall after ‘Desperate Housewives’ bows in May, and it actually did fairly well. It made an even better case for a renewal because it essentially had zero lead-ins, since ‘Once Upon A Time’ was a rerun. In the end, that was not enough for these holy women to survive. This marks the second failure (‘Pan Am’ was the first) at launching a 10pm series on Sundays this TV season for ABC, since cancelling ‘Brothers & Sisters’ after 5 seasons in spring 2011. The unofficial series finale aired May 6th, 2012.
- CreatorDavid E. KelleyStarsKathy BatesNate CorddryChristopher McDonaldA group of misfit lawyers form an unconventional firm.On 5/11/12, NBC cancelled the Kathy Bates-lead series. It had struggled since it began as a mid-season replacement in Jan. 2011. After attempting to change things up for the second season by firing the younger cast members, ratings did not improve and dropped lower. NBC's last attempt was moving it to Sunday nights when it returned from its mid-season hiatus to suit the main demo better. Unfortunately, NBC forgot to advertize this schedule change and ratings dropped lower. They also seem to be solely relying on Kathy Bates’ devoted fans to seek out this series. The unofficial series finale airs May 13th, 2012.
- CreatorSherry BilsingEllen KreamerStarsJaime PresslyKatie FinneranKevin RahmA story of two life-long friends who realize their children have turned out to be the same type of unlikable bullies that made high school insufferable.On 5/11/12, FOX officially cancelled the troubled sitcom which was exempted back in March. On 3/21/12, FOX pulled the freshman comedy from the Tuesday line-up. Less than a week prior, FOX decided to cancel the plan to have the sitcom air after American Idol on Wednesday nights in April, and instead they planned to have it go on a hiatus until the summer. However, due to really horrible ratings they pulled it one week before that hiatus. Encores of Raising Hope aired in its spot until Glee returned from its hiatus. Then on 4/3/12, FOX announced ‘Teenage Daughter’ would return in June, airing back-to-back episodes in one hour. Finally, FOX also cancelled those plans and have shelved the 6 unaired episodes. There is no word if the episodes will ever be released.