Saving Grace is ending its run after after only three seasons. Honestly, I am surprised. From what I read, TNT still wanted the show but its production company FOX TV studios declined the pickup based on money.
Strange. Canceling a show with an Emmy Nominated lead actress — Holly Hunter and decent ratings (3.5 million per episode). From the Variety article it seems that the show hasn’t done well in overseas sales and because of the short amount of episodes per season good syndication sales were not in the cards.
I’m wondering why it didn’t do so well overseas. Was it the bawdiness of Hunter’s character? The midwestern feel? The religious overtones?
Here’s what the head of TNT programming Michael Wright said:
It’s been a fantastic beacon for the network which has both challenged and entertained viewers in ways few other shows on television ever dare…
Seems like there has to be more to this story. You don’t just cancel shows that the network loves and supports. Usually the network is the one to cancel the show.
Saving Grace to Wrap Next Summer (Yahoo)
TNT Cancels Grace (Variety)
Bawdiness and short series runs hasn’t affected UK productions. I doubt the reason is ever truly going to be stated.
Oh, no. We really enjoy this one. My whole family (husband and sons) will be disappointed.
This is truly one of my favorite shows. My husband I can’t wait for when it’s on. It’s one of the few shows that appeals to both sexes. What a shame!
Perhaps TNT wasnt offering a large enough license fee- Perhaps Hunter wouldnt commit to the number of episodes needed by Fox to turn a profit as much of the profit in shows are from syndication fees- lots of variables at play
It seems to me there we always at least 2 or 3 story lines competeing for attention. The crime, the personal and the so called Spiritual. I never felt they meshed very well nor were any of them fully developed.
I did watch it every week hoping for further and clearer developments. Never happened for me.
Grace, especially at her age, would not have been a very good cop with all the boozing and late nights (in the real world.) I know from expereince. She just seemed more than a bit nuts and the last chance angel could blink her off to Greece but not find her lost dog. Hey, seriously? Bottom line: It seemed to me it was created and written on the fly. pretty good production values and a Wonderful cast in a second rate drama. Iwish them all the best.