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Old 03-02-09, 11:13 PM
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Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/03/...ng-abc-ca.html


Once again I get attached to a show with the word Mars in the title. Once again I'm mourning its premature demise.

Multiple sources are confirming that ABC has canceled my beloved Life on Mars. Per an insider, the network recently advised the show's producers that it would not be ordering a second season. The heads-up will allow them to make this year's season finale a series finale, thus leaving no questions unanswered. And unlike Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone, etc., all indications are that ABC will actually air this series finale. We're making progress, people!

Mourning Mars' passing? Relieved we'll at least get closure? Hoping Sam and Annie will get it on before he hops on his time machine back to 2009? Sound off below!
Old 03-02-09, 11:16 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Not surprised at all. The 2 1/2 month break killed it's momentum and Lost viewers certainly weren't watching it. The ratings were falling every week.

What is this 0-3 now for Jason O'Mara in primetime TV?

It appears the good news is they can re-work episode 17 into a series finale.

BTW, didn't the British version only last 16 episodes total?

Last edited by DJariya; 03-02-09 at 11:20 PM.
Old 03-02-09, 11:19 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

I cancelled it off my Tivo 2 weeks ago.
Old 03-02-09, 11:21 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Originally Posted by Jadzia
I cancelled it off my Tivo 2 weeks ago.
I'm 4 weeks behind. I think I might be done with it now.
Old 03-02-09, 11:25 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Originally Posted by DJariya
BTW, didn't the British version only last 16 episodes total?
Yeah - it had two 8 episode runs.

Pretty sure that the writers had planned it that way as they though any more episodes would just be dragging the story out too much. Have to say that they got it spot on.
Old 03-02-09, 11:34 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Hollywood Reporter article says episode 17 will wrap up all the loose ends.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/...1fb33674c9fc89


ABC's "Life on Mars" won't return for a second season.

The network has decided not to renew the series starring Jason O'Mara as 2008 Detective Sam Tyler working as a cop in 1973 New York.

The series, from 20th TV and ABC Studios, will complete its 17-episode freshman series order with the season finale written as a series finale that will wrap the loose story ends, explain how Tyler got transported back in time and (maybe) bring him back to his own time.

"Mars" enjoyed strong support from ABC brass and was slotted in some of the network's premiere slots, Thursday 10 p.m. after "Grey's Anatomy" and Wednesday 10 p.m. after "Lost."

Still, the show, based on the British series of the same name, didn't click with viewers.

With its serialized nature, many considered "Life" to be better suited as a limited series the way it aired in the U.K.

In its current ABC incarnation, "Life" was created by Josh Applebaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg.

The series, filmed in New York, boasts one of the strongest acting ensembles on TV with O'Mara, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli and Gretchen Mol.

Last edited by DJariya; 03-02-09 at 11:41 PM.
Old 03-02-09, 11:44 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

oddly enough the break brought me to the show.
Old 03-02-09, 11:51 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Well, I'm glad I didn't start watching this, despite all the positive comments here. Now, after the finale airs and if it appears to be a decent wrap-up, then I'll devote my time to it. I'll watch it if there is good closure, not if I'm left hanging.
Old 03-02-09, 11:57 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

I hope Imperioli keeps the facial hair.
Old 03-02-09, 11:58 PM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

More and more these days I'm leaning towards never watching anything new.
Old 03-03-09, 12:01 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

With such a limited premise, was anyone really expecting this show to last 5-6 seasons? I think the problem lies with TV writers/producers pitching these limited serialized shows that just don't click with mainstream TV viewers.

Same problem happened with The Nine 2 years ago.
Old 03-03-09, 12:02 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Too bad. IMO the show had finally found it's legs.
Old 03-03-09, 12:05 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

i hope im saying what everybody is thinking
FUCK YOU ABC
life on mars was one of my favorite shows
im sad now
Old 03-03-09, 12:15 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Life on Mars is my favorite hour-long drama on TV right now.
Old 03-03-09, 12:30 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

I really enjoyed watching Life on Mars. Great cast members. They did a great job recreating the 70's cop show.

I thought about watching "Castle" because Nathan Fillion is in it. But, I won't waste my time because they will cancel that show too. I won't bother with anything on ABC because all what's left to watch on that network is Lost.

I hate ABC for canceling Eli Stone too.
Old 03-03-09, 12:58 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

i stopped watchig after the second episode. the BBC version is much better
Old 03-03-09, 01:20 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Originally Posted by Match
I really enjoyed watching Life on Mars. Great cast members. They did a great job recreating the 70's cop show.

I thought about watching "Castle" because Nathan Fillion is in it. But, I won't waste my time because they will cancel that show too. I won't bother with anything on ABC because all what's left to watch on that network is Lost.

I hate ABC for canceling Eli Stone too.
I wouldn't say that Lost is the only thing to watch on ABC. Maybe for you, but, they do have two or three other great shows.
Old 03-03-09, 01:39 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

This was the only new show I watched this season. It's a shame we're only getting one season, but at least they are going to run all of the episodes, and I will be getting the dvd set when it's released.
Old 03-03-09, 01:46 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

will it be on dvd?
Old 03-03-09, 01:51 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

How about FU dumb ass American Public?! Lets watch more of The Biggest Loser, Two and a Half Men and Gary Unmarried! Thank goodness Knight Rider suckage got another chance instead of Pushing Daises. And Kath & Kim can't seem to die despite being almost unwatchable. WTF!!!!?
I love Lost and 30 Rock too. Expect those to be canceled any day now.

Last edited by celmendo; 03-03-09 at 02:35 AM.
Old 03-03-09, 04:06 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Originally Posted by MadonnasManOne
I wouldn't say that Lost is the only thing to watch on ABC. Maybe for you, but, they do have two or three other great shows.
Exactly, I watch at least 4 shows on ABC that I consider very entertaining. Life on Mars is far from being the best show on TV, let alone from the new shows introduced this past fall season.

I think these are the factors that ultimately led to it's cancellation:

1) Ratings, Ratings, Ratings. About 5M viewers a week on an expensive serial drama on one of the Big 3 networks is a goner.
2) Shitty economy and crappy Ad revenue
3) Expensive on location shooting in New York City.
4) Expensive costumes and sets
5) With the exception of 24 or Lost, mainstream TV viewers just don't like watching serial dramas in primetime TV, especially new ones.

I don't remember what the premiere got in the ratings, but any show like this that gets under 10M viewers a week is doomed.
Old 03-03-09, 06:22 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

I am wondering if they go the same route as they did in the original series. I seriously doubt it.

Spoiler:
I assume that we'll get a happy ending as opposed to the original, where Sam can't handle being back in the future and jumps off a building to go back in time with Gene, Annie, and the boys.
Old 03-03-09, 06:32 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Start sending copies of David Bowie's "Hunky Dory" to ABC everyone!
Old 03-03-09, 06:35 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

That's a shame, but if they tie up the storyline I'll be alright with it.
Old 03-03-09, 06:44 AM
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Re: Bad News Folks....ABC cancels Life on Mars

Originally Posted by DJariya
With such a limited premise, was anyone really expecting this show to last 5-6 seasons? I think the problem lies with TV writers/producers pitching these limited serialized shows that just don't click with mainstream TV viewers.
I am with you. Networks are doing that a lot lately.


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