FX Cancels 'The Riches'
Critically praised but low rated drama canceled after FX unable to find a co-production partner.
By Marisa Guthrie -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/7/2008 5:12:00 PM
FX has canceled The Riches. A network spokesman confirmed the unsurprising news Tuesday.
The drama starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver was critically praised but low-rated. The show declined 44% in the 18-49 demographic in its second, strike shortened season, which ended last April.
FX executives flirted with the idea of casting for a co-production deal similar to the one NBC Universal struck with DirecTV to keep Friday Night Lights on the air. (DirecTV kicks in financing in exchange for licensing rights. The third season of Friday Night Lights premiered last week on DirecTV and will bow on NBC later this season.)
But in the end, The Riches didn't attract enough viewers to attract a financial partner. And FX could not justify the marketing and production costs of the show.
The network is in the midst of the final season of The Shield and renewed new drama Sons of Anarchy earlier this week. Damages, which collected multiple Emmys including one for series star Glenn Close, returns next year. And new comedy Testees, about two friends who endeavor to be human guinea pigs, premieres Thursday.
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I was really looking forward to season 3. bummer, it sucks. if it wasn't for Nip Tuck I would boycot FX.
Sandy Vargas - 6/12/2009 8:57:19 PM EDT -
I liked this show since I saw the first two episodes. I loved it! It sucks that they would take it off the air after one season! I don't see how it had low ratings! It was a great show!
Kristen - 4/26/2009 2:43:43 PM EDT -
that is bull my family loved that show i want it back
Angela kent - 3/3/2009 1:48:43 PM EST -
I'm getting sick and tired of searching for quality, entertaining TV shows, only to have them cancelled after 1-2 seasons. "The Riches" was extremely well written and the acting was superb. Each episode kept you on the edge of your seat wondering how they would get out of this week's predicament. The characters had depth. The relationships were complex and interesting. The show was humorous, sad, hysterical, provocative, emotional and compelling...all at the same time. I will truly miss this show.
Though I realize this attempt is in vain, if any of the FX Execs are reading this, won't you please reconsider? Please bring back The Riches. Thank you.
Ken N. - 1/17/2009 4:49:58 PM EST -
They should have at least aired enough shows to wrap up the story line. Way to go FX!
Leroy Drake - 1/6/2009 8:33:00 PM EST
