Saving Grace is Canceled but not by TNT - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Mr. Television · 08-14-2009, 06:29 PM

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/ente...-cable-ne.html

[UPDATED] Shortsighted or smart? TNT's 'Saving Grace' has plug pulled by producers

August 14, 2009 | 10:13 am

TNT issued a press release today announcing its plans for a shortened nine-episode final season of "Saving Grace," the cable network's at-times risque drama starring Oscar winner Holly Hunter.

Alas, these are not the "plans" TNT was hoping to announce. TNT did not cancel "Saving Grace." That was done by Fox Television Studios, a production unit at News Corp.

Although "Saving Grace" was a solid if not spectacular (i.e. TNT's "The Closer") performer, Fox Television Studios saw more risk than reward in going ahead with a full third season and a fourth season, which TNT wanted. The worry was that the show would not bring in enough money in reruns or in DVD sales to justify the production costs of the program.

Furthermore, the show, with its Southern feel and religious undertones, proved to be a hard sell overseas, which is where producers try to recoup a lot of their programming costs.

It is unusual for the producers to pull the plug on a show, especially in this case since TNT's contract still had a few more seasons to run.

However, such a move might become more common in today's challenging marketplace. Cable networks such as TNT, USA, FX, and AMC are becoming homes for the types of big-budget serial dramas that broadcast networks for the most part are cutting back on.

Unfortunately, the long-term value of these shows is not a slam dunk. Sure, HBO's "The Sopranos" can pull in big bucks from A&E in reruns, but that is still the exception, not the rule. That said, sources tell Company Town that Fox TV Studios did not even discuss the idea of TNT agreeing to pick up the reruns for "Saving Grace," something the network did with "The Closer."

It is hard to say if Fox Television Studios is being smart or shortsighted. But this issue is not going to go away and if studios want cable networks to keep buying smart dramas, both are going to have to find a way to make the numbers work or else viewers will walk. And then everyone loses.

-- Joe Flint

Schmoopie · 08-15-2009, 06:23 AM

Wow, that's a shocker! I never saw the show, but it's too bad that it has been canceled! Especially since it's not the fault of TNT! I bet they are really disappointed over this!

Mr. Television · 08-15-2009, 07:43 PM

http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_...r-seasons.html

Holly Hunter losing 'Saving Grace'

Oscar winner Holly Hunter ("The Piano") has earned an Emmy nod for each of the first two seasons of "Saving Grace." But today, TNT announced that the crime drama will solve its last case next summer. The cable network will push back the previously announced winter run of the remaining six shows in Season 3 of "Saving Grace" and Fox will film just three more episodes to tie up loose ends. While TNT wanted to continue with "Saving Grace," Fox decided to end production on the show after disappointing overseas and DVD sales.

"Saving Grace" is the first TV series for Hunter. Last year, she lost the lead actress in a drama Emmy race to Glenn Close for the FX legal thriller "Damages." Both are in the running again this year, up against 2007 champ Sally Field ("Brothers and Sisters"), 2006 winner Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: SVU"), four-time nominee Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer") and newcomer Elisabeth Moss ("Mad Men").

The last new episode of this summer's run of "Saving Grace" airs Monday night. As with "Mad Men," Hunter could benefit from Emmy voters watching her kick butt in new installments of the show while they watch her episode submission, the Season 2 opener, "Have a Seat, Earl."

Hunter already has two Emmys on her crowded mantel, having won on each of her first two nods in the lead actress in a TV movie or mini race for "Roe vs. Wade" (1989) and "The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleading-Murdering Mom" (1993). 1993 was a great year for Hunter, as she also won her only Oscar for her starring role in "The Piano" and picked up a supporting nod for "The Firm." She lost that race to Anna Paquin, who played her daughter in "The Piano."

Hunter has two other Oscar noms (1987 lead - "Broadcast News"; 2004 supporting - "Thirteen") and three other Emmy nods (2000 lead movie/mini - "Harlan County War"; 2001 lead movie/mini - "When Billie Beat Bobby"; and 2001 supporting movie/mini - "Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her").

Schmoopie · 08-16-2009, 06:34 AM

It really makes no sense that TV shows fates are based soley on ratings and not on performances. It wasn't really stated here that this was the cause of "Saving Grace's" cancellation but many very good shows have been canceled simply because the ratings weren't that great. I think they should do massive surveys of viewers and critics before deciding to cancel a show; unless it's fairly obvious that no one is watching it.

08-14-2009, 06:29 PM	#1
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,128	Saving Grace is Canceled but not by TNT http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/ente...-cable-ne.html [UPDATED] Shortsighted or smart? TNT's 'Saving Grace' has plug pulled by producers August 14, 2009 \| 10:13 am TNT issued a press release today announcing its plans for a shortened nine-episode final season of "Saving Grace," the cable network's at-times risque drama starring Oscar winner Holly Hunter. Alas, these are not the "plans" TNT was hoping to announce. TNT did not cancel "Saving Grace." That was done by Fox Television Studios, a production unit at News Corp. Although "Saving Grace" was a solid if not spectacular (i.e. TNT's "The Closer") performer, Fox Television Studios saw more risk than reward in going ahead with a full third season and a fourth season, which TNT wanted. The worry was that the show would not bring in enough money in reruns or in DVD sales to justify the production costs of the program. Furthermore, the show, with its Southern feel and religious undertones, proved to be a hard sell overseas, which is where producers try to recoup a lot of their programming costs. It is unusual for the producers to pull the plug on a show, especially in this case since TNT's contract still had a few more seasons to run. However, such a move might become more common in today's challenging marketplace. Cable networks such as TNT, USA, FX, and AMC are becoming homes for the types of big-budget serial dramas that broadcast networks for the most part are cutting back on. Unfortunately, the long-term value of these shows is not a slam dunk. Sure, HBO's "The Sopranos" can pull in big bucks from A&E in reruns, but that is still the exception, not the rule. That said, sources tell Company Town that Fox TV Studios did not even discuss the idea of TNT agreeing to pick up the reruns for "Saving Grace," something the network did with "The Closer." It is hard to say if Fox Television Studios is being smart or shortsighted. But this issue is not going to go away and if studios want cable networks to keep buying smart dramas, both are going to have to find a way to make the numbers work or else viewers will walk. And then everyone loses. -- Joe Flint
	__________________ Sonny

08-15-2009, 06:23 AM	#2
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	Wow, that's a shocker! I never saw the show, but it's too bad that it has been canceled! Especially since it's not the fault of TNT! I bet they are really disappointed over this!
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

08-15-2009, 07:43 PM	#3
Mr. Television 22 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,128	http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_...r-seasons.html Holly Hunter losing 'Saving Grace' Oscar winner Holly Hunter ("The Piano") has earned an Emmy nod for each of the first two seasons of "Saving Grace." But today, TNT announced that the crime drama will solve its last case next summer. The cable network will push back the previously announced winter run of the remaining six shows in Season 3 of "Saving Grace" and Fox will film just three more episodes to tie up loose ends. While TNT wanted to continue with "Saving Grace," Fox decided to end production on the show after disappointing overseas and DVD sales. "Saving Grace" is the first TV series for Hunter. Last year, she lost the lead actress in a drama Emmy race to Glenn Close for the FX legal thriller "Damages." Both are in the running again this year, up against 2007 champ Sally Field ("Brothers and Sisters"), 2006 winner Mariska Hargitay ("Law & Order: SVU"), four-time nominee Kyra Sedgwick ("The Closer") and newcomer Elisabeth Moss ("Mad Men"). The last new episode of this summer's run of "Saving Grace" airs Monday night. As with "Mad Men," Hunter could benefit from Emmy voters watching her kick butt in new installments of the show while they watch her episode submission, the Season 2 opener, "Have a Seat, Earl." Hunter already has two Emmys on her crowded mantel, having won on each of her first two nods in the lead actress in a TV movie or mini race for "Roe vs. Wade" (1989) and "The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleading-Murdering Mom" (1993). 1993 was a great year for Hunter, as she also won her only Oscar for her starring role in "The Piano" and picked up a supporting nod for "The Firm." She lost that race to Anna Paquin, who played her daughter in "The Piano." Hunter has two other Oscar noms (1987 lead - "Broadcast News"; 2004 supporting - "Thirteen") and three other Emmy nods (2000 lead movie/mini - "Harlan County War"; 2001 lead movie/mini - "When Billie Beat Bobby"; and 2001 supporting movie/mini - "Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her").

08-16-2009, 06:34 AM	#4
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	It really makes no sense that TV shows fates are based soley on ratings and not on performances. It wasn't really stated here that this was the cause of "Saving Grace's" cancellation but many very good shows have been canceled simply because the ratings weren't that great. I think they should do massive surveys of viewers and critics before deciding to cancel a show; unless it's fairly obvious that no one is watching it.