Southland Cancellation – Will It Be Picked Up By Another Net?

As reported earlier in the week, Southland was cancelled by NBC 2 Weeks before the start of its second season. Since then there has been talk about it being picked up by another network. I can’t see network television going for it. Maybe cable then? I don’t know.

There would have to be some changes, definitely. It has a massive cast, probably the same size as Lost. No cable net will be willing to pay all that money for a show that’ll probably end up pulling under 5 million viewers and a 1.4 adults 18-49 rating. So the budget is probably going to be slashed.

The pro’s – There is already 6 unaired episodes in the can which means that the incentive is not only for the buyer (who can start showing them as soon as they like), but also for the seller (Warner Bros TV). They need to make a return on the investment they’ve made. Also, if they can just make another 6 or 7 episodes they’ll probably make the money back on international licensing and DVD sales alone.

My thoughts on the storytelling – I liked the first season for 1 reason – I liked the new cop/experienced cop relationship. They should’ve focused their efforts on developing that relationship instead of showing the other 25 characters that currently serve as regulars. The good thing is that there is a lot of mileage left in the story, which would be a pro for the series to contine.

As always, more on the next page

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I think that there need to be more story arc’s also. I don’t need 4 or 5 little crimes an episode. Sure, I could like with a couple alongside a proper storyline but I just think that the episodes lack a little bit of direction. I’m sure that John Wells is reading this (…!) so will get the messages and change it, for the second half of the season.

Earlier this week, Michael Cudlitz had an interview with EW’s Michael Ausiello. To see this and some of Cudlitz’s Tweets since the cancellation, click here