American Crime Cancelled at ABC
AMERICAN CRIME
WHY IT DESERVES A NOD: In its sublime third (and, sigh, final) season, ABC's anthology drama put a spotlight on various forms of slavery in America, from sex trafficking to forced labor to domestic abuse. Featuring a slew of brilliant, nuanced performances — including Felicity Huffman's series-best work as conflicted wife Jeanette Hesby — American Crime once again served up an unflinching look at society's oft-ignored injustices, and the people whose lives are upended as a result.American Crime is no longer paying at ABC: The network has cancelled John Ridley’s Emmy-winning anthology drama after three seasons.
The series was never a ratings powerhouse for ABC, but its Season 3 ratings were particularly woeful; it wrapped its run on April 30 with an anemic 2 million viewers and a 0.4 demo rating. But Crime was arguably ABC’s most acclaimed drama of the past few years, snagging consecutive Emmy nominations for Best Limited Series and back-to-back wins for star Regina King.
Last month at Deadline‘s The Contenders Emmy soiree in Los Angeles, franchise vet Felicity Huffman seemed prepared for the worst, saying, “If there isn’t a Season 4, I’m so honored that this is our last season. I think ABC has changed the face of network TV and what network TV can do. … They are beyond what cable can do. Sometimes those things have a short shelf life, but the ripple effect is great.”
At the same event, exec producer Michael McDonald revealed that a fourth season would’ve centered on “women in the workplace,” before citing the recent sexual harassment scandals enveloping Uber and Fox News (Bill O’Reilly specifically) as examples.
a shame ..it was a great show
I’m going to miss it. Some of the best quality TV around.
Horrible decision to cancel this well written and uniquely riveting drama. Amazing actors., writers and directors. Wake up ABC…You had a gem here!!!!
I agree that Amercian Crime was a great show and I still hope that Netflix will pick up for the fourth season.
I agree that it was a great show and I still hope that another network will pick American Crime.
This is such a shame. I know the ratings weren’t good but this was far and away the best show on network television right now. So disappointed to hear this.
Such a shame. ABC brings back American Idol when I doubt many even asked for it and yet they cancel such a great quality show with potential for even better seasons. I know it’s usually all about money in TV, but sometimes I wish they would keep shows around just for the quality. It wasn’t a ratings success, but it was definitely a great show that explored many important and mature themes and probably would have been even better with less censoring on a different network.
So sad; I loved “American Crime”. The show had a powerful cast all three seasons; excellent storylines!
Nooo. I saw this coming and was actually surprised when it was renewed last year for season 3, but still. This was such a compelling show. Easily the best drama on network TV.
The first season was the best. Second season was iffy, and I didn’t get to watch the third because Dish and the local ABC stations (Hearst) couldn’t agree on a price for two months. Does anybody at the networks see how that problem is realistically killing their shows?
I knew this was coming, but still hurts, at least I have Shield for another possibly last season. A.C. certainly was the best tv show on network tv. No doubt the cast would get good offers for upcoming projects, hopefully Connor Jessup land a good role on cable, the dude is really talented
Connor Jessup plays the protagonist Oscar Madly in the movie Closet Monster, released in 2015. It’s available on Netflix, it’s a new arrival too. It’s a really great movie with very deep meaning. :)
And so ends another show I watch. Sigh. Shame, there’s so many more interesting stories they could’ve told, but I’m not surprised. If the ratings aren’t there, then…*Shrugs*
Any show that’s good with actors with such a range is never going to be excepted. I loved that show. You never knew what kind of story line would be the next subject. Sad 😩
I am sorry that there won’t be a fourth season for Amercian Crime. I still believe that this show was a classic series. I still hope that the show will go the syndication market route and save the show. Maybe Netflix will save the show.
S3 was really difficult to watch..extremely dark, but it’s why the show is so good. Handled very tough subjects without bias & great casts. Maybe FX, HULU or Netflix will pick it up
Very true. It really showed the variety in crimes committed against the poor. It was hard to watch but life is not all happy endings.
It is a shame about American Crime but it never sustained the audience and demo it needed especially when they were moved to Sunday. Just a shame
I’m upset, but I knew this was coming. :(
Not surprising but still sad. Absolutely perfect cast- great writing too. I will miss this one.
Canceling this show is in itself a crime. One of the last shows that I watched on the broadcast networks. Maybe it will be picked up by one of the cable channels. It was too smart, well written and acted for the network.
No it won’t, wistful thinking though
Well I was going to start getting into this show, glad I didn’t.
Each season is a completely different story with (mostly) the same actors playing different parts. You should watch the three seasons they put out. The seasons don’t relate to each other so you don’t have to watch them in order.
I LOVED THIS SHOW. PLEASE DON’T TAKE IT AWAY.
Suggestion: Screw ABC… take the show to cable or NETFLIX/ Hulu/ Amazon where it will be truly appreciated. Disgraceful that this show gets cancelled and yet they want to revive the tired and corny American Idol! Utter codswallop…
Yes!! NETFLIX would be a great fit plus that’s how I got hooked.
I guess it makes sense. It’s way too smart a show for most. And why give us quality when we already have cable TV. Just yet another reason to stay away from network tv.
what a shame just another example of how networks are dumbing down viewers
This really breaks my heart. One of the best ensembles I have ever seen on TV and compelling, well written stories. Of course, they cancel just before a season that would have focused on women. But, the fairy tales will be back! Absolute travesty.
best show on basic network TV
enjoyed all 3 seasons
RIP American Crime
American crime anthology series was maybe best scripted show in tv. I think maybe too intelligent for today’s viewers.
I’m just glad American Crime lasted as long as it did. It’s a shame such topical and intelligent fare isn’t as accepted as much as some of the procedural drivel that fills network tv schedule. A great show with great actors. It would have played better on cable.
Sorry to see it go. My wife and I were always anxious to see what the theme of the next season was going to be. This show was in a class by it’s self. We are going to miss it. I wish Netflix or Amazon would pick it up.
I still hope that Netflix will pick Amercian Crime for the fourth season.
A shame. That was an outstanding program. I hope it’s picked up on a streaming network. Can’t believe the crap they keep on network TV, and cancel a well acted and great story like this.
Sorry to see this one cancelled.
I agree with Christine Harris about American Crime.It was indeed a great show. I still hope that the producer will do the syndication market and revival the show for the 4th season.