Exclusive: Last Resort, 666 Park Avenue Tweaking Final Episodes to Give Fans Closure
Last Resort and 666 Park Avenue will not leave viewers hanging.
Despite ABC pulling the plug on the freshman dramas last week, the brains behind both shows tell TVLine that they were given enough time to turn their respective swan songs into series finales.
“We have time to tweak,” confirms Last Resort creator Shawn Ryan, adding that Episode 13 will indeed function as a full-fledged series finale.
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666 exec producers David Wilcox and Matt Miller, meanwhile, tease that their Sunday spookfest “is building to a powerful and surprising series finale, where all your questions will be answered. We hope fans of the show continue watching all the way to the end of Jane and Henry’s incredible journey to the dark side.”
Is it really the end for 666 though? DVR data released last week showed the ratings for the thriller’s Nov. 4 episode spiking a staggering 77 percent — raising hopes that ABC might un-ring the cancellation bell. The news prompted leading man Dave Annable to vent on Twitter that ABC “f—ed up” by axing the series.
But it’s a decision the network appears to be standing by.
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While ABC president Paul Lee calls the DVR surge “amazing,” it’s not enough to offset the show’s miniscule live numbers. “It’s wonderful to see the passion [these] shows have,” he says. “We just have to make sure we monetize it.”
Thoughts? Relieved you’ll get a return on the investment you made in both shows? (Additional reporting by Vlada Gelman)
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A little relieved, but still disappointed. The same thing happened with the last Shawn Ryan show we got hooked on (Chicago Code).
Shawn Ryan should just develop mini-series for networks – he’s got great stories and that’s about how long his stuff lasts there.
good comment…these guys have it bass ackward…instead of going for multi-season storylines and leaving fans dangling when cancelled, it would make more sense to do like American Horror Story has done with a miniseries approach to stories…fans could be assured they won’t get shafted and the viewing public might jump on-board to check out something new or different…and if something really connects to the public then think about a spin-off to capitolize on the success of something
I completely agree! I hesitate to get invested in so many shows because there have been so many I’ve loved that have gotten the axe with no resolution. I’m SO glad they’re going to wrap up Last Resort, I’ll watch it again and again as a miniseries!
Completely agree!
I think canceling these shows ESP 666 is premature.. ABC needs to consider that this is the middle of kids sports season as well as several holidays- soooo ppl won’t be at home watching live- as in my case- I DVr the shows and so do a LOT of my friends who are in the same situation. Networks need to consider things like this before up and pulling the plug on shows. It’s like everytime I love a show its canceled…..
I agree completely…….everytime I get a show on I like, it’s cancelled. I am tied of all of the reality shows and as you mentioned, high school and college football season is over, holiday shows have taken priority lately. Maybe ABC needs to consider changing the day of the week the show airs and give it a chance before cancelling.
I agree every show i like gets cancelled. I work nights so i have to dvr all my shows. 666 was one i looked forward to every week. they could do so much with it. give it a chance.
i was loving 666 and again ABC is screwing up again! im just gonna stop watching ABC im soo tired of the numerious so Called reality shows that are soo scripted! well good bye ABC the only good thing you did have was Lost! need i say more Hello NBC?
Me too ! Iam gone bye bye ABC I loved 666 Park Ave
Right on Jon Smith! I should have known 666 Park Ave. was on ABC. It’s another good show cancelled.
OK, so I’m a bit late in all of this but I TOTALLY agree!!! I actually started watching 666 Park Ave on the Chiller network and instantly fell in love. I mean seriously who doesn’t love a show where good is tempted by evil… Repeatedly??! And the rich play with everyone’s lives moving people around on a chessboard of their own design!? But every single time I fall in love with a show on any network, not just NBC (even though it happens more on NBC), that particular show gets cancelled especially if it has anything to do with the supernatural. I seem to remember a time where the show Supernatural was cancelled and brought back after a season of all of us waiting in limbo, signing online petitions, calling and writing anyone who would listen begging for our show to be given another chance. Well it worked, but what of all the other greats that keep getting cancelled? Are we really to get our hopes up with each new show only to have our hopes dashed? Isn’t there some way to stop the madness??? I’m so tired of loving a show and getting left with unanswered questions and cliffhangers. And what about new show’s that come in after a favorite’s cancelled, how are they to survive when all of us get to the point of just plain unfeeling and could give a sh$t anymore? What will happen to TV then? Come on network TV NBC, listen to the general public not just your focus groups!!! It’s all of us “little” people you should concern yourself with so start listening before all of you are in the unemployment line!!!
OMG they are keeping the mindy project wtf? and they are giving the ax to 666 Park Ave?
some one at ABC Needs to wake up! they are ruining the Line up!
The Mindy Project is on FOX not ABC!
I DVR all of my shows too and finally caught up with 666. It is so good where it keeps you in suspense and cant wait to see more. I’m so disappointed they are cancelling. Terrible decision.
I agree, I have to DVR it also so I am not watching it live. I love 666 I can not get enough of it…please don’t cancel it! The cast is fantastic and everyone that I have spoken to also feels the same!
Not to mention the fact that 666 park avenue comes on at 10 pm Sunday night a time when most people are finishing up homework or getting ready for school / work. If the show was to get a new timeframe then I feel like it would so much better
Why don’t networks cancel some of these hundreds if “reality” shows instead of actual series shows??!!!
Okay okay, am I the only one who just found out that ABC canceled 666 Park Avenue? Very disappointed.My family & I looked forward to watching that show every Dunday night.I didn’t check but was certain a new season if episodes would return.I enjoy watching ABC network, but will boycott ABC Sunday nights at that 10:00pm hour.Someone else commented correctly …ABC is too quick to cancel shows….ABC network got it wrong this time around.
Chicago Code was a GREAT show! Too bad it got axed
I’m STUNNED about 666. If I don’t catch it LIVE, which I usually do–then I’ll watch it ON DEMAND. That is ONE VERY, VERY CLEVER SHOW! EVERYONE I know watches it. But since we’re all in The Biz, my friends DVR, sometimes, four shows at once. If they can’t get to some shows, they delete them, but they ALWAYS WATCH 666!
666 is a GREAT show. With pretty decent ratings. I’m not sure why they’re canceling it. Last word I heard is that the network is keeping it’s option on 666 and Last Resort for a possible Mid-season placement, if its two new shows for mid-season don’t do well. **Meaning the cancelation won’t be final final until probably April/May.
Regarding DVR — I read an interview with a network person who said that only the Live ratings matter because of the commercials. People watch commercials to pay the bills.
Don’t they realize that even if you watch a show on DVR, and you fast forward thru commercials, you still SEE them. And can stop and watch the commercials you want. A funny bit or actor catches your eye as you flip thru – and you stop.
People are not going to be happy with constant cancellations on shows that they DVR. I try to watch a commercial here and there on DVR just to help with the cycle of life. But it doesn’t count what I watch anymore. Maybe if the Nielsen families signed a pledge to watch a commercial or two on DVR…….
I’ll watch a commercial if they cut the amount of them to 3, i’ve counted as much as 10 commercials and while that helps them,it causes cable BILLS to soar. screw you.
I really like the show, too. I have liked Dave Annable since REUNION, and was soo distraught when FOX axed that. I wish they would have given this show a budget cut :(. Or how about cut Shonda Rhimes budget somemore? Get rid of April and Arizona and give their checks to this show!
The show is GREAT,I hope the CW or some other NET> picks it up and WHOOPIE DIES IN THE FIRST EPISODE A HORRIBLE DEATH.
ABC never gave this show a fighting chance. The time slot for this type of show was horrible. Same with Chicago Code. Both were great shows!
I’m glad Last Resort is ending. All the episodes after the premiere made a downward spiral into atrocity. Characters are inconsistent and cartoonish. Its not worthy of the name of Shawn Ryan.
You obviously have not watched the same episodes I have, with that remark you show us all you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about.
Neil, I agree !! A great show !!!!
Chicago Code was a really, really great show.
I’m very disappointed that Chicago Code was canceled , and now 666 Park Avenue is next. We had Chicago Code night, just knew this show would last because of all the bad politics in Chicago. A writer would never run out of material in this city.
Best news of the week, actually. At least they’re not just going to “end” like, say, V, with a cliffhanger.
What was the one on FOX that had a GREAT SURPRISE cliffhanger for the Season Finale and then stupid FOX didn’t renew it? Something like MEET JOHN DOE. (People were REALLY upset about that one!) And if anyone is interested in watching a really good, supernatural Detective series, check out Matthew Fox’s Filmography. It was really good when it was on UPN–but you never knew when the dang thing was on. I hate that when there’s a good show but the times and days keep constantly switching so no one can find it (just like that really funny comedy on NBC, I think, that Jane Curtain and Stephen Collins did years ago). The Networks don’t give shows a chance. We would never have had more than one season of SEINFELD if NBC didn’t believe in it. It took what, at least three or more years before it made a dent in the ratings? Then it became a top staple. No one has faith anymore. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that, someday, they’ll distribute the supernatural TV show THE OTHERS on DVD. Until recently, shows that only had one season, didn’t get distributed beyond broadcast TV. At least now, we can see our favorite shows on DVD–like TERRA NOVA (another stupid mistake FOX made!!!!).
John Doe with Dominic Purcell! I loved that show. I couldn’t believe it was cancelled. That was the show that made me start to look for info on t.v shows. The finale where his friend (William Forsythe), the bar owner, was one of the bad guys. Ugh.
I agree John Doe was a great show, and I was so mad that they didn’t finish it. I wish that if a show gets cancelled before they can end it right, I wish they would put extra episodes on the DVD for closure. Dark Angel was another show that they ended poorly.
Look up John Doe on Wikipedia. It has some info about where the show would have gone if it had stayed on the air. BTW, you’re wrong about the William Forsythe character. Things weren’t as they seemed. Again, check the Wikipedia page.
Glad they are being able to give a bit of an ending to it. I tried 666 several times and it just wasn’t my thing, but I wish well to the entire cast – they are all very talented.
Quick – get Terry O’Quinn over to Person of Interest stat!
Sorry, the man should already be booked to Hawaii by now. Five O I’m sure has stuff in mind.
I’d take him on either!
Agreed!
POI and Revolution! He has to sign up, like right now!
sounds good.
I’m so glad that 666 is getting an ending. I knew it would be canceled when I started watching. I did because I knew I wouldn’t get attached. Still, you always hope to get answers.
I guess, they’ll submit theirselves into the mini-series category and make the best out of a bad situation.
ABC did exactly that last year with the Ashley Judd show that got cancelled.
OMG! My friends and I at work were just talking about MISSING last Monday. We were all discussing what a great show it was and had a perfect Season Finale–then ABC made it DISAPPEAR! (Sorry, unfortunately, since I used to work at ABC, I have nothing nice to say about the alphabet network. But if they kept their GOOD SHOWS on the air, then I probably would!!!!)
Yes! Missing was amazing, and it was really perplexing as to why it never caught on.
This may make me catch up on the few 666 eps I was going to delete from my DVR and finish the series.
Same. I deleted the episodes off my DVR after it was cancelled. I may have to look those up now.
I think it is worth it. It just needed to find its audience.
It’s stupid, all the great shows are on Sunday which force us to record half of them and watch them later. I thought DVR playbacks were going to help…?
It would be nice if TV execs actually lived in 2012 and understood that overnight ratings aren’t the be all, end all of judging TV success anymore. These people are still stuck in 1985.
I agree. On the other hand, it would be nice if people realised that TV networks are beholden to what the advertisers consider profitable advertising. A show could have 100million people watching, but if they all watch one month after it airs, there are a lot of advertisers who would consider airing their ad to 10million people live would be a better investment.
Fast forward thru the dvr version or go for a sandwich during commercials live, how much difference really?
LOL,my wife tends her laundry , makes popcorn etc. during these 4 min. commercials.
I’m sorry, so as a consumer it is my responsibility to forgo convenience so as to fit into the industry’s antiquated models of profitabiity. Yeaaaahhhh…… not so much.
Not if Nielsen families aren’t playing them back fast enough: https://tvline.com/2012/10/18/fall-tv-2012-dvr-ratings-increases/
And WHY do we STILL HAVE Nielsen families when, supposedly, they’re able to track what we watch on Digital Cable, etc.? Has anyone EVER met a Nielsen family? I did once–when a new girl came to my school in the 6th grade. Where are these people? They seem more difficult to find than Aliens from Space!
My family was one in the 90s but other than us I have never ever met anybody else
My husband and I were a Nielsen family for a few months. It was awesome. But a lot of work. We had to fill out forms with EVERYTHING we watched on live tv and on DVR. And then other questions about it. It wasn’t multiple choice. We had to write comments on everything.
We would have continued but someone from Nielsen called to check in and was in a hurry and asked if we had cable. I answered — “we have a satellite dish and we get cable channels” but she had already hung up and so we were never offered the chance again. REALLY dumb way to get Nielsen families — zero customer service. No help to answer questions.
But it was FUN despite the madness.
Lots of reasons. Not everyone has digital cable or whatever can be used to track viewing (which, BTW, is a blasted invasion of privacy, in many opinions). Even if it becomes easy to tell what program is on which channel in every home, though, it is not possible to just automatically tell the age/gender/race/income/etc. of every person who is watching at that time. Or how many people are watching. Or whether they’re actually paying attention to the TV or just have it on as background noise. (Nielsen box users have to prove they are paying attention fairly often as they watch.) Please learn the basic facts about Nielsen, because you certainly don’t seem to know them now.
You could have had an informative post if you had left off the “Please learn the basic facts about Nielsen, because you certainly don’t seem to know them now.” Instead you come off as an a$$. You don’t have to be so rude to a person asking a simple question. Terri’s question basically asking why networks still rely on Nielsen so much when they are able to track through DVR playback, on demand, etc is a good one. Many of us avid tv watchers ask ourselves that same question all the time. With all the technology we have today Nielsen is an antiquated system and if I choose to post that I don’t need ‘Nielsen expert’ that just did a google search telling me I should learn the facts.
DVR ratings do not help much as most people who watch on DVRs skip the commercials.
Honestly, I’m glad they’re bringing these shows to a conclusion. Yeah, I’m kind of sad that “Last Resort” is ending (didn’t care for “666”) but I think there is room for more limited shows that are scheduled to only last one season or two. Trying to stretch out these mysteries for 5 or 7 seasons just gets frustrating and the finale inevitably disappoints. While I loved “Life On Mars”, it was great that it was one season (like it’s BBC counterpart) and while the finale kinda’ felt like a cheat, it still fit into every mystery that had been going on in the series, not forgetting half the previous plot points from 5 years ealier (ie “Lost”). Having it last 6 seasons and then only ending like it did would have been extremely disappointing.
What happen to the days that if a show was struggling the tried it in a couple different slots before axing it, I like both shows don’t want to see either gone I get very reluctant to try new shows because of this
Co sign!
Good news but I really wonder how it’ll be possible for everything in Last Resort to be wrapped up and explained in one “tweaked” episode.
It was all a dream :)
That’s something I guess. But honestly, I think 666 Park Avenue is fantastic. It has really intriguing plots, great cast members, and some spooky moments (which is a good thing!). Was shocked and really saddened when I heard it has been cancelled. I have been following Supernatural since Season 1, and once I’m a fan of a show, I don’t give it up easily, but even I feel Supernatural should have ended a while back. If Supernatural can still make it up till Season 8, I really don’t see why 666 Park Avenue can’t, given enough time. By the way, no disrespect to Supernatural fans, I still do tune in every week. In any case, looking forward to the remaining episodes!
I’m disappointed Last Resort wasn’t given a chance by changing its timeslot. It had tough, entrenched competition. I watched it On Demand or online at ABC just because I work in the evening. Both platforms have advertising. Why am I, and others like me, not counted in the ratings? I really love the show and will miss the characters.
Those platforms are counted. They’re just not reported HERE.
If it has advertising, they’re counting it. They’re not getting those numbers out to ratings sites, but the network and the advertisers see them. So, you’re being counted by the people who fund the shows.
Clearly it wasn’t enough. I’ll miss Last Resort too. Oh well.
Not to worry guys, we still have “Revolution” !!!!!!
…
/pukesforhours
I really tried with that show but there were several key moments where the female leads acting was so bad it pulled me out of the entire thing. This is going to be like the two and a half men new tv shows, completely undeserving, but throngs of bad taste americans lap it up.
Yeah, Revolution is terrible. Was really hoping that 666 and LR would survive as those are my two favorite new shows.
Revolution is a mediocre show, but its much better than the preposterous Last Resort (with no sense of consistent characters or good storylines), even with the lead girl who is actually charming and realistic now. You have very bad taste if you think LR is great.
Also, Miles is the real star of the show and Neville is the best new character this season.
Marcus,Andre Braugher…an excellent actor, I will miss his performance on that show !!!
…but I’d also add that I wouldn’t have minded one bit if “Political Animals” had lasted longer than it’s “Limited Series” 6 episodes.
Oh no, my husband loves Last Resort. He’s going to be so sad!
The basic plot of Last Resort seemed rather limited anyway. As much as I enjoy it, I can’t see that same plot dragging on through several seasons. For me, much of its appeal came from the fast-paced action and the tension building in the main story line. I’m glad we’ll get some closure.
^ This. I wish networks realized that a short series, miniseries, whatever can be great. If Last Resort knew they got one season to tell their entire story the season would be tighter and audiences would be more invested knowing that they will get the whole story. I get the impression that cost is an issue with set designs and other investments more valuable spread over multiple seasons. Then again if shows just get canceled anyway there goes that initial investment out the window.
I thought the same thing about Revenge last year after the first few episodes. Then they completely spun me around and the show is even better this season. I think the creator has better vision than we do. I would have given it a chance.
The Neilsen ratings clearly over sample idiots. Just look at the high numbers for the CBS procedurals.
CBS has older audiences and older audiences are less likely to time shift. Time shifting is masking the true number of audience. But audience numbers are only recorded to show advertisers how many people watch their ads and that sets the ad prices, fund the shows, etc. The ratings have less to do with popularity and more to do with how expensive ad slots are.
Because of course, if you don’t like a show, that means that only idiots enjoy it. Sure.
Ah well that’s good at least. *sigh* I’ll take it . . .
I’m really bummed about 666 Park Avenue being canceled, but at least they have a chance to do a final episode. I can’t help but think that these kinds of shows would maybe do better if they were run like BBC shows where they get commissioned for a season, do a near completely storyline in that time period, and then if they get commissioned for another season they can do another storyline. In that way each season would be a complete thought not dependent on a show lasting five seasons. DVD box sets are also more sell-able even if they last only one season because they have an ending of sorts.
Agreed. Shows like “Strike Back” and “Hunted” are that way. Both are British shows.
let’s hope that we’ll get dvd releases for both shows…
666 was like a bad episode of “Supernatural” stretched out to infinity. I kept expecting Sam and Dean to pop up, solve the problem, snark outside the building by the Impala and drive off…
I like both of these shows so I’m glad at least they are getting enough notice to turn them into series finales. 666 might have benefited from an earlier time slot…..just a little too creepy right before trying to go to sleep for me. I think Last Resort might have benefited from a latter time slot when more males might be watching.
So sad about 666 Park avenue. Question – could someone please explain how they even take the ratings into consideration? What are nielsen ratings and how do you know if you have a ratings box? Also, I take it they only take US ratings into consideration, well they should start looking at canadian ratings since we watch every show broadcasted on us tv. I live in Canada but watch shows on CBS, ABC, FOX etc…… as does everyone else I know…so confused as to how this all works. (maybe they are looking at those ratings, i’m not sure) But regardless, this is 2012, they should figure out a better way!
No, they shouldn’t look at ratings in Canada. You live in Canada. You make your purchases in Canada. TV shows here are mainly supported by commercials, though, which are paid for by OUR advertisers. You can learn the basics about ratings at tvbythenumbers.com and find out why most of your claims are ridiculous.
wow, so many people blaming the producer of Last Resort for having vision instead of blaming the ones who are actually responsible for the show being canceled, the audience.
Too bad the ‘vision’ didn’t translate into good writing or acting.
666 seemed more like a mini series to me in the first place tbh