CBS has ended two more shows. The network has been the subject of attention in recent days due to the changing saga of SWAT. Initially, on May 5, the action drama was canceled not because of its ratings but because the series is a co-production between CBS and Sony at a time when networks desire complete ownership of their properties. After the decision was heavily criticized by fans and star Shemar Moore, CBS reserved its decision. On May 8, it was confirmed that SWAT season 7 was uncanceled and would serve as the show’s swan song.
Now, according to Variety, CBS has canceled True Lies and East New York. Both shows ran for just one season. True Lies, a reboot of the 1994 film which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger, debuted in March. Its series finale will be on May 17. As for East New York, which focused on the officers and detectives of the NYPD, the series debuted last October. Its final episode will air on May 14.
Why Were True Lies & East New York Canceled?
As reported by Variety, the decision to cancel East New York was the result of CBS negotiating with the show’s studio, Warner Bros. Television, over the budget. CBS asked for the East New York cast to skip the usual pay increases that come along with a season 2 renewal. It’s the latest example of the network making big moves over pay. CBS previously renewed the sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, notably moving most of the cast to recurring roles as a cost-saving move.
As for True Lies, which starred Steve Howey and Ginger Gonzaga, the action-comedy was CBS’ lowest-ranked series. This is despite the show’s Live+7 numbers, which look at viewership across seven days, with the reboot picking up 70% more viewers. The cancelation also might have been decided because True Lies is produced in part by 20th Television, an outside studio like Warner Bros., though that hasn’t been confirmed.
The two cancelations, along with the revival of SWAT, paint a picture of the current situation in broadcast television. Although very popular shows can be renewed, it’s not just a simple calculation of ratings. Cast salaries and studio ownership matter greatly to networks like CBS, unfortunately spelling doom for East New York and True Lies.
