Why did CBS give ‘Tommy’ the axe after just one season?
Q: I heard the new series “Tommy” has been cancelled. I know I enjoyed this show as well as others who I have talked to. Do you know if and why it was cancelled?
A: Lots of readers have been asking about the CBS drama starring Edie Falco. Many likely suspected the end was near when the first-season finale so speedily wrapped up several storylines, as if the show was not going to have a chance to go forward. And, indeed, CBS has cancelled the show.
As for why, well, one “Tommy” co-star referred to the sometimes-mysterious complications of “reasons and numbers and optics and algorithms” that go into many cancellations. TVLine reported on some of “Tommy’s” ratings problems: ranking 14th in overall audience among the 18 dramas CBS showed this season, and next to last in the network’s key demographic. “Tommy” had some good names attached, such as Falco, but that is not always enough against a lack of viewers. The same day it cancelled “Tommy,” CBS dumped other shows with famous TV names: “Carol’s Second Act” (with Patricia Heaton), “Broke” (Pauley Perrette) and “Man with a Plan” (Matt LeBlanc).
Q: My son and I are wondering why the producers of “Survivor,” “Big Brother” and “The Amazing Race” keep bringing back previous players. Why not give new players a chance to win the big money? It gets boring and similar to reruns.
A: A lot of television’s attraction is based on audiences’ relationship with shows’ characters, and familiar faces are less of a risk than new ones. The shows you mentioned are hardly unique in bringing back people. Look as well at “The Bachelor,” or former champions competing again on “Jeopardy!” or every series spinoff, sequel or reboot. When an intriguing personality arrives, there’s a good chance he or she will be back. “Boston Rob” Mariano, for instance, has been in six different seasons of “Survivor,” two of “The Amazing Race” and other shows besides.
Q: I am a fan of “Last Man Standing.” I think I have watched every episode but I do not remember ever seeing Kristin and Ryan’s wedding. Did I miss this somehow?
A: No. There was not an episode showing the wedding. Instead, in the final episode of the fourth season, Kristin and Ryan firmed up their wedding plans — agreeing to get married in a church. When the fifth season began, several months had passed and the wedding had already taken place. (The show has now completed its pandemic-shortened eighth season and, at this writing, is awaiting word on whether it will have a ninth.)