The short run of ‘Rebel’: Why it happened
Q: “Rebel” just started. Why has it been canceled already? – Jean Scott, via e-mail
A: Despite massive advance promotion and a strong cast led by Katey Sagal, Andy Garcia and John Corbett, the Erin Brockovich-inspired ABC show ultimately had several factors working against it. As typically is the case with cancellations, the first and foremost consideration was its ratings, which were especially telling because it had one of the strongest lead-ins possible ... “Grey’s Anatomy,” from the same showrunner (Krista Vernoff). While it’s terrific when a new series can cash in on a boost from such an established program, that spotlight also makes it very apparent when it doesn’t.
Had the executive who ordered “Rebel” stayed in the same job at ABC, that might have bought the show some additional time, but that wasn’t the case. Industry veteran Karey Burke moved over to become chief of 20th Television, and since “Rebel” was inherited by her ABC successor, that left it more vulnerable – particularly from a ratings standpoint, even when factoring in post-broadcast views, which now can be a big factor in whether a show continues or not.
Q: Is “Cruel Summer” based on a book? – Jen Harris, Grand Junction, Colo.
A: No, despite the Freeform saga’s incorporation of many themes familiar to readers of young-adult novels. The show, starring Olivia Holt, was created by Bert V. Royal, who also wrote the Emma Stone movie “Easy A” ... another project that dealt heavily in the rites of youth. There is a 2008 novel titled “Cruel Summer” by Alyson Noel, but it’s not the same story.