‘King & Maxwell’ canceled by TNT after just one season; ‘Franklin & Bash’s’ future unclear

Well, here is something that you don’t see everyday: A cable network making a move to cancel a show after its first season. Typically, we think this is a mistake; these networks like to show good will towards studios to convince them to bring on their programs, and they also understand the value of building an audience.

Unfortunately, there are also times when a show just starts below the threshold of what a network is willing to keep around. This can be said for “King & Maxwell.” Sources confirm that TNT has canceled the drama after just one season, with the major reason being that it averaged only 3.1 million viewers during its freshman run, a major step down from its “Major Crimes” lead-in. There’s always a higher expectation that comes when you air after a popular show, which is something that we expect “Low Winter Sun” to have to deal with later this year after AMC likely pulls the plug on it. (Its ratings are so low that “King & Maxwell” feels more like a hit.)

Meanwhile, the future is still unclear for one of the last remaining mystery shows on the TNT roster in “Franklin & Bash.” It’s a program that pulls in decent numbers, but not good enough to be a guarantee. There will be a decision likely made soon on the show, but given the recent track record by TNT of canceling programs (see “Leverage”), we’re nervous. The network knows that it has some great prospects coming up. “Legend” has Sean Bean along with “Homeland’s” Howard Gordon as an executive producer; meanwhile, “The Last Ship” comes from Michael Bay and has “Grey’s Anatomy” alum Eric Dane attached in the lead role.

What is your reaction to this news, and do you hate it when cable networks cancel shows after just one year? Be sure to share your thoughts below!

Photo: TNT