Why Was Murder in the First Cancelled?
Introduction
Murder in the First, a crime drama television series, premiered on TNT in 2014 and ran for three seasons until its cancellation in 2017. The show was praised for its unique storytelling, complex characters, and gripping plotlines. Despite its popularity, the show was ultimately cancelled, leaving fans wondering why. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the cancellation of Murder in the First.
Creative Differences
One of the primary reasons for the cancellation of Murder in the First was creative differences between the show’s creators and the network. TNT wanted the show to shift its focus from the original concept of a single, complex case per season to a more traditional, episodic format. The show’s creators, Steven Bochco and Eric Lodal, were resistant to this change, as they believed it would compromise the show’s unique storytelling and character development.
Ratings
Another factor that contributed to the cancellation of Murder in the First was its declining ratings. The show’s third season averaged around 2.5 million viewers per episode, a significant drop from its 4.5 million viewers per episode in its first season. While the show still maintained a loyal fan base, the ratings decline made it difficult for TNT to justify the cost of producing the show.
Cost
Speaking of cost, Murder in the First was a relatively expensive show to produce, with a budget of around $3 million per episode. The show’s complex cases, intricate plotlines, and large cast of characters required a significant amount of resources, including location shoots, special effects, and stunt work. As the ratings declined, it became increasingly difficult for TNT to justify the cost of producing the show.
Competition
The crime drama genre is highly competitive, and Murder in the First faced stiff competition from other popular shows like True Detective, The Killing, and Bones. The show struggled to stand out in a crowded field, and its unique storytelling and complex cases, while praised by critics, may not have been enough to attract a large enough audience.
Conclusion
The cancellation of Murder in the First was likely the result of a combination of factors, including creative differences, declining ratings, high production costs, and competition from other shows. Despite its loyal fan base and critical acclaim, the show was ultimately unable to sustain itself. However, the show’s legacy lives on, and its unique storytelling and complex characters continue to be praised by fans and critics alike.
Table: Comparison of Murder in the First’s Ratings
| Season | Episodes | Average Viewers (in millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 10 | 4.5 |
| 2 | 13 | 3.5 |
| 3 | 13 | 2.5 |
Bullets List: Reasons for the Cancellation of Murder in the First
• Creative differences between the show’s creators and the network
• Declining ratings
• High production costs
• Competition from other shows in the crime drama genre
• Failure to stand out in a crowded field
Conclusion
The cancellation of Murder in the First was a disappointment to fans and critics alike. The show’s unique storytelling and complex characters were a breath of fresh air in the crime drama genre, and its cancellation left a void in the television landscape. While the show may be gone, its legacy lives on, and its influence can be seen in other crime dramas that have followed in its footsteps.
