The writing was on the wall, now ABC has officially cancelled Downward Dog after one low-rated season, RenewCancelTV has confirmed.
Co-creator Samm Hodges broke the news in a statement, claiming that the comedy was cancelled due to financial reasons, while vowing to find a new Season 2 home for the show:
“Got the very surprising news that ABC is not moving forward with Downward Dog. They loved it creatively and really wanted to make more, but couldn’t find a financial path to do so. [..] The crazy love you have for the Downward Dog combined with the critical response make us confident that there is a future and we are committed to find a new home. ABC is airing the last two episodes of Season 1 on Tuesday at 10/9c.”
Hey. Statement from @m_killen and I. Love and hope and not giving up #DownwardDog pic.twitter.com/VUn8NrgdLu
— Samm Hodges (@sammhodges) June 23, 2017
Hodges may be “surprised” by Downward Dog‘s demise, but knowing ABC and the brutal nature of TV as he does, the reaper certainly isn’t.
The cancellation of Downward Dog comes on the heels of ABC eliminating another summer entry, Still Star-Crossed, which was crossed off the network’s 2017-18 schedule earlier this week.
Will another outlet fetch Downward Dog from ABC’s cancellation graveyard? It seems unlikely, but stay tuned should something really surprising happen…
RIP.
Rhonda says
Please don’t cancel Downward Dog. This can’t happen. I love that show I love Martin, and I look forward to it especially during these dark political times. We need to smile and laugh and carry-on a little bit and feel good in the heart. What about getting a sponsor like Mr. Chewy. It’s a great company and they do nice things for dogs in shelters, they’re very reliable. I bet this would be a perfect project for them to support.
Laurena Hernandez says
I completely agree with you. It’s nice to find something non-political and gentle. I have a shelter dog who is just loved to pieces. Please, find a new home for this wonderful show. Love Martin, he’s so cool!
Gloria says
Great advice. I agree with you wholeheartedly about this show.
Ladybbird says
INCREDIBLE..Maybe the network.. ABC and the brutal nature of their Executives..do NOT REALISE THAT FAMILIES & OTHERS appreciate a calm & relaxing series such as this & SHOULD NEVER be cancelled.. Maybe ABC WANTs MORE PROGS, with VIOLENCE & Swearing.. > to increase their viewing numbers…
I am an ARMED Police Officer & have enjoyed watching this with my kids & family when I return from work to relieve my stress… ALL ABOUT MONEY FOLKS..Respond with money > CANCEL ABC SUB…. & teach them a HARD lesson..
Gloria says
Great advice. I agree with you wholeheartedly about this show.
Cnm says
That show just got better with each episode. I love that show. It is unique and funny. Please let it find a new home. The voice of the dog is spot on. Could have used a little less people action & more animal action.
B. Fuller says
”This show is adorable need new writers and French bulldog.
Bridget says
I love this show, have been telling all of my friends about it and now I have to pray that they find a new home.
JC says
What a disappointment!!!! The show is great and was getting better with each episode! Funny and fresh! The dog has the best lines! The dog/human relationship is done so well! DO NOT CANCEL!!!!
mari says
love this show. someone please pick it up!
DW says
You have got to be kidding me! This is a great show. I’ve turned so many people on to it. The marketing from ABC was abysmal and no one had any idea what it was and so they never gave it a chance until I told them to check it out.
Cathy says
I don’t watch much TV anymore. Too many horrid news stories, too much violence, too many blatantly raunchy shows, shallow and ridiculous reality shows. “Downward Dog” was fresh, sweet, and had none of the crap so readily available everywhere else. Probably the very reason it was canceled. Really sad to see this show go away.
Anne says
Shame on ABC for cancelling Downward Dog. It’s one of my favorite shows. They should cancel all of their reality shows, they are just junk. Downward Dog was a great family show, funny and so different from most of the crap ABC has to offer. Hoping another station picks it up.
Sheri Box says
I agree! I love Martin. Its very entertaining without violence!
Elderpisces says
I totally agree with this comment. DD was fresh, funny, poignant. What a loss. I wasn’t aware of the show until my sister suggested I watch it, and then I told everyone i knew that they should give it a try. Please find a way to keep this show on the air…Netflix anyone? It kept Longmire running..just a suggestion. And why those stupid reality shows keep getting renewed is a puzzle, when a quality show like DD has to struggle. Just doesn’t compute.
Cindy Swisher says
I love this show. Please don’t cancel it.
Barbara says
This was one bright spot on the TV schedule. I loved this show. The voice of the dog was so wonderful and his thoughts were so funny and touching. Please find another network who can appreciate this show because it has a lot of fans. I’m a 71 year old and a cat lover, so it tells you something when I can completely love the dog and his owner, who is great, too. Love that she looks like a normal person, not some skinny blond.
Kim says
I have enjoyed the show. It’s characters and storylines were a refreshing change from the rest. I hope another network picks it up. It could use a few more talking animals, in my humble opinion!
Joann says
I think it stinks that ABC and all the other stations don’t give shows a chance to get a following. With shows like the Bachelor, Bachelorette and other shows that are a waste of time, it’s no surprise that ABC would cancel a show that’s different and entertaining.
Carol says
I love this show. It’s easygoing and funny. It’s not full of violence, the “F” word, etc. maybe that’s why it’s getting canceled. There is Not much worth watching any more on ABC. I watch other networks except for this show.
Patricia McAskin says
My husband and I love this show and are disappointed to learn it will not live another season. We hope you find another venue…others have. This show is funny but also has some “meat” i.e, a storyline, told by the wonderful Martin, and if he’s not around, we get to see his great owner (love the fact she looks like a real woman!!) facing goals in an upward fashion. (P.S. get rid of the boyfriend and the boss…not cool)
Deb says
I am completely and utterly pissed off! I LOVE this show, its sweetness, its unpoliticalness! Unfortunately, there are too many zombies and lowbrows in the world, so nothing good stays on tv. I hope another network picks it up.
So pissed!
GoGogirl says
The best show this year please keep it on air. The show needs another season to draw in more viewer I heard about from word of mouth.
Rosemary says
I really loved and enjoyed Downward Dog! It was such a refreshing and cute sitcom featuring a cute dog named Martin. I looked forward to see Downward Dog every Tuesday night! I was so sad that it was canceled! I sure hope another station picks up Downward Dog soon!!!!
B. A. Pletz says
I am so bummed ABC cancelled this gentle and sweet show. I agree with others that ABC never promoted it, and instead clog the airwaves with junk. I hope another network realizes the gentleness and wisdom of this fabulous show.
D. Bukosky says
I am so sad this show was canceled. I hope it finds a new home. ABC, I swear you could care less what your viewers want to see, because if you did this show would be onto Season 2. I almost didn’t start watching it because I could tell from the promos that it would be on shaky ground. Now I’m heartbroken it is canceled. Read the rest of the comments on this page and other social media and you’ll see I’m not alone.
Judith says
I LOVE “DOWNWARD DOG”! It’s my new favorite! I have told so many people about it. I can’t believe you would cancel such a charming, delightful show without giving it a chance for more people to discover it! PLEASE, PLEASE don’t cancel it, or SOMEBODY ELSE, please PICK IT UP!!!
Mary Ann Doty says
I must admit I am not a lover of sitcoms and was on the fence to even tune in, but took a leap of faith! I was so amazed and fell in love with this show. The stars Martin and Nan are both so HUMAN in their observations of life. I have never laughed so hard nor wept so in pure bliss for these wonderful characters. It is a pure family show for all ages and I am ashamed to see ABC has cancelled this real gem. But should I be surprised with the line up of shows they continue with! I too hope this show will be picked up by another station who can see the worth of this show and treat it with the respect it deserves. Until then I will miss my weekly therapy session with Nan and Martin on Downward Dog!
LORD MAVRO says
My dog and I loved watching it. The writers really got into the mind of womens best friend. And Martins eyes, one slightly off center, we loved Martin.
Lynne says
You FINALLY get a smart, edgy and completely new and different show, then give us only one season?
Not everyone enjoys the reality shows. I find myself watching less and less of the shows you deem entertaining.
No wonder cable gets all the Emmys
Shirley Cousins says
I loved Downward Dog it was fresh, funny & one of the best things to come along in a long time.
Martin has a beautiful expressive face & eyes.
I watch very little TV it is so full of lying news & violent raunchy shows, but I actually made an effort
to watch DD, please renew it for me & many many other fans.