James Duff has opened up on the cancellation of Major Crimes.
Following his opening salvo, the creator pinned the cancellation on the cabler’s ongoing quest to rebrand its identity rather than ratings, and noted that the show is “not dead yet,” with 13 final episodes to close the series:
I have to be careful what I say on Facebook! I had no idea the media would run with my last post about the cancellation of Major Crimes, which was really just a hasty answer to all the people inundating me with messages, asking if I was pulling the show myself. Perhaps this post will be less newsworthy. But I promised to come back with a few words about why our show was cancelled and so here I am.
Obviously, Major Crimes did not end from a case of viewer collapse disorder! In 2017, so far, Major Crimes has been the highest rated show on our network. Also, last year, before we were taken out of the summer line-up, and lost our November/December berth (particularly hard for us because we loved being with our viewers during the holidays), Major Crimes averaged over ten million viewers an episode on all platforms, with minimal marketing costs. We do as well (or better) in the much discussed demo than many of TNTs other shows. And we were axed before we even had a chance to premiere our sixth season: that was not a ratings decision. But here’s the rub. Our network wants to change its identity. Kevin Reilly, the CEO of Turner Entertainment, came on board two-and-a-half years ago with the specific mission of developing edgier fare. Of course, Major Crimes does many dark stories (dead children boxed up in a refrigerator; incestuous molestation of a minor; violently murdered transgendered twelve-year-olds), but we are always going to be a police procedural. And though, in my biased opinion, I believe our show could co-exist with all the new series that have bowed over the last year-and-a-half, those responsible for the long-term health of TNT disagree, and believe the money spent on Major Crimes – which, to them, represents the past – would be better invested in the future they have been tasked to create. Also, that the presence of Major Crimes is counter to their goal of creating an entirely fresh face for the next generation of consumers. Thus, our absence at the Television Critics Association confab this summer and a lowered marketing profile. From the executive offices at TNT, these decisions have seemed unavoidable. Little surprise that I should see things differently!
Cable faces serious competition from streaming platforms (and other modes of delivery in the offing). I thought the community of Major Crimes – our cast, writers, amazing crew and loyal audience – could work as a bulwark against market forces. But I could very well be wrong, and bear no responsibility for Turner’s long-term financial prospects. Mr. Reilly has to make decisions like cancelling Major Crimes all the time, and must approach them from what he believes is right and proper for the success of his company. So there the matter rests. I want to defend the value of our show, but I don’t want to be petty. And no matter which side of this debate has properly assessed the situation, the sun will still rise, the earth shall continue spinning on its axis, and life will go on. My bottom line? I love my job. I love my producing partner, Michael M. Robin, who helped make so many dreams come true. I love the people with whom it was my privilege to collaborate on a daily basis. I loved the relationships we developed with our audience, and the way we learned to nourish each other over the years. The Closer and Major Crimes endowed me with deeper purpose than I have found anywhere else in my professional life. I am loathe to see our mutual endeavor pass away. Indeed, hearing so many kind and generous tributes over the last few days has made me feel (a bit) like I’m attending my own funeral. Happily, to quote Monty Python, “I’m not dead yet.” And neither is Major Crimes. We have thirteen brand new episodes to debut, starting on Halloween! If it is not the most auspicious date on which to return, at least it is memorable. Truthfully, October 31st has never felt more frightening, but hopefully we will scare up an audience somehow! I will be back blogging before each episode, and Facebook interviewing the cast on the day of air, just as I always do, knowing that we all did the very best we could to anticipate this moment before it arrived. I bring you thanks from Mary McDonnell, G. W. Bailey, Tony Denison, Michael Paul Chan (or MPC as we call him!), Raymond Cruz, Phillip P. Keene, Graham Patrick Martin, Kearran Giovanni, Jonathan Del Arco, Leonard Roberts, Jessica Meraz, Daniel Di Tomasso, Jon Tenney, Kathe Mazur, René Rosado, Dawnn Lewis, Bill Brochtrup, Ransford Doherty and everyone who has devoted themselves to making this the most emotional season of Major Crimes ever. We appreciate everything our viewers have done to demonstrate they care about our little corner of the television landscape. Your voices have lifted our spirits during this difficult time. Sorry for the long post! And we’ll talk again soon.
Are you still upset by TNT’s culling of Major Crimes? Just grateful that there are 13 final episodes before the series enters the cancellation graveyard?
sad says
I believe TNT is making a BIG MISTAKE cancelling Major Crime. It is the best cop show on tv. I hope TNT rethinks cancelling it or maybe find a new home.I know fans would follow.
phyllis says
I agree with you BIG MISTAKE cancelling Major Crimes. I love this show. Take some of the other terrible shows off.
Candy says
I can only hope another network will pick them up. I think it is a big mistake and have no plans to ever return to watching TNT shows after it is done airing.
smc says
Yes, fans will follow! I continue to be amazed that we can’t have both the old and the new in this world. They can coexist. Major crimes is truly one of the best shows out there and the ensemble cast makes the minutes worth watching. Seems to be no loyalty for the people already with you, everybody seems to just want to feed the new. I still keep hoping somebody at the top of TNT will develop some human common sense. There is another huge population out there who is not being served – hmmm, they also have the money to spend. Miracles do happen!
Elaine says
Lets face it, anyone over the age of 49 does not get a vote on what to watch. If they are not gay, interracial, transgender or some other “edgier” theme it gets canceled. How many of 18-49 are watching when they can get the trash they want from Netflix or so many other viewing choices. Maybe one day they will people want to watch programming that does not offend millions of viewers. Contrary to what sponsors think, we still buy cars, groceries, vacations AND we actually work and spend money for clothes, cosmetics, and other products it takes to live and work. TNT is just as bad as ABC and it’s always the same excuse. Thank goodness my TV has an off button.
Sharon B says
You said everything that I have said. If a person is not in the 18-49 demographics we have no say. I am 73 and have watched more shows then can be imagined. The Closer was a good show, but I fell in love with Major Crimes. It faces tough issues with concern, strength, teamwork and even laughter and love. As you said we do all the things that the 18-49 do and even more. We are smart and have put in our years of work and a good show should not be just tossed aside at a whim. I thought TNT would have done a better job than this decision. I so look forward to the 6th season. I will be watching on Oct 31st and all the shows that are left. I agree, I am glad there is an off button. Kudos to you for your comments
Chris B. says
The best show on TV just cancelled? What are these people thinking? I hope another network is smarter than TNT, and picks up this show. Please!
Ms boomer says
This is the same flawed thinking that networks have to cater to a certain demographics. How many reality shows, zombies and vampires can we watch. This is the same thing that happened to Longmire on A&E. I know longer watch any show on that channel and when Major Crimes leaves TNT , it will be dead to me. Maybe Major Crimes could be picked up by another (Netflix) channel. My cable is down to the bare bones as there aren’t any shows I really care about anymore. For some reason “the powers that be” exclude the over 50 group. I would think a major portion of the wealth in this country is in the hands of this age group and are a substantial purchasing group.
The products that are advertised we buy, and if we’re not watching we aren’t buying. Cable is on it’s way out with all the streaming options now available we can pick and choose instead of a package of 200 channels of infomercials and reality shows. Please bring back quality tv and Major Crimes is a quality show.
hecate442 says
How can TNT cancel a show which averages 10 million viewers? What absurdity! The show is smart, well written with a phenomenal cast. And for those of us who watch on a regular basis, the “crimes” can be pretty dark so I am at an utter loss as why TNT felt the show needed to be “edgier”. Or is that network speak for a younger cast wearing minimal clothing who’s only goal is to sleep with each other?
Deena Peterson says
Stupid. Decision. TNT.
phyllis says
Please re-think your decision and keep this show on because it is a great show and I really enjoy watching it. I love the cast on it too.
Carol says
I like Major Crimes but I thought there was too much emphasis on the Rusty character and the captain was a very poor actress. I loved the rest of the characters.
John B. says
The loss of another favorite program is no big deal to me. I’ve lived through too many to make it ruin my day. I can think back to several quality dramatic productions that were yanked after two seasons (or sometimes right in the middle of a season) because they weren’t selling enough cars or toothpaste.
But what is really frightening are the reasons for this particular termination (and there will be more just like it). It’s like a canary in a coal mine. It’s an indicator of the direction our society is going. What the other comments stated seems perfectly true. People over 50 are useless and redundant and we don’t care about their values or what they buy or what they believe. (Maybe we can replace Major Crimes with a series based upon Soylent Green?) We like young people better and prefer to cater to their wants since they are easily brainwashed into supporting our agenda and into giving us their money (which is usually supplied by over-50 taxpayers). Oh, who are we, you ask? The corporate One-World, that includes entertainment and music industries, financial, sports, media, and marketing industries, and the politics industry (aka Show-Biz for ugly people).
The Roman Empire started with guys wrestling, but needed “edgier and edgier” entertainment for the masses. Then came chariot racing, but it didn’t have enough blood and gore, so then came gladiator combat, then gladiators against lions, then tossing undesirables to lions etc. Lots of sex orgies etc. So now our TV isn’t edgy enough and we need more sex and gore. If you want the network to pick up your show, it has to be kinky sex and bloody twisted serial-killer mutilation gore. How far are we from the marriage of this type of “entertainment” to reality TV?
This is not an isolated phenomenon. The unrest in the country between red and blue, liberal and conservative, young and old, white and black, traditional and progressive is all part of a culture that has lost its way. Anyone who thinks TV is just a movie projector in your home should read Jerry Mander’s “Four Arguments For The Elimination of Television” published in 1977. He was right; much of what he warned has come true. Now there’s the Internet-truly a double-edged sword. I have no answers. Get out and vote. Vote at the ballot box and vote with your purchases and vote with your community involvement and vote in your relationships with your kids, grandkids and neighbors. But you’ll still probably have to kiss a lot of future TV programming good-bye to keep your values. Good luck.
Marissa says
Only thing i will say is this will be yet another network that i don’t even stop my remote on, just like syfy and a couple other ones. The more people who do this as a result of such ridiculous, asinine decisions, the harder it will be for the network to stay on the air. The man’s explanations for cancelling major crimes only makes me more furious. His, “the sun will come up and the world will keep turning” speech will also apply to TNT having to go completely off air. I am so sick of great tv shows being pulled for such ridiculous reasons!! Bad decisions lead to bad consequences and i for one hope that if happens to TNT, maybe these executives from here and other networks won’t make such ridiculous decisions!!
How can you be losing money with 10 million plus viewers, even if it isn’t the “new” way the network is going, which i will not be watching because I wont be watching TNT again after the last 13 shows are over! You and the executives sound as ridiculous as the show being cancelled!
Jeb1 says
Such little gratutude and interest in quality TV and viewship. TNT, is ignoring 10M viewer, shame on them.
Susie Hargis says
The last show left on TNT that we actually watched. Figures.