November 2nd, 2012
09:46 AM ET
USA cancels ‘Fairly Legal,’ ‘Common Law’USA is getting a little ax-happy. Earlier this week, the cable channel announced that it's canceling two of its newest shows: “Common Law” and “Fairly Legal."
“Common Law” wrapped up its first season in August. The series, which stars Michael Ealy and Warren Kole as crime-solving partners sent to couples therapy to work through their issues, suffered from low ratings, even given its Friday night timeslot. According to Deadline, the series averaged just 2 million viewers a week, and a 0.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic, making it one of USA’s lowest-rated shows. “Fairly Legal” suffered a similar problem, Deadline reports, despite returning with a revamped second season (including a new showrunner) this year. In a statement, the network was clear that it loves the show’s star, Sarah Shahi, who played legal mediator Kate Reed. "Sarah Shahi is undoubtedly a star and we’re thrilled she’ll be joining our sister network NBC on 'Chicago Fire,'” the network said. “We are proud of 'Fairly Legal' and thank the very talented cast and crew for two fantastic seasons.” The cancellations cap-off a series of renewals and pick-ups. USA’s “Suits” and “Royal Pains” and “White Collar” are all returning, with the latter’s creator, Jeff Eastin, also getting good news for his new project, “Graceland.” Are you sad to see the end of “Common Law” and “Fairly Legal”? Remember them fondly (or not) with us in the comments.
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Well I guess I'm late to the game. Since these are summer shows I did not realize until the beginning of summer that they had not returned. But I did notice they had not, I loved both shows and the characters and their story lines. It only figures that you are sisters with NBC you show the same bad judgement on canceling shows and some of the ridiculous ones you replace them with. For the most part I enjoy your line up and even watch the endless reruns you run over and over. And is the 18 to 49 age group the only people you are interested in appealing to? Very disappointed in the canceling of these shows.
Nooooooooooooo! I love the show common law, give it another chance. Or have another network pick it up. The actors have great chemistry. Bring it back! I have been waiting and waiting for this year's season!!!!!!!!
It might be a little tricky to come back since he moved on to Almost Human. But theirs still good chemistry there.
doc her
cuz we like it there-you send tweets too customers all day long and pretend your scott and about 9 million other log in on the web.......poof terminated
Common Law This
The whole world knows you were hacked in months prior too these comments and the whole world knows it is all your fault since 8/28/2012
Playing the victim
Common law is a great show infact its one of d most intresting cop movies av watched so I dnt think it should be stopped
it can't get any better then this folks.....Maroon 1
haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
it said 53 bucks right? doc her.
Very bummed about common law, if you guys amped it up more, people would know how good it is.
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I was watching TV and started thinking about Common Law and when it would come back on. I went online to search for a premier date and found out it was cancelled! I am so shocked! It was such a great show, so funny! I never watch live TV, and I mean never! I have 4 kids so I record everything, then after my kids go to bed or before they wake up in the morning I catch up on some shows. I'm at least one episode behind on all of them, but mostly 2 or 3. But I'm so sad they cancelled it, I was really looking forward to its return 🙁
Can't believe you canceled.common law been waiting for season two was the funniest show I ever seen what were you thinking give it another chance its not often you see shows that have actors with chemistry please bring common law back
I really miss both these shows they were two of my favorite, too bad there is a way you can bring them bad, would love to see them come back on, I talk about them to every one.
–
It's sad to heard that 'Common Law' was cancelled, long time though
but I am a biggest fan of the movie...it's way too stupid to bring it down
Disappointed.
Common law was a refreshing and funny show. USA is stupid not to bring it back.
I am SO sad to hear that Common Law was cancelled :'( ...I have been reminding myself for months to see if it was up again yet, and since I hadn't seen it, I decided to look online to find out the next air date... but then found it was cancelled. 🙁 I loved this show, and was really looking forward to its return! It was such an original and FUNNY show!! I really hope another station picks it up and gives it another chance. In addition, I hope the networks have figured out how to get ratings numbers from DVR results... most people don't watch live TV anymore; they catch up on their DVR at the end of the day. I'll bet if they counted this type of rating, the number would be higher.
I liked both Common Law and Fairly Legal. I don't think they were given a chance on USA. USA is infamous for starting a new show on one night and then returning it on another night and time slot. This is confusing and the reason a lot of people don't keep watching. I hope another network picks these up because they had a lot of potential to become much better. I am so tired of the so called "Reality" shows and shows about people looking for scary fish and calling them river monsters... Talk about stupid shows but hey, there are obviously people out there who don't have a life that sit all day and night and watch those stupid shows hence the ratings. Networks ought to send out actual polls to their viewers or better yet, put it up on the internet so that the real fans can tell you that they would continue to watch the shows they like if the networks would pick a day and time and stick with it! Thanks for the opportunity to let me have my say.
We have been wondering why we haven't heard anything about common law...we really liked it and hope it comes back on at least on another channel.
I have been looking forward to the return of Common Law. Today, I finally googled to see when the show was coming back on and am disappointed that Common Law was cancelled. Maybe it will find a new home. I enjoyed the banter of the actors and the show gave me a good laugh every week.
Maybe USA will change their mind.
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Really sorry to see fairly legal cancelled. It hard to find a show now a days that has good characters, interesting problems without being over the top sleazy. I will miss this show!
I agree I can't believe these two shows which were my favorite ones have been cancelled
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I really liked common law and fairly legal. Sorry you cancelled them. Bring them back. Actually you should cancel suits, I never like that show.
Common law was a very refreshing and funny show. QUALITY ENTERTAINMENT. Somthing very rare these days. I was very disappointed that it was cancelled by the USA network. And really hope they will bring it back.
i just wait for best actor and actress.
Why are u looking in the first place?
How does 1 get there i can't do it.
Loved both shows. Never watch any shows live. We only record and watch when we have time. If ratings are taken through live watching you are probably way off in how many people watched those to shows. Please someone pick up these two GREAT shows!
HEARD THAT CONVO....HOW COME NO MENTION?
I'm a Common Law fan all the way from Malaysia. I was really upset when I got the news that it was canceled. Seriously? Why? Just because there were not much obscene scenes on the show? Come on. I hope there'll still be hope for the show. Because they have their very own followers, like us!
As usual USA thinks that they get their ratings from teenagers and twenty-something's, if they only knew the truth that more older 45-55 year old female viewers watch their network they would keep the good shows like Common Law and Fairly Legal. Both shows would have done outstanding if they had moved them to either Sunday or Monday, and USA would have owned the ratings. The only good shows to watch in the Summer in Suits, Cover Affairs, Burn notice, Psych and White Collar since they ended In Plain Sight
I agree. These were two great shows. Sometimes you networks don't know a good show it it bit you in the butt. I was really looking forward to the shows return.
I agree Robin. When will the networks grow up and look at their real audience! Common Law was a great show. They never gave it a chance. Too bad.
I loved Common Law and when they cancelled it I was livid, those bumbling idiototic execs at USA Network didn't even give the show the chance it deserved. The least those pathetic suits could have done was sell it to another network and let them carry on with it. It might have been a success given half a chance.
Not there.
I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS... NO MORE COMMON LAW!!! I don't watch that much TV but I was anxiously awaiting the return of this series. what a HUGE disappointment. I LOVED Common Law. Great show! Liked Fairly Legal too.. will miss it...
thanks.
WHY WOULD YOU CANCEL COMMON LAW....STOP LOOKING AT THESE RATINGS...THEY DO NOT REPRESENT THE ACTUAL NUMBERS....PEOPLE RECORD SHOWS...ALSO, THANKS FOR THE LACK OF ADS ABOUT THIS SHOW...I ONLY SAW ONE AD LONG TIME AGO.....
BRING IT BACK
i would like to see TNT pick up common law and TBS pick up fairly legal or one of those 2 networks to pick up both
Very disappointed Common Law was cancelled. Ive been waiting for its return so I just found out. Very bad decision...you didnt give it enough time. We also enjoyed Fairly Legal...both original concepts, especially Common Law. Perhaps another network will be smart and pick it up. SO many shows dont do well in the first season and given time, end up big hits. You missed the boat on this one...
Very Disappointed that Fairly Legal was cancelled. Sara was such a breath of fresh air. I loved Lauren and even the relationship between Kate and Justin odd as it was. I guess it just makes more room for reality and trash. Shame on USA.
yet alike in a strange way....
I will miss both shows. I loved Sarah Shahi and the chemistry between the guys on Common Law was awesome. I hope to see them all again! The shows on USA Network never disappointed me. I am a big fan of the network..........
Sad to see both of them go. They were both awesome shows.
Looks stupid.
I was just turned on to USA last season and fell in love with "Common Law" and "Necessary Roughness". I am so very disappointed that Common Law was cancelled already. I absolutely LOVED the two actors' relationship! This was a good, quality show, and most people record Friday night shows. Therefore, I'm certain there was a whole lot more viewers than you know. I know for sure that if you cancel Necessary Roughness, I will be "turned off" permanently from watching USA.
overheard the phone..stoopid.
Im so disappointed to see that these two shows were cancelled. I really liked both of them, especially Common Law. Wish they tried them in a different time/day slot.
i am loyal and faithful also.
I have been a very loyal and faithful viewer of USA and an very disappointed in the cancellation of both Fairly Legal & Common Law. Shame on you USA. You were my Most favorite channel!!!
Viewer pay attention: you will learn that the majority of viewers have tHe IQ of 9 yr olds and the networks play to ratings. Remember that's who REelected this idiot in the White House!!!
I hoped they didn't cancele common law, i liked it and hope they change their minds fast. I want season 2!!!!!
I liked the first season of Fairly Legal quite a bit. Not so much the second season, however. The idiots at USA are right about one thing, though: Sarah Sahai is (or should be) a huge star. She was amazing on the show and if they had simply paired down the cast to the three main characters, (Kate, Lauren & Leo) tossed the wimpy ex-husband to the curb and not introduced the oily ambulance chaser, it could have grown into a solid hit. Sadly it didn't. Too bad, so sad...
that was great work...glew 7
there you go
I absolutly loved Common Law and I thought it was the best show on USA. I was so looking forward to a 2nd season and I am very disappointed to see it go.
With as often as USA cancels great shows, I wish they'd at least do something to appease the fans and do some sort of wrap up or finale to the shows they cancel. Seems like they could throw a little cash out there and at least let the writers do a 2 hour finale at the very least, though I'd rather have a few episodes to let them finish it off. I hate to be left hanging.
Common Law had some weak points, but overall it was a great show. It was definitely better than Psych. CBS Television Studios and Junction Entertainment should hire better writers and bring the show back.
I am so upset with USA. How in the world did you renew Necessary Roughness and ax Common Law? USA obviously does not listen to its viewers if this is how they manage their line up. Guess I'll have to enjoy the Season 1 reruns since I have those on DVR. Maybe the writers should shop this show at TBS. They were smart enough to pick up Cougar Town, maybe they will save this show too. I only watch USA for Common Law and the Law and Order marathons. Guess I'll have to take my show watching elsewhere since I can watch Law and Order on Hulu!
Common law was good TV. Action... Laughs and chemistry... What show has that these days. Come on USA!!! That was a BADDDD decision. Enough reruns let's do good TV
lol. nuts
I'm so annoyed they canceled Common Law that was my favorite show, how could USA do that!! hopefully some other network picks it up!!!
These were two great shows that once again were canceled and we are left with a bunch of reality garbage or slapstick low class humor to choose from. There are slim pickings out there these days for good tv shows that are entertaining, well written, have good acting and I'm not afraid if my son walks in the room. And as other people mentioned...pay attention to your demographic. Those folks aren't necessarily "in" on a Friday night and most of us are way too busy to sit in front of live tv anymore. I'd bet you have a ton of fans recording these shows each week. I've been counting the months til the return of common law- along with my parents who are in their late 60's! It's one of the best shows going and now it's gone!
So disappointed!
Agree with you wholeheartedly! These two shows are what kept me looking forward to the weekend, and if I were going out, I'd record them. Both shows should have been moved to another night before getting the ax. So glad I kept all the Common Law recordings! I absolutely love the chemistry those two have to keep the show so funny. USA is so quick to give shows the boot. There isn't much of anything that's good on TV anymore! Thanks a lot for ruining my eager expectations for January to see more episodes of these two shows, USA.
we have a ton of tapings of the show also–
It is a very sad day in our house!!!! Just found out that two of our favorite shows were cancelled! We looked forward to Common Law and Fairly Legal and watched them religiously! What happened? They were such good shows...entertaining, engaging and funny! We loved the characters and we will miss them and their tv lives!!!
:'( I loved Common Law and Fairly Legal, I was really hoping for both shows to come out of hiatus. So sad right now. 🙁
These were my two favorite shows other then NCIS, what is wrong with you people.
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooo!! R.I.P. Common Law. You will be dearly missed. I loved that show sooo much. It was the 1 show I NEVER missed an episode of. (tears)
I enjoyed Fairly Legal although I "lost" the show in its hiatus. Kate Reed was a very fiesty mediator. Never did get to see if she and the lawyer (the love/hate relationship with) ever got together/ RIP Fairly Legal. (Didn't this have a different name when it first started???)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe Common Law is gone! I freaking loved that show!
Guess we will see a couple of new reality shows in place of these two. Sad, we thought these were pretty good shows.
I enjoyed “Common Law” and “Fairly Legal”. Both fit into USA's style of light drama (drama intermixed with humor... characters that don't take themselves too seriously).
I think these shows fall into the genre of nice people don't hold people's interest. Jim Belushi had a lawyer show on one of the networks a few years ago, in which his character and his fictional partner actually had integrity,that was canceled too early . These shows seem to be canceled too early but that crazy motorcycle show on FX lives on. If the protagonist in Fairly Legal spent her time backstabbing the rest of the cast rather than seeing that people got justice, it wouldn't have been canceled because the ratings would have been twice as good.
Looks like USA network is turning out to be the next FOX with the cancelling of good shows too early. Makes people not want to start watching shows because they may get cancelled soon after they get attached to watching them.
Exactly. Why I stopped watching network shows. Good ones make it 3 years then I can download, or get on move to USA, TNT. Not watching new USA again. Wait and see. Burn Notice, Royal Pains, White Collar, getting same old story feel. Yawn.
It sucks fairly legal and common law are canceled. I recorded them both on dvr. Just because I didn't time in at the time they wanted me to didn't mean I didn't watch it. What the network fails to realize is people are busy juggling life, work and family. So tuning I'm on their timing may not be an option. Give them both another season and let the public decide on poll if it should be canceled
How could they cancel Common Law? That show was amazing and they put it on a Friday night. It deserves a second season on a different night of the week.
I I was looking forward to seeing a new season of Common Law; I really loved that show. I liked Fairly Legal as well, but for some reason was tiring of it.
That's all well and good but where the hell is Psych? and bring back Monk, problems solved.
So sorry to see Common Law go. It was very entertaining and I'm really going to miss it. Maybe some other station will be smart enough to pick it up!
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Awww....Common Law was a HOOT! I loved it! 🙁 But if it had to be cancelled, it had a good series finale – with the boys revealing why they were feuding. As for Fairly Legal – I liked the 1st season, but the 2nd was dismal with "Ben" joining the firm – sorry to see it go instead of improving it, but glad Shahi will transition – she's fun.
I loved both shows. I cant believe that they got cancelled.
I loved Common Law and I loved Michael Ealy! Please bring it back! 🙁
Common Law as a great show. It seems I'm in the minority when it comes to shows on this station. I can't stand most of the other shows. They seem to cancel the shows I love.
I loved Fairly Legal! I enjoyed all of the characters, the character development, the dynamic nature of the relationships portrayed, the storylines, and the acting. I will miss it.
that is definately something i would say-nap time
Loved both shows. How disappointing. Do not understand the network ax.
I enjoyed both these shows. They were smart, funny and upbeat. So what if they weren't "real". In my opinion there are too many reality shows on tv right now. Let's bring smart & funny back to a few.
I thoroughly enjoyed Common Law. I think if it would have aired during the Fall/Winter months it would have had a bigger audience. I'm sorry to see it end.
Sooooooo sad and disappointed. A smart, savvy, educated yet wonderfully flawed woman (read: real life!) Quieted again by whom... loved this show. I always dvred this show.... do they count us in the ratings?
they are right up my alley.
Sorry to see Fairly Legal go I enjoyed it- Did not watch Common Law- I certainly hope they are also renewing Unnecessary Roughness and Covert Affairs as well as Suits- three of my favourite shows!
Really enjoyed Common Law. This is truly sad.
I am so sad to see Common Law leave the air...I loved that show. please reconsider and see if there is ANY way it can be put back on...tears 🙁
I will miss BOTH these shows very much....reconsider, perhaps?
I am a big fan of USA. "Monk" was the best. "Psych" is the new leader.
"Common Law" had (sob) had the potential to beat them all. It was my reason to have cable.
I just recently started watching fairly legal, and was getting hooked looking forward to the next season. As for common law I watched this show every week as well and after the first episode I was hooked as well. I'm very disappointed to see them go.
Never really got into Common Law, but I enjoyed Fairly Legal. I hate to see it go.
I loved COMMON LAW it was (past tense, since it was cancelled) a great show, i enjoy buddy buddy shows with conflicting personalities. I don't get why crappy shows remain on and good one are cancelled.
FAIRLY LEGAL was so so, as is NECESSARY ROUGHNESS (sports show maybe that's why it's still on). Why do you keep pushing PYSCH back ?
Common Law was my reason for upgrading to DVR! That age group from 18-34 is NOT going to be sitting at home on a Friday night...we get our buddy comedy tv fix Saturday mornings from the DVR! Common Law has (had) Psych potential (my favorite show) and it was abandoned waaaaaaay too soon. Fairly Legal was a huge snooze though.
VERY disapointed about Common Law being cancelled! It was actually one of my favorites. I don't care for Royal Pains or Suits and both of those are coming back. *SMH* I just don't get it USA Network, maybe you should try a new night to air it, maybe everyone goes out on dates on Friday nights!
I can not believe this, White Collar-Suits are the most stupid programs there is. USA is going down hill!!!!! Bring Common Law and Fairly Legal back!!!!!!
OMG!!!!!!!!NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO not Common Law please. USA how could you? You were just becoming my favourite network. You suck now!
First season was the worst and basically sucked...Second season worked better for me...Its was easier to be connected too
Common Law was great!!! It's still scheduled in my TiVO! USA please change your mind!!
I liked the first season of Fairly Legal better, and tried to watch the second season, but lost interest.
I never saw Fairly Legal but it didn't look good.
I really liked Common Law. It was a very good and entertaining show! The banter between the two actors was fantastic.
Fairly Legal's promos made the show look Gawdawful. Although I never watched an episode, the guy featured in the season 2 promos is a thte top of my "Most Despised TV characters of 2012" list.
Common Law looked pretty good, but I never knew when it was on, and honestly I tended to confuse the name with Fairly Legal.
I enjoyed Common Law and thought it was an interesting show – Friday night is not always the best especially in the summer when people are out & about – I think USA should have given them 1 more year. I didn't enjoy the 2nd season of Fairly Legal as much as the 1st year. What happened to all the great ring tones on Sarah's phone?
not appealing
These were the only thing I watched on Friday nights! I am disappointed you took them off the air.
This is CNN not USA. Who is this "you" you are talking to?
is a little unrealistic...i know this because i have worked for lawyers for almost 30 year....not a bad show..but its not realistic.
i work for the "bulls" and i am in the grind of the how the lawyers operate so i know the game.
Dude stop being so serious. It's a commedy. Not even realty show is realistic.
seriously...you just complained about "Common Law" being an unrealistic lawyer show....lmao "Common Law" is the cop show with the two detectives in couples marriage counseling...hence the play on "common law marriage"....
...smh
Sarah Shahi reading the phone book for sixty minutes would make for riveting entertainment, imho.
Uh, yeah, so when are Psych and Burn Notice starting back up now?
Psych will be back in February, while Burn Notice returns next week. 🙂
I loved Common Law even though the scripts were a bit weak. Warren and Michael were awesome! They need a better show. Fairly Legal's second season was awful.
LOVED FAIRLY LEGAL! Was an excellent show, sad to see it end but Sarah ROCKS, will watch her and rest of cast in Chicago Fire!
I loved both of these shows...sucks USA didn't give them another season!!!
Common law was bad, but I know Michael Ealy can do better. Fairly legal was actually getting better.
Common law was pretty bad. Fairly Legal was a good entertaining show with interesting charaacter – it will be missed.
Common law was a very good and entertaining show. I'm very disappointed
Common law was a very good and entertaining show. I'm very disappointed