It wasn’t a Merry Christmas for fans of “Eli Stone†or “Pushing Daisies†with both series getting cancellation notices. Fans have been passionately petitioning for both shows to return to ABC’s schedule and while it looks like “Daisies†future will play out in comic books or on the big-screen (or both), there may be a glimmer of hope for “Eli Stone.â€
Co-creator Marc Guggenheim told Newsarama recently that there remains a “slim†hope the show could return for a third season.
“I hold a hope that Eli comes back for a third season. Is it a thin hope? Yes. Is it a hope? Yes. But it’s not impossible at this point,†Guggenheim said. “And by ‘not impossible,’ I mean that the sets are still standing and the actors are still under contract. It’s possible. I mean, in television, anything is possible.â€
To date, ABC has only aired the first nine episodes of “Eli Stoneâ€â€™s second season. Guggenheim said that the other four episodes should air on ABC at some point, but he can’t say when. However, he says that fans of the show will find them satisfying, if they prove to be the series’ final installments.
“Because of the way the show was on the bubble last year, we’re kind of experienced with that kind of episode so we knew how to do that,†he said, adding that the final episode of the season was written to either be a mid-season finale or a series finale.
“After word came down that they weren’t ordering additional episodes, I went in and just wrote in a little extra piece of information regarding Katie Holmes’ character,†Guggenheim said, referring to Eli’s love interest Grace, played by Holmes earlier this season. “We’re going to find out what happened to her after she flew out of Eli’s life at the end of the second episode this season. It relates to an idea that I had for the back nine episodes. But that was really the only change I made to that last episode that was influenced by the network’s decision.â€
“You’ll get a sense of a resolution of the Eli/Maggie flirtation, you’ll know what the fate of the firm is, you’ll learn something significant about Matt and Taylor’s relationship, and you’ll see the resolution, obviously, of the cliffhanger that Episode 9 ended with. The whole Dark Truth subplot all gets answered in those final four episodes. They wrap up a lot of things,†he said. “There’s a laundry list of things that are taken care of by the time Episode 13 ends. And we really did end with a bang.â€
And while many fans are upset that “Stone†has been cancelled, Guggenheim says he’s grateful to ABC for taking a chance on the show’s second season.
“The show wasn’t doing great in ratings at the end of the first season, so [ABC’s president Steve McPherson] would have been justified in not bringing it back, but he did. I think that was an extraordinarily high show of faith in the show. And I think it was an extraordinarily brave thing to do,†Guggenheim said.
“I also believe, in my heart of hearts, had the economy not taken a downturn, it would have been easier economically for the network to keep going with the show,†he added.
“Eli might have been a little ahead of its time,†he said.
Kim says
That would be lovely. It’s a pretty left leaning hopeful little show that my husband and I both enjoy. Plus, Victor Garber is awesome as always.
Cecelia and Gene Hickel says
We are both dismayed at the news that “another” good show is being taken off the air. It seems anything worth enjoying is being canceled. ABC seems to not care about its loyal viewers anymore. We get almost nothing from ABC that is enjoyable to watch. Not that the other major networks offer much anymore either, but please, what good evening shows are there?
Channel after channel on satellite is retail, shopping, reality, reruns, reruns, commercials rein the time frame. We have counted as man y as 16 commercials with at least 12 being an average between little bits of the show. We forget the plot, or what was happening and begin to flip channels between 2 and 3 shows to avoid the onslaught of commercials, over and over again the same ones appear over and over.
Not only do they keep repeating but nothing is sacred anymore. People are talking about stimulating their sex performance, masturbation, gizmos, and many other repulsive dialogs. Then there are the drug pushing promos where taking drugs is a good idea and the side effects require speed reading and hearing to comprehend.
I get that the era of shows is dead, they cost money. However, the networks are at the breaking point of no longer being a major network is they forget what their viewers expect from them. We want good shows. Technically accurate scripts and less politics. Just good stories and acting. Decent scripts. Something other than bimbos hanging out their boobs and a huge age difference in the leading man and the leading woman. Real stories and drama, real funny scripts and please leave out all the cussing and vulgarities. There is enough violence in the world, why watch shows filled with the same?
Bring back Eli Stone? Why not? What could be your reason? Some polling outfit gave you bad rates for it? You trust that outfit? You willing to bet your business on a polling company? We are close to further cutting our services because of the lack of value it brings to our lives. So far, Eli Stone and Boston Legal. Well we are looking for a good reason why ABC has canceled both good shows.
Not happy. Viewers use to have a say. Either consider the viewer and provide good viewing or just say goodbye. No one thought GM or AIG would fall either.
Cecelia and Gene
Seamus Hughes says
I really like this show but I’m not surprised that it could be canceled. No matter how popular a show is these days, if it is not number one then they can’t get the maximum dollars for ads and they move on. They no longer really care about getting viewers overall and let’s face it, reality shows are pretty cheap and you can simply throw a few of those on in place of a good show, save a boatload of money and you can continue to try to get that blockbuster hit to maximize your revenue ad income.
Tom Hakim says
Eli Stone requires thought , faith, and hopeful imagination, to appreciate this creative show. Too bad sex, violence, and moral decay are whats needed to survive on network TV. A shame. Tom Hakim
Lisa & Jay Abbott says
It has been years since there was a show that both my husband and I enjoyed (and looked forward to) watching together. Besides being a bright spot in such depressing economic conditions it was an escape. What better way to express hope today then to have a show where God is woven throughout. I’m disappointed with ABC. I guess we’ll go back to renting movies and once again give up on network TV! What a shame!
Marta Fernandez says
I can not believe the show is gone, …I am Spanish living in the UK and have British, Spanish,Italian,French friends…. and we all know and love the show!!!!!!Ratings, what ratings??The show is being watched in the US, Europe, what else do you need???ABC please bring it back!!!!!!!!!!!
Laura Sellers says
Once again one of my favorite shows kicked to the curb,,I agree with most, sex sells, as well as drugs and the drunks. Eli Stone gave compassion, and a genuine interest in his fellow man, something a lot of people don’t have anymore. It was such a viewing pleasure, and I got a lot of good messages out of it and looked forward to Tuesday night, something good to watch….I hate that its gone..
Nour Um Hassan says
I have been waiting for weeks for Eli Stone to come back on, thinking it was just on a break over the Christmas season. Now I find it has been cancelled. WHAT??!!! I am SO-O-O-O disappointed. I concur with all of the above comments from other viewers/fans. A jolly decent, enjoyable story, decent enjoyable characters – a show to really look forward to every week. Typical. If it is good, decent, family oriented and enjoyable then it is of no use to the commercial types. And where on earth is the sense in leaving viewers dangling in the storyline, waiting for it to continue, only to be told, “Oh well. Too bad. You don’t matter to us.” Thanks ABC. And I may as well say ditto to all of that from my husband for Pushing Daisies as well.
Linda says
Why is it whenever a good show comes along they cancel it. It makes you laugh and hope. It does leave you smiling. I guess it does not have enough sex, murder blood and guts. To bad it was a good show.
lori says
I dont understand why do they always cancel the good shows….Eli Stone is a great show…the characters are great…stories great….and its very uplifting….it gives you hope and makes you think…i hope and pray that they bring back at least the last 4 episodes of Season 2 and they comeback with a Season 3….ABC wont be sorry if they come back with Eli Stone….P R E T T Y P L E A S E!!!
Sue & Ed Camlin says
I can’t believe they are going to cancel Eli Stone. Just as some of the people expressed this was a show my husband and I could watch and go to bed with a smile on our face and hope for the next day. In the shape the world is in right now
the show saying you have to have faith is a great message. If abc wants to take off a show it should be LOST, we used to watch this and the show has just gotten weirder and weirder and my whole family has stopped watching it. It might make people talk around the water cooler but if ABC was listening they would hear people say “What the hell is going on in that show”
Denise and Bob Kramer says
We agree with the above comments. We waited for the show weekly and made our plans around the show. We kept checking the TV guide and internet to see what happened. I am so surprised they are thinking about cancelling it. We cannot believe a great show like this would be taken off the air. There are certainly other shows that should be removed first. Please make more shows and put them on the air!!!!
Michelle says
This is the second time I’ve ever written on a message board and both were about my disappointment of Eli Stone being cancelled. I do not own a TV nor have I had cable in years but I stumbled across Eli Stone last year on ABC.com and it is the ONLY show I’ve watched since, online, faithfully. I watched it because it was clean, fun, and thought provoking. I even cried a few times. No show has been more fun. Please save Eli Stone. “You gotta have faith!”
ALLY says
I was dismayed to hear Eli Stone has been cancelled. We watch it in the UK and love the show. Just when a good series starts on t.v. with good humor, no x-rated content and a brilliant cast and script – it disappears – . Just my luck!
Corina Boylen says
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not cancel this show! EVER! especially now, us folks spend more time at home with little money and have little at home entertainment that is as refreshing as Eli Stone. ABC would be making a mistake for canceling this show!
Travis Stiles says
I love this show! The Nielson system sucks in my opinion because it keeps some crap on the air that I feel like nobody really watches and then shows like Eli get the ax. Damn the Man!
Siobhan, Ireland says
Can’t believe this show has been cancelled. Such a good idea with decent values.
ABC have lost theirbottle and cancelled a show which had so much potential, whilst flogging the dead horse that is Lost.
CAN ANOTHER CHANNEL PLEASE PICK UP ELI STONE!!!!
Nila says
HEY EVERYONE I found the EMAIL ADDRESS of ABC’s President of Entertainment Stephen McPherson so if we all email him at stephen.mcpherson@abc.com we can give him a piece of our minds and tell him to bring back Eli Stone.
kathy valdez says
I haven’t watched TV in about a year. I just recently purchased a new Mac with airport wireless. I had started watching ABC online and Eli stone was my favorite. I am sorry that the show has been cancelled. It would have been my ONE reason to get cable TV.
I loved his spontaneous personality…. his Truth… especially as far as a lawyer goes…. He was willing to risk it all for integrity…. most aren’t.
I really hope somehow, the show makes it back on air, if not primetime.
Kathy says
I am deeply saddened about this. I was wondering why no new episodes were on the ABC full episode player. I cannot believe when the world is in such turmoil, why ABC would pull such an uplifting and touching show. I was first drawn in by the commercials with George Michael (huge fan since I was a teen). Then I really got into it, the characters, the writing, the singing. It brought a little slice of heaven my way. I would find myself in tears and craving more Eli Stone! Why would they do this? Its all about the money of course, never mind the positive effects of this show, as well as Ugly Betty. Does ABC have any idea what that show has done for people who used to think because they weren’t model material, that they now have self worth. We can associate with these shows and characters and as silly as it seems, we can relate. It grounds us when there seems to be no end in site to the chaos in this world.
I truly hope ABC reconsiders pulling my Eli Stone and Ugly Betty and if they don’t, I would like to say to any other channels willing to adopt them, if legally possible, then I will become a viewer immediately along with all my friends and family.
Enough of the gore and violent shows, bring shows like this to homes across the country, shows with heart and George Michael!
Dan says
I think Eli should sue them! I’m sure he can find some reasons to prevent them from canning the show – human rights or something!
Although……. How did he not see this coming?????
mary says
I’ve never commented online before when a show I loved was cancelled, however, I’m getting very tired of it happening over and over again to those shows that are well written and entertaining. So, ditto to all the previous comments, especially the idea of the show being picked up by another channel. It’s happened before.
Ken says
Sorry to see that it was not renewed. A great show with a new idea and great character chemistry. Lets get ride of some of these reality shows I am so tired of them. Bring back Eli Stone I looked forward to it every week. Ok lets see what ball game is on ESPN tonight.
EtonaLife says
Ahead of its time indeed!
While Eli Stone is actually perfect for its time, it’s waiting on a larger fanbase. I think it will go the way of the other great phenomenal 2-season TV series such as Dead Like Me & Carnivale.
The acting is great. The writing is great. You know, even the special effects are great. I happened to stumble upon Eli Stone through a bored day browsing ABC.com’s full episode player. Never knew anyone that had heard of it, and never saw any advertising push for it. It just wasn’t known. I think people would have liked it if they had the chance to know it was there.
kate marcs says
I don’t understand what makes a good show for ABC. Peopla are watching it around the world seaching for it on the internet and obviously disappointed by the cancellation. I say e-mail ABC and get them, to change their mind. This world needs more movies about helping others, hope and friendship. Shows like Eli stone, ghost whisperers even older shows like tru calling are all shows encouraging people to help others even if it puts your life a little out of wack. We the viewers should have a say. ABC should have a website where people can vote to keep on their favorite shows. Put them at less popular hours where people can record and watch later what ever but there must be a way for ABC to make their money while we get the shows we like.
Nicki says
I’m so sad that this amazing show has been cancelled. I truly look forward to watching every episode and to have it pulled when it’s not even at the end of a series (even if they are saying we might get them at some point) is a huge blow to the fans. In fact, I believe that fans who have dedicated time in this show are owed by the network. We may have been investing time in Eli Stone but by doing that we are also investing time in the network and you would think that they would at least let us see the end of the season out.
Long live Eli, I say. I hope they manage to bring it back or take it to another network.
John Briones says
What the hell was ABC thinking pulling the plug on Eli
Stone after only a season and a half?! My family and I LOVED the show! The characters were great and every episode seemed to have an uplifting message. I feel as if ABC owes me something for the time i invested in the show. Not to mention they also cancelled Dirty Sexy Money! I’m so not watching any new shows for fear that they will be cancelled by ABC.
Carolyn says
Loved Eli Stone, I think it was a big mistake taking it off the air. there are not enough good family shows on t.v.
Janet says
They need to bring Eli Stone back. Great stories, different, intersting, fun… Not the same old stuff. My favorite!
megan says
I really do hope they bring it back for a 3rd season. I am beginning to think that all good shows are destined to receive the axe. My family has enjoyed this show tremendously and we are saddened it is being taken off the air. I finally started watching ABC for the first time in years! I guess my ABC viewing will have to be short lived like the show.
Rhonda says
It has been a long time since I loved a show as much as Eli Stone. It was the high point of my week, as it was for all of my friends. It was the one show besides Boston Legal that I watched faithfully and would have continued for however many years it ran. It was intelligent, warm, funny; the acting was great, and I’m terribly disappointed it was taken off the air. I am pretty fed up with ABC and all the good shows it has removed. Most of what’s on TV these days is really trash. Put Eli Stone back on the air…please!
Duncan, France says
I fully agree with all previous comments, It is the only good thing about Monday evening, to sit down and watch something that is both funny, sad and worthy entertainment. BRING IT BACK. Please!!!!
Samantha says
I hope they bring back Eli Stone or some one else picks it up it is a great show the best on tv by far for a long long time. They kill off these shows so easily but never ask the viewers what they would rather have. ABC have really lost the plot on this one. Come on SCI FI come to the rescue. BRING BACK ELI STONE
Eric Gibson says
What a load of tosh!! Eli stone rivetting stuff watched and Sky plus every episode. The network doesn’t understand it has a genuine cross border sucess. I watch it in UK and have loved every episode so have friends all over Europewe do understand humour you know. Cant make money in US sell the rights to us we’ll franchise it over Europe. Bring it back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kango says
As being in US, I have been searching everywhere for episodes 10 and up. Recently found them as they have not been aired here as of yet.
When they ended 13, they could end it there if nec. I would hope not, as have watched all the episodes and was disappointed to see they were not going to renew it. Hopefully someone will pick it up.
MacGoddess says
I agree with the person who said, “Never knew anyone that had heard of it, and never saw any advertising push for it. It just wasn’t known. I think people would have liked it if they had the chance to know it was there.” I think one reason there wasn’t any advertising push for it has to do with the content of the very first episode. Such groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics tried to have the first episode pulled. ABC refused to do so, but did agree to run a disclaimer at the end of the show. I guess winning a legal case for a child injured by the preservative in his vaccines just hit too close to home for these people. But having a show “pulled” without having even viewed it, because it is about something they don’t like, sure smacks of egotism and self-importance, and greedy elitism. We’re only allowed to think what they tell us to think. It figures that a show with positive things like hope and faith would be canceled, since it isn’t about fear, so it cannot control us. For those who have not yet seen episodes 10-13, let me just say that these last four episodes are so good, that I could live with it, if it has to end here. What a great, wonderful, inspiring show. I shed a few tears every single episode, and I went to bed feeling GOOD.
Laura says
I am very sad that we do not have anymore Eli Stone to look forward to here in south Africa, everyone I know loves this show and will be very sad not to see it again, Even my husband who is a serious atheiast says he likes it and he doesn’t watch TV….. Its just a good compatient show, and I am sad to see it go…. Sadly Tv shows that require people to think and feel are not classified as entertainment, I could live with out shows like greys anatomny (I know most will disagree with me, and I realise they may not be the same network) but I find the the episodes frivolous and extremely trival were it is about the same thing every week sex and emotional game playing… Eli Stone makes you laugh, cry and think…. Sad that the world hates to do this!!!
Betta says
Im so dissapointed after heard that ABC pull out the plug on Eli Stone. It is one tv show that im really in love with especially when there are no other good shows anymore. It is aired in Malaysia and had good rating here. Dont understand why they cancelled it. Im hoping ABC will decide to bring it back.
Sarah says
Whyyyyyyyy??
why they cancelled THE BEST show ever, it’s aried here in KUWAIT, and alots of people i know.. LOVE it,
i hope they will think about bring it back again, that’s all what the fans are wishing for..
ger from ireland says
i definately feel there wasnt enough promoting of the show, its the best creative show and inspiring. eli is about the good in the world and about hope, which in this world today it seems to unrealistic. stupid reality tv shows like x-factor, big brother all survive, yet great shows like eli get pushed aside, i think if this is how abc treats the viewers then the viewers should not watch any other abc shows, no matter how appealing they look, after all just as soon as the show as thousands of fans they will do the same. what im tryin to say is BRING BACK ELI STONE 😛
DB from UK says
I love Eli Stone and have been searching online to find out what has happened to the show. I mssed the first few episodes of season 2 on UK tv as there was no advertising to say it was coming back and I only found it by accident. The show needed to get on mainstream channels to stand a chance and it was a pity it didn’t get there. I agree with the comments that it is not ahead of it’s time it is right now and is a light in a sea of bad reality cheap to make tv and a great feelgood show to combat the dark days we live in. Bring back Eli Stone PLEASE!!!!
fajuve says
cannot be real!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please…we want eli back!!!!! I’m italian and i love this show….oh such a big mistake!!!!!!!!!!and the reason?..money?….and what about us?…..think about it ABC…..it’s a fantastic show and we want OUr 3 serie back……PLease!!!!!!!!!