While CBS was very generous with its renewals for the fall season, there were a few shows that didn’t make the lucky 18 cut. The network has canceled Man With a Plan, Tommy, Carol’s Second Act, and Broke.
There are various reasons for the cancellations but let’s begin with the most surprising, Man With a Plan, starring Matt LeBlanc, is the only returning CBS show not to make the cut for renewal this year. The series, currently in its fourth season, has been a reliable utility player for the network and the ratings have been relatively steady no matter what night it has aired on. Reportedly the show is very expensive, as it’s not owned by CBS and someone like Matt LeBlanc doesn’t come cheap. This likely led to the decision to cancel the family comedy.
Tommy, starring Edie Falco, premiered this season but despite a strong presence like Falco, the series hasn’t been a strong ratings performer. The show was heavily on the bubble but some thought it could get a reprieve because of Falco’s name. The same goes for Carol’s Second Act, which stars Patricia Heaton. Thanks to Everybody Loves Raymond and The Middle, Heaton is a big get for any network but the ratings just weren’t there for her comedy series.
Lastly Broke, starring Jaime Camil and Pauley Perrette, started out strong as a midseason replacement but its numbers largely have been sliding week-to-week. There were also behind the scenes issues due to the creative direction of the show and CBS ultimately decided to cut their losses. All four canceled CBS series air on Thursday, which has emerged as a problem area for the network beyond 8 PM and 9 PM anchors Young Sheldon and Mom. The network has been able to solve a similar problem on Mondays with the addition of The Neighborhood and Bob ♥ Abishola and the move of Bull.
