Black Actors Lose Work as Networks Cancel TV Shows

Canceled TV ShowsCanceled ShowsFrom "Law & Order" to "Ugly Betty," TV series are dropping like flies. No shows are getting hurt more than new TV dramas, many of which employ talented Black actors. We take a look at some of the shows that have been canned and the actors that we'll miss now that they're off the air."Defying Gravity," ABCOn air for just one season, sci-fi/drama "Defying Gravity," featured actors Malik Yoba and Karen LeBlanc as an American astronaut couple aboard a spaceship on a six-year voyage in outer space. After just 13 episodes, ABC decided not to renew the show."FlashForward," ABCABC also passed on renewing another season of science fiction series "FlashForward," starring Michael Ealy and Courtney B. Vance after just 22 episodes."The Deep End," ABCOnly seven episodes in, Nicole Ari Parker and Mechad Brooks' both lost their gig when ABC canceled the courtroom drama "The Deep End.""Three RIvers," ABCABC canceled most of the TV shows that were dropped this year, including medical drama "Three Rivers," starring Alfre Woodard."24," FoxDennis Haysbert stared in the hit TV mystery thriller "24" from 2001 to 2006. The show, now canceled, also stared Mykelti Williamson, D.B. Woodside and Roger C. Cross."Heroes," NBCNBC chose to can the highly successful sci-fi drama "Heroes", starring Jimmy Jean-Louis, after four seasons."Law & Order," NBCLaunched in 1990, "Law & Order" which starred a number of talented Black actors including S. Epatha Merkerson, Jesse L. Martin and Anthony Anderson, had the longest run of all the shows on the chopping block."Trauma," NBCAnother one season wonder, "Trauma" starred actor Derek Like playing San Francisco paramedic Cameron Boone."The Beautiful Life:TBL," CW"The Beautiful Life," starring Corbin Bleu was a show about gorgeous models living together in New York."Saving Grace," TNTAfter three seasons, TNT cop show "Saving Grace," starring Lorraine Toussaint, is going off the air.Ugly BettyUgly BettyWe loved Vanessa Williams as the bitchy fashion magazine editor-diva, Wihelmina Slater in "Ugly Betty." After four solid seasons the touching comedy series has come to an end. Here's what you had to say: Maureen commented via Facebook: "NBC has two new shows starring Black actors. One with Blair Underwood and the other Boris Kodjoe. It's not much, but it's a start." Christa Moore wrote via Facebook: "Here's a thought: Why don't these mega rich African-Americans pool together some money and create a "Network" that airs all the actors and shows that we want to see."

By · Updated October 29, 2020

Canceled TV Shows

Canceled Shows

From “Law & Order” to “Ugly Betty,” TV series are dropping like flies. No shows are getting hurt more than new TV dramas, many of which employ talented Black actors. We take a look at some of the shows that have been canned and the actors that we’ll miss now that they’re off the air.

“Defying Gravity,” ABC

On air for just one season, sci-fi/drama “Defying Gravity,” featured actors Malik Yoba and Karen LeBlanc as an American astronaut couple aboard a spaceship on a six-year voyage in outer space. After just 13 episodes, ABC decided not to renew the show.

“FlashForward,” ABC

ABC also passed on renewing another season of science fiction series “FlashForward,” starring Michael Ealy and Courtney B. Vance after just 22 episodes.

“The Deep End,” ABC

Only seven episodes in, Nicole Ari Parker and Mechad Brooks’ both lost their gig when ABC canceled the courtroom drama “The Deep End.”

“Three RIvers,” ABC

ABC canceled most of the TV shows that were dropped this year, including medical drama “Three Rivers,” starring Alfre Woodard.

“24,” Fox

Dennis Haysbert stared in the hit TV mystery thriller “24” from 2001 to 2006. The show, now canceled, also stared Mykelti Williamson, D.B. Woodside and Roger C. Cross.

“Heroes,” NBC

NBC chose to can the highly successful sci-fi drama “Heroes”, starring Jimmy Jean-Louis, after four seasons.

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“Law & Order,” NBC

Launched in 1990, “Law & Order” which starred a number of talented Black actors including S. Epatha Merkerson, Jesse L. Martin and Anthony Anderson, had the longest run of all the shows on the chopping block.

“Trauma,” NBC

Another one season wonder, “Trauma” starred actor Derek Like playing San Francisco paramedic Cameron Boone.

“The Beautiful Life:TBL,” CW

“The Beautiful Life,” starring Corbin Bleu was a show about gorgeous models living together in New York.

“Saving Grace,” TNT

After three seasons, TNT cop show “Saving Grace,” starring Lorraine Toussaint, is going off the air.

Ugly Betty

We loved Vanessa Williams as the bitchy fashion magazine editor-diva, Wihelmina Slater in “Ugly Betty.” After four solid seasons the touching comedy series has come to an end.