TNT Cancels ‘Leverage’ After Five Seasons, Creator Says ‘It’s A Bittersweet Goodbye’
TNT has officially decided to cancel Leverage, just days before the drama series’ fifth season finale.
Two weeks ago, executive producer Dean Devlin wrote an open letter to fans, saying:
“As of the writing of this letter, we still do not know if there will be a season six of our show. Just as we didn’t know when we created the last three episodes which are about to air. Because of this uncertainty, John Rogers and I decided to end this season with the episode we had planned to make to end the series, way back when we shot the pilot. So, the episode that will air on Christmas is, in fact, the series finale we had always envisioned.”
Devlin also said that everyone involved with the show would return for a sixth season if given the opportunity.
“But, in case we do not get that opportunity we felt that, creatively, after 77 episodes, we owed it to you, our fans, to end the show properly,” he said.
TNT issued a statement announcing that the the network had pulled the plug on Leverage. The statement reads in part:
“After five wonderful years, it’s time to say goodbye. Leverage will come to a close on Christmas, Tuesday, Dec. 25, at 9 p.m., with a series finale that stands as one of the show’s best episodes.
We are honored to have worked with executive producer Dean Devlin, Electric Entertainment, creators John Rogers and Chris Downey, and all the cast and production crew on Leverage.”
In another letter, Devlin thanked TNT for allowing the show to run five seasons, and said he was “incredibly proud of the show and what we’ve accomplished.” He also thanked the cast, crew, and fans, and said that he was happy they were “able to film the series finale we had always envisioned and I’m happy we’re able to present it on Christmas as our gift to you. It’s a bittersweet goodbye.”
Earlier this year, TNT said goodbye to The Closer and welcomed its spin-off, Major Crimes. The show was renewed for a second season on September 15.
Leverage had been on the bubble for cancellation for its past few episodes, but kept getting renewals at the last minute. This time, however, that 11th hour never came.
Are you sad to see Leverage get canceled?
Tags : Leverage, Leverage canceled, Leverage season 5, TNT cancels Leverage
Posted: December 21, 2012
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Dec 23, 2012
There is a reason it's called Executive decision, most Executive don't know there ass from there Elbow or Trending, even if it jump-up and kissed them on the lips.
Dec 23, 2012
Not sad at all. I used to separate performers from their politics, but aft recent comments coming from different corners of the entertainment industry extolling their influence on public policy and how wonderful they are, combined with their refusal to accept responsibility for the negative aspect of that influence, I now consider their positions when making choices of who to watch. Timothy Hutton falls into that category.
Dec 23, 2012
I love Leverage Please don't cancel now.
Dec 23, 2012
My reasons for keeping a monthly TV bill are rapidly dwindling. Leverage is one of the few programs I watch (or record since I'm working when it comes on) with any passion. Love the characters, the setting, the plots – the whole she-bang.
Dec 23, 2012
At least they are being considerate enough to wrap up loose ends, unlike so many show producers and networks. It is a fun show, and they are trying to go out on a high note.
Dec 23, 2012
Not happy, either. It's funny, smart, and even though it's been on long enough, it hasn't gotten stale. Bleh.
Dec 23, 2012
Leverage is a great show. One of my favorites on tv. I don't want it to end. I could see another 5 years of " jobs " for this team to do. Just not fair.
Dec 23, 2012
You know what, why do I even bother to watch shows anymore……..once you get invested and actually care about the characters they give it the ax………."SIGH".
Dec 23, 2012
There are the two biggest problems with it – funny and smart, obviously too much of both for any TV exec or critic to handle ;} How the heck are ya, Mr. Harsha?
Dec 23, 2012
that sucks! one of the few show I like that isn't a frickin docudrama! grrr
Dec 23, 2012
Why cancel a good show?
Dec 23, 2012
Another great show getting cancelled because far too many idiots in positions of authority on networks. They want people stupid so they can keep pretending that they can brainwash people into believing things that the real con artists (them) are right.
Dec 23, 2012
TNT freakin' sucks….
Dec 23, 2012
Sad…
Dec 23, 2012
I loved that show and now, as usual it will be gond Christmas Day. All I can say is Merry F'ing Christmas, TNT. You did the same thing with Hawthorne and left its followers blowing in the wind. That was also a great show!
Dec 23, 2012
That depends on what they do with the last show. Tie up loose ends or leave people hanging like they did on Hawthorne.
Dec 23, 2012
Super disappointed. I really enjoy this show and think it's very clever and well-done. There's another good show that bites the dust. I'm getting so sick of these dumb decisions!
Dec 23, 2012
I think the decision to cancel Leverage SUCKS! TNT do you even care what the people want anymore? SMH..
Dec 23, 2012
TNT missed the boat. Even though the series needed a little tweeking, it was nice to watch Robin Hood each week. I'll miss it!
Dec 23, 2012
What a shame it one of the few drama/comedy shows that isn't full of killing -blood and guts and has a great twist on what could happen if you are a bad guy. I have throughly enjoyed the chemestry of the cast and will miss this show more than most that are being canceled sadly its just another example of bad decisions by some executives for whatever reason to be replaced by some mindless reality show. Shame on you guys!
Dec 23, 2012
This sucks! Good TV is going away. Leverage is a great program, there aren't many left. I don't watch anything else on TNT another channel off my radar.
Dec 23, 2012
I really will miss Leverage, it introduced me to Beth Reisgraf. a truly spirited actress, with comic chops. Bye Bye Parker!
Dec 23, 2012
I hated that show. The tough guy character was a horrible and annoying actor. Just his voice alone drove me insane. I'm glad it's gone. I'm going to record the finale for my girlfriend anyway though. She really liked it.
Dec 23, 2012
This is one of the Great Shows still left on TV! Please leave it on! Love this show!
Dec 23, 2012
Anne-Marie R. Foster ya you're right it seems any show that causes you to think for a minute gets canceled
Dec 23, 2012
don't cancell leverage.its the only show we record.everything else sucks big time.what's wrong with these people at TNT? don't they know what people want to watch and not have to watch mindless crap every night;DOn't CANCELL LEVERAGE.PAY THEM LIKE THEY PAID CHARLIE SHEEN….
Dec 23, 2012
do producers ego's get so big they lose all concept of what's good and cancel it anyway. we have over 200 channels and this was one of the few worth watching.
Dec 23, 2012
Are they kidding? This is one of the very few shows that is appealing to someone with an IQ over 91. There is enough sick violence, gratuitous sex, and foul language for everyone else. Leave the rest of us who search in vain for something with quality. More and more, people who have the top packages on cable and satellite keeps asking "Is it my imagination, or is there nothing to watch on tv?" The program is so well written, great chemistry among the cast members and plots that move fast and furiously. Truly original writing. Please, some other network with some sense pick it up and put it in a decent time slot with a good leadin show.
Dec 23, 2012
What these exec. should be cancelling are all the stupid shows like dancing kids and a teacher that needs to be in the insane ward, a crass and dumb kid that farts, and other shows that include real life of "stars". Leverage is one of a kind and lets us hope that for once the little man can win against "the man" and all the money. Great show, cast and directing. Let's hope we can see reruns on another network or channel. One more reason to get a Hopper.
Dec 23, 2012
I honestly never even heard of this show until this very moment?
Dec 23, 2012
I love this show. It makes you think, is humorous, etc etc. There is a lot of "mess" on tv a this time. This show is not in that "mess". This is a shame.
Dec 23, 2012
Bah Humbug to TNT. They always cancel the good shows. Leverage is awesome. I just don't get why they have to cancel it.
Dec 23, 2012
Well here we go again. GEEEEEEZ. Going to miss this show loved it very much and looked forward to it every week. Great writing and loved the plots and characters. Well execs here is a very sarcastic MERRY CHRISTMAS to you.
Dec 23, 2012
I LOVED THIS SHOW AND THE CHARACTERS. GUESS I WON'T BE WATCHING MUCH TV.
Dec 23, 2012
Well this just sucks. Leverage cancelled and then I see Fairy Legal as well. Ta ta TNT!
Dec 23, 2012
Yes! Leverage was one of my favorite shows on TV! TNT I have no reason to watch you anymore!
Dec 23, 2012
Holy Crap TNT thought you were the best Station to watch Drama, and your cancelling Drama, Ya really don't know Drama after all. Leverage is the best.
Dec 23, 2012
It seemed a good point to end, the recent plots seemed to be getting less believable.
Dec 23, 2012
Yup, read this last night. If they don't have the ratings they are dropping. I don't think fan base has anything to do with it.
Dec 23, 2012
All one has to do these days is like a show and the Network(s) cancel it.
Dec 23, 2012
Dangit. SUcks to see a show leave Portland.
Dec 23, 2012
Dangit. SUcks to see a show leave Portland.
Dec 23, 2012
Sad? SAD? How about freakin' devastated? How about gut shot? How about skull splittingly painful this is? I'M SHATTERED! I LOVED THAT SHOW! THEY BECAME A PART OF MY FAMILY! DAMMIT TNT DAMMIT!
Dec 23, 2012
I am so sorry that is happening. They are the best Actors , They work so so well together and the story lines were great. Good Luck to all and I know I will miss you.
Dec 23, 2012
Leverage was one of our favorites. It was sad to hear it had been cancelled. All the actors were great.
Dec 23, 2012
Looks like the show….
*puts on glasses*
Lost its leverage.
Dec 23, 2012
WHY? CHRISTMAS DAY! THE LAST EPISODE –PLEASE DON'T DO IT! IT'S THE BEST SHOW ON! oh well no more TNT for me!
Dec 23, 2012
yES iM MADDER THAN hELL! My 15 yr old daughter and I watch the show religiously and we enjoy the cast and the plots. This is one of the most best written shows ever. WTH TNT. Get with the program and let there be a 6th season. Its your Christmas present to all the fans. Please.
Dec 23, 2012
its ratings fell cause they are constantly juggling the days its on and when its on and the breaks for midseason and finales.. Its confusing as all get out. Leave the show on…
Dec 23, 2012
A great show, like Mission Imppossible from the 70's. And Honey BooBoo with subtitles survives. Leverage A&E sounds good. TNT had some great series but why? Better hope NASCAR saves your butt, I have blocked your channel. Like them apples?
Dec 23, 2012
It was one of the more enjoyable programs on TV and I don't really want to see it go.
That was from my wife.
I on the other hand, by direction, am just absolutely crushed and appalled that this most ground breaking and original TV series since Bonanza is destined for the ash heap of history. Appalled. Crushed. Appalled…but I repeat myself.
Dec 23, 2012
Leverage was a fun show…it will be missed.
Dec 23, 2012
Leverage , cast n crew , thanks for a great show with wonderful actors! Funny how these networks keep the crappy shows n get rid of great TV shows! Guess it's time to pick up a Book!
Dec 23, 2012
It seems a little strange to me that Leverage would be canceled with such short notice. On the other hand, I’m glad the creators were prepared for the show’s end so there won’t be some unintended cliffhanger. My coworker at DISH thinks the show deserved another season, and everyone deserves more than a week’s notice that the show is ending. I will definitely be watching the finale Christmas night on my DISH Hopper. It works on up to four TVs simultaneously, so while my family watches holiday movies in the family room, I can watch Leverage in the den in peace.
Dec 23, 2012
I have no reason to watch TNT after the cancellation of Leverage now and Dark Blue a few years ago.
Dec 23, 2012
So hard to find a clean and enjoyable program to watch with family. My 16 year old daughter and I were keeping tabs on when the new season started to watch together. I had just started to like TNT again. Well I droped the movie channels so I guess TNT can pack its bag with them. I like NASCAR but I believe I will find anther way to watch races that run on TNT. Mr. Devlin I hope you will consider other means of getting the gang back together. We need someone who will stand up for the wronged. This was the 2000's A-Team. RIP TNT! Or not!
Dec 23, 2012
My absolutely favorite show! Soon there will be no quality shows left to watch; just reality junk or extreme violence. This show was the highlight of my week.
Dec 23, 2012
How do you cancel a great series like Leverage? They have the ratings. This is personal. Cmon USA. Pick it up, PLEASE.
Dec 23, 2012
Leverage is a great show and deserves to stick around. If its the ratings that caused TNT to cancel then it is likely due to some of the stupidity of the writing and episode topics. As the series progressed over the years it has gotten away from its roots, roots that made it the hit it was meant to be. Don't cancel just get back to the roots of what made the show great.
Dec 23, 2012
One of the most enjoyable shows i have had the pleasure to watch.wish someone would pick it up.
Dec 23, 2012
HELL YEAH I'M PISSED OFF! Since it's beginning I've watched this show, &, like a lotta people, I've fallen in love with the cast every week. It was kinda like havin' a hand full of best friends come over once a wk pick you up & get into some trouble or max & relax. I figured the cast were really startin' to get their characters down packed with the little nuances, subtleties & details & with a sixth season we'd get to the meat & bones of everyone makin' the stories more interesting, exciting & a trip to see. Now you're given it the axe? F*CK YOU TNT! You jus' lost a viewer for life. Thanks for nothing.
Dec 23, 2012
NOOOOOOOOOOOO! I suppose they will replace it with some dumb reality show. This sucks
Dec 23, 2012
Before Leverage came along I used to watch TNT for the reruns of Buffy, Angel, Charmed & my all time favorite Law & Order (all of them) with the Closer for back up but you've gone & taken the closer off as well. Well I've got the other shows on dvd so I no longer need tnt.
Dec 23, 2012
I love this show, what a horrible x-mas present.
Dec 23, 2012
It was my favorite show on TV. They didn't rely on titillating the senses with sexual innuendos or unrealistic glorification of violence. Just good character development and definition and very clever plot lines. Could it be the viewing public has become jaded to clean, thoughtful programming that requires more than the attention span of a gnat?
Dec 23, 2012
I followed Leverage every day and time slot it was changed to. I will miss the creative writings. SAAAAAAAAD!
Dec 23, 2012
I love the show,
Dec 23, 2012
I love Leverage; I don't understand why TNT will cancel much a great show. I look forward to watching each week to see what clever way they would use to help some one. WHY WHY WHY!
Dec 23, 2012
Exactly!! Every time my wife an I start liking a show it gets cancelled. Every show we hate seems to continually get renewed.
Dec 23, 2012
I love Leverage too but your reaction seems over the top.
Dec 24, 2012
I love the show. I think it was a mistake to cancel the show. Maybe another station will pick it up and they will get the rewards for having the show.
Dec 24, 2012
best show and intrigue on TV..where will Elliot and my love Parker go? SUCKS!
Dec 24, 2012
its to bad. may msnbc could pick it up. then they'd have something people would watch!
Dec 24, 2012
wife and I really enjoyed the show anytime you find a great show thereis a reason to cancel it we will try and watch as little of tnt as we can and hope everyone else does also.
Dec 24, 2012
Leverage was TOPS in every way. Guess the Good Guys don't win after all. Bring them back please…We want the Good Guys to WIN!
Dec 24, 2012
Its the time slots that were the problem…Not the show. Absolutely TOPS!
Dec 24, 2012
Are you Joking, This is Christmas not April Fools. Leverage is a great show, you need to quit screwin around with its time slot…
Dec 24, 2012
Covert sad
why do they cancel so many shows that are hit ?
Dec 24, 2012
I never comment on anything, but I just discovered Leverage a few months ago and absolutely love it! I'm constantly looking for episodes, so I can get caught up. It's become one of my top three shows to watch! I'm very disappointed with TNT! Let me repeat, VERY DISAPPOINTED!
Dec 24, 2012
Sorry auto correct not covert but very
Dec 24, 2012
I really enjoy Leverage, suppose you are going to put on a stupid reality show. Come on TNT.
Dec 24, 2012
I can't believe that TNT would take one of the best shows off the air. In this day and age where there's nothing but smut, foul language and shows with absolutely no redeeming qualities it was so refreshing to have a show where people helped other people and the bad guys got their due in the end. TNT is falling into the same pattern as CBS and NBC with shows that aren't fit for families to watch. Shame on you.
Dec 24, 2012
loved the show and are you sure another negotiation might change?
Dec 24, 2012
One of the best shows on television will soon be over.
Dec 24, 2012
I'm so sad AND mad – I love Leverage and the cast and stories. There isn't a gory bloody body every 10 minutes, but an actual story. I'll admit I have to sometimes watch an episode a couple of times to track exactly how the con is going down, but I am really going to miss this show.
Dec 24, 2012
Gee! you got rid of Closer and now Leverage. Who;s in-charge at TNT…you have just lose a VIEWER…..
Dec 24, 2012
Yes, very sad. Finally a good show and it's gone.
Dec 24, 2012
Leverage was the only show that watched, when it was on. The only things that I will watch now, is the reruns. Why did they cancel this show?
Dec 24, 2012
WTH? First Memphis Beat now Leverage? TNT stinks at this.
Dec 24, 2012
What?
Dec 24, 2012
TNT Sucks! This totally bites! I only watch the history channel mainly, and I find a show, a modern day A-Team with out the explosions! What a great show! To the actors, you ROCK. You will be missed.
Dec 24, 2012
If they quit changing the time and day it was aired it would have undoubtedly done better. USA should pick it up – they love characters……
Dec 24, 2012
This show and cast was the best. Hope another channel picks it up.
Dec 24, 2012
Over the top or not I don't hold my tongue about how I feel. It's genuine how I feel so I have no problem with expressing it.
Dec 26, 2012
I hate to see this show end. I loved all the main characters. What was TNT thinking? The main characters were all intelligent, witty, funny and caring. It seems that the shows wanted now are insipid ones. Too bad. Even the reality shows were renewed. What the HELL for?
Dec 26, 2012
It's the Sh***! I was really hooked on it. Now all they have to do is end NCIS and (LA) to really make me think the end of the world is near!
Dec 26, 2012
Simplehe New England answer use Boston as a base sight but travel to all the New England states…
Dec 26, 2012
Apparently an idiot is running TNT. LEVERAGE IS THE BEST! I agree with Sharon if TNT would put the show on and leave it on and stop messing with its time slot and these midseason breaks it would do fine. I made sure it was set to DVR so I wouldn't miss the show because of TNT pulling all that garbage. I am another person who doesn't see much of a reason to continue to watch their network. I personally hope they loose all their viewers.
Dec 26, 2012
yes I loved the show.
Dec 28, 2012
Boo TNT! Leverage was not only my favorite show, but also my 77 year-old mother's and my 12 year old daughter's! Bring it back!
Dec 29, 2012
No reason to watch TNT. Leverage was the best and pulled me in for other shows. Bye bye
Dec 30, 2012
They take off leverage and put on another stupid hospital show. These shows are boring and have had there time. I will never watch TNT again.
May 14, 2013
This makes me very sad!
May 14, 2013
Scott, I thought this might interest you.