19-2 is a critically acclaimed Canadian police drama. It was praised for its gritty and authentic portrayal of police life.
The television series developed by Bruce M. Smith was based on the Canadian French-language series of the same name created by Réal Bossé and Claude Legault.
It aired on Bravo on January 29, 2014, and aired for three seasons before it moved to CTV for its fourth and final season. Here’s a breakdown of the reasons behind the cancellation:
Quality over quantity
With 38 episodes, 19-2 had put out its best work following patrol officers’ professional and personal lives from the Montreal Police Service’s Station 19.
Dragging the show for longer would have watered down the storyline.
By the end of Season 4, many of the storylines had been wrapped up, and the main characters, including Nick Barron (Adrian Holmes) and Ben Chartier (Jared Keeso), had reached important personal and professional turning points.
Bravo’s programming changes
The network, Bravo, was shifting its focus during that time. It had begun to lean towards lighter content and more accessible entertainment.
The character-driven drama of 19-2 was heavier, with the show exploring complex themes.
This shift in priorities influenced the decision to end the show.
Declined 19-2 ratings
Despite having a dedicated fanbase, the show’s ratings dropped each season. While 19-2 was critically acclaimed, it didn’t consistently attract large viewership numbers.
Police-based shows focus on the complex and often dark world of police work, which some viewers do not find appealing.
Unsuccessful International Exposure
19-2 mainly aired in Canada, where it got great exposure and decided to stream internationally.
The show was sold to several countries, including airing on Paramount Plus in the United States; however, it didn’t achieve widespread international success.
This lack of a strong international market may have limited its growth potential, contributing to its cancellation.
In conclusion, 19-2’s ending resulted from several factors. Fans appreciated that the show ended on a high note, fittingly concluding the characters’ stories.