Explained: Why did CBS cancel True Lies and East New York?

CBS has canceled two of its biggest shows, True Lies and East New York, just after one season. According to Variety, the reason behind this decision is due to budget constraints. True Lies premiered on March 1, 2023, while East New York premiered on October 2, 2022. Both shows drew satisfactory viewership numbers and could have continued for multiple seasons.

True Lies stars Steve Howey, Ginger Gonzaga, Mike O'Gorman, Erica Hernandez, Annabella Didion, Lucas Jaye, and Omar Miller. The cast of East New York involves Amanda Warren, Kevin Rankin, Richard Kind, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Olivia Luccardi, Lavel Schley, Ruben Santiago-Hudsona, and Jimmy Smits.

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Budget constraints force CBS to pull the plug on True Lies and East New York

Variety reports that the reason both shows are facing cancellation is due to the network's disagreement with the series’ studio, Warner Bros. Television. CBS was haggling with the studio, which involved asking that the cast of the show not get the mandatory pay bump going into Season 2. This is not the first time CBS has done this.

It was previously reported that CBS renewed other shows, like its hit sitcom Bob Hearts Abishola, after convincing the cast to take pay cuts. Furthermore, to save costs, series regulars will be shifted to recurring roles.

CBS had previously decided to cancel S.W.A.T. due to similar reasons, but after lengthy discussions between CBS and Sony Pictures Television, the decision has been reversed.

Season 1 finales of True Lies and East New York will air on Wednesday, May 17, and Sunday, May 14, respectively.

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What is East New York about?

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the synopsis of the show reads,

"Deputy Inspector Regina Haywood is the newly promoted boss of the 74th precinct in East New York -- a working-class neighborhood on the edge of Brooklyn in the midst of social upheaval and the early seeds of gentrification. With family ties to the area, Haywood is determined to deploy creative methods to protect her beloved community with the help of her officers and detectives."

It further states,

"But first, she has the daunting task of getting them on board, as some are skeptical of her promotion, and others resist the changes she is desperate to make. Regina has a vision: she and the squad of the 74th precinct will not only serve their community -- they'll also become part of it."

The show was created by William Finkelstein and Mike Flynn, with Andrew Maher, Christine Holder, Mark Holder, Michael M. Robin, Mike Flynn, and William Finkelstein on executive production duties.

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What is True Lies about?

According to Rotten Tomatoes, the synopsis of the show reads,

"Helen, a language professor bored with her daily routine, makes the shocking discovery that her seemingly ordinary husband Harry is a first-class international spy for U.S. intelligence agency Omega Sector."

It continues,

"With the secret out, Omega recruits Helen, who impresses everyone with her formidable skills, and she joins Harry and his team of top-notch operatives, embarking on covert missions around the globe and an exhilarating life of danger and adventure. The renewed bond between them adds much-needed sizzle to their emotionally distant marriage and upends the top-secret world of Omega Sector."

True Lies was created by Matt Nix and is based on the 1994 film of the same name, which starred Arnold Schwarzenegger.

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Season 1 finales of True Lies and East New York will air on Wednesday, May 17, and Sunday, May 14, respectively.