Television’s most popular zip code is once again no more, thanks to a decision handed down by The CW Thursday afternoon to cancel 90210 after five seasons.
The Shenae Grimes-helmed series winds down this season with seven new episodes, and a possible retrospective episode. Unlike previous CW cancellations, Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill, 90210 will not receive a short, final season. However, Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill managed to retain a fair share of the key demo even when their overall ratings dropped. Ratings for the 90210 reboot have dwindled down to practically nothing in recent weeks, with an average of 1.23 million U.S. viewers and a 0.6 share in key demos. That’s a far fall from the 4.6 million viewers the debut received in 2008.
In Canada, the series used to air on Global, but the Canadian broadcaster gave up rights to air the show a couple of years ago. Current episodes are only available North via The CW or Netflix Canada.
Throughout its run, 90210 was plagued with various behind-the-scenes hiccups thanks to rotating showrunners and an unstable cast. Several characters have departed over the years without a proper goodbye, while others have been added and killed off unceremoniously.
In previous weeks, the series has seemed to suffer in the story department as well, opting for dream sequence episodes and fight club reenactments rather than giving the characters actual things to do.
“The CW has had five great seasons with America’s favorite zip code, 90210,” network president Mark Pedowitz said in a statement. “I’d like to thank the talented cast, producers, and crew for all their hard work and dedication to the series. We are very proud of the West Beverly High alumni.”
90210 finales on May 13. Until then, it continues to air Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.
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