ABC Reveals Why They Cancelled ‘Downward Dog’

The cancellation of ABC‘s pet-centered comedy Downward Dog didn’t sit well with fans when it was announced, and now the network is explaining why they decided to pull the plug on the show.

ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey spoke with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Rob Owen, and revealed why the critically lauded sitcom, which focuses on a dog’s observations on his owner’s life, had to be put down.

“There are always parts of this job that are creatively heartbreaking,” she told the paper. “We very much wanted to do a second season of Downward Dog. We engaged in a series of conversations and ultimately we were not able to make it work financially, which is disappointing because it’s a show that I would have loved to have an opportunity to bring back.”

Apparently the network wanted to do a limited run of 13 episodes, but “just weren’t able to get there” ratings-wise. However, she had nothing but praise for the show’s creators and cast, who apparently had solid ideas for a second season.

“I think we made the best choices based on the information we had at the time,” she said. “You can Monday morning quarterback anything. What does bum me out is I think they had some great ideas for season two, and I really love those producers and that cast.”

These remarks line up with the claims made by producers Michael Killen and Samm Hodges after the cancellation was revealed.

“They loved it creatively and wanted to make more, but couldn’t find a financial path to do so,” the two said in a joint statement. “That’s not a bulls— PR statement, that’s true and we are deeply, personally thankful to them for putting this first season on the air and allowing us to make something really unique and uncompromising.”

The team behind Downward Dog have been shopping the show around with little luck. Hulu and several other platforms/networks have reportedly turned them down.