ABC’s Uncle Buck was off to a promising start attracting 5.2 million viewers during its strong debut in June, but it turns out that the show’s season finale on Tuesday night (July 5) will also serve as its abrupt dismissal from ABC’s lineup. Variety reports that the network’s TV adaptation of the 1989 comedy will not be returning for a second season.
Comedian Mike Epps starred as the immature yet fun Uncle Buck on the latest black family show to hit TV screens this year. The actor spoke to VIBE ahead of the series’ premiere to discuss his first opportunity on network television. “The irresponsible, fun-loving guy, that’s been sleeping on someone’s couch for 30 years, and is just now getting your license at 48-years-old, nobody is on television like that,” he said.
Epps joined his co-stars James Lesure and Nia Long in taking to social media to thank fans for supporting the eight-episode run.
Disappointed. No more @ABCUncleBuck. Cancelled.Thankful to have worked with @ABCNetwork.Proud of what we’ve done. Thx 4 let us entertain u.
— James Lesure (@JamesLesure) July 6, 2016
While Epps and Lesure didn’t hesitate to express their disappointment, Long says she’s looking forward to what’s ahead.
Thank you for the love on my timeline. I’ve been in this business for 30 years. The opportunity was amazing. New beginnings are magical. 😍
— Nia Long (@NiaLong) July 6, 2016
Producer Will Packer, who is riding high off the success of the critically acclaimed remake of Roots, is already working on his newest project.
Already working on it…#StayTuned 😉 https://t.co/x1183WJc24
— Will Packer (@willpowerpacker) July 6, 2016
According to reports, Uncle Buck averaged 3.8 million total viewers, an 81% increase from ABC’s performance in the same time slot a year ago, while averaging a 1.2 rating in the 18-49 demographic, more than double the network’s average last year.
In what appears to be a snap decision by ABC, the network has yet to release an official statement on why they pulled the plug.