In the least surprising news report of the day, The CW has confirmed that its Rachel Bilson-led dramedy Hart of Dixie has been canceled after four low-rated seasons.
Created by Leila Gerstein, the series centered on a New York doctor (Bilson) who accepts an out-of-left-field job offer to work as a general practicioner in the small Alabama town of Bluebell after her dreams of being a heart surgeon fall apart. While in Bluebell, she becomes involved in a love triangle and is challenged both professionally and personally by her new surroundings.
The writing was on the wall for Hart of Dixie after it received a reduced 10-episode fourth season (its previous ones had all topped out at 22) last year. The ratings were never particularly strong, though Hart of Dixie was one of The CW’s most-watched shows on Hulu, an increasingly valuable platform for the young-skewing network, and many involved with the show said their goodbyes when production wrapped on the fourth season.
Star Scott Porter had posted the following on Instagram:
Lead actor Wilson Bethel followed with this tweet:
Thank you, Wade Kinsella, for these four wonderful years. It’s been a mighty pleasure knowing you. #picturewrap #HartofDixie — Wilson Bethel (@WilsonBethel) October 7, 2014
Now that Hart of Dixie is officially dead and gone, that leaves only The Messengers unaccounted for on The CW’s lineup. The low-rated freshman series is considered to have slim chances of returning. Meanwhile, the bulk of the network’s scripted programming has been renewed, including The 100, Arrow, Beauty and the Beast, The Originals, Reign, Supernatural, The Vampire Diaries, The Flash and Jane the Virgin. Midseason replacement iZombie was just handed a second season pickup earlier today.
Feel free to leave your eulogies for Hart of Dixie in the usual place.