Remember All Rise, the legal drama that dared to show judges as, well, kinda real people? It premiered in 2019 and quickly became a favorite for its diverse cast and storylines that felt ripped from the headlines. But then, things got... dramatic, both on and off screen.
The First Act: Rising High
All Rise gave us Judge Lola Carmichael, played by the fabulous Simone Missick, a former prosecutor shaking things up in the courtroom. We had a charming public defender, Mark Callan (Wilson Bethel), and a whole ensemble of characters who felt like they could be your neighbors.
The show wasn’t afraid to tackle tough topics like police brutality, racial bias, and the pressures of the justice system. It managed to be both serious and surprisingly funny, thanks to the quirky personalities of the characters.
A Plot Twist: Behind-the-Scenes Drama
Then came the plot twist no one saw coming: behind-the-scenes allegations against the show's creator and showrunner, Greg Spottiswood. Accusations of creating a toxic work environment surfaced, including instances of alleged racially insensitive remarks and a general lack of inclusivity.
Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind All Rise, investigated and ultimately fired Spottiswood in 2020. This sent shockwaves through the fandom and left the show’s future hanging in the balance.
The Cancellation Cliffhanger
CBS, the network that originally aired All Rise, canceled the show after two seasons. Fans were devastated! It felt like a case that was dismissed without a proper verdict.
The cancellation came as a shock to many viewers who appreciated the show's progressive storylines and diverse representation. The legal drama had cultivated a loyal fanbase that appreciated its modern approach to the courtroom setting.
The Unlikely Appeal: OWN Steps In
But wait! This isn't the end of our courtroom drama. Like a savvy lawyer finding a loophole, All Rise got a second chance.
Oprah Winfrey's OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) decided to revive the show for a third season! Talk about a plot twist! OWN recognized the show’s potential and the passionate fanbase, seeing a perfect fit for their network.
A New Chapter: All Rise Returns
The third season on OWN brought some changes, of course. New showrunners stepped in to guide the narrative, and the show continued to explore complex legal and social issues.
While some fans missed the original vision, many were just happy to see their favorite characters back on screen. All Rise got to continue its mission of showing a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the legal system.
The Final Gavel (For Now?)
Unfortunately, the third season would ultimately be the last. OWN announced that All Rise would not be returning for a fourth season. The final episode aired in December 2022.
While the show's journey has been filled with ups and downs, it’s a reminder that even in the entertainment industry, justice (or at least a good story) can sometimes prevail. All Rise's story is almost as dramatic as an episode of All Rise.
So, what's the takeaway? All Rise's journey reminds us that behind the glitz and glamour of television, there are real people and real issues. And sometimes, even a show about the law can be subject to its own set of unexpected rulings.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” - Steve Jobs (sort of applicable, right?)
