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'Tell Me You Love Me': HBO pulls the plug after all

Jul 26, 2008, 10:45 AM | by Lynette Rice

Categories: TV Biz

Tellmeally_l_2 After announcing a renewal for the fledging show, HBO has changed its mind about ordering a second season of Tell Me You Love Me -- the heavy drama (costarring Ally Walker, pictured) about three couples who share the same therapist. Creator Cynthia Mort, who has an overall deal with HBO, questioned whether there were enough stories to tell in the second -- and possibly third -- seasons of the show. The decision was described as a mutual one between Mort and the network. "Given the considerable amount of time that has passed and despite the best efforts of everyone involved, we were unable to find the direction of the show for the second season," explained Mort in a statement. "There are so many other stories to tell and many other ways to tell them. I look forward to doing that with HBO in the future."

HBO has already renewed In Treatment -- another intense drama involving a therapist and couples -- for a second season, and has eight pilots in development under new president Sue Naegle. (Additional reporting by Michael Ausiello)


dma2 Tue, Jul 7, 2009 at 10:18 PM EST

DMA..........الإمتصاص بي ضخم مشعر الكرات والسكتة بي عملاق الايطالية الديك لك الخديعة العضو التناسلي النسوي

jakr Thu, Jul 2, 2009 at 11:32 PM EST

Very few, if any, television shows have ever caught both the interest of me and my wife. It is disappointing to hear that this show will not be coming back. 'In Treatment' is a lower-brow version with overacted and predictable roles. Very disappointing.

Anita Sun, May 24, 2009 at 11:33 PM EST

I can't believe they discontinued "Tell Me You Love Me", that show was awesome and I got all of my friends hooked only to have no 2nd season, the show could have gone so many directions with the diverse range of characters; I think the writter lost her mojo.

megs Sat, May 23, 2009 at 06:23 PM EST

I am very disappointed. Cant think of anything to write about? The last season left some open wide doors for continuation. I guess HBO never thought maybe they need to get a writer who can do it.

Tiffany Wed, May 13, 2009 at 07:36 AM EST

I am SO sad that they cancelled the show...my boyfriend and I loved it! It reminded me of "mind of the married man" which didn't last long either.

roy Mon, Apr 27, 2009 at 09:04 AM EST

i was sooooo disappointed to hear HBO cancelled tell me you love me.
it was one of the realest and deepest shows ive ever seen
please re-think this very stupid decision.

CP Wed, Apr 22, 2009 at 09:17 PM EST

This was indeed a great, deep, and real series. It's unfortunate that HBO has cut it. It seems their going in more of a dry...dumb version of comedy that will likely dry up, and not profit well for them! I mean Eastbound and Down??? Are you serious...How about Summer Heights High and the others. I guess I must not be the prime demographic though considering that I'm a right wing conservative, who can't stand the socialism of King Obama, or the Liberalism of Bill Maher

layla Mon, Apr 20, 2009 at 10:52 PM EST

What in the world is your criteria for canceling a show? Can't think of a story line? Please. Perhaps Tell Me You Love Me was too raw, too real, too deep, too emotional. Just when people get hooked, you cancel. Give us a chance. I give you one by ordering HBO, but I'm thinking twice these days.

Debbie Tue, Mar 17, 2009 at 12:44 PM EST

I have been waiting and waiting for Season 2. I am so disappointed in this decision to "pull the plug". It was one of the best Series ever on HBO. I hope they will re-think this mistake!! Can't think up any stories?? Come on!!

Bertha Thu, Feb 12, 2009 at 07:53 PM EST

I cannot, simply cannot understand why HBO would pull the plug on such a fantastic show. It was the best show ever. Whoever decided that is a complete dumbass.

marcie Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 09:58 PM EST

put it on how can u leave us hanging it was better than in tretmant

Rachel Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 02:42 PM EST

This was one of my favorite series shows ever! I cannot believe that the second season was cancelled. This show had me hanging on every word and I couldn't wait for next week's episode! What a shame it was cancelled... I'm bummed.

karen Clements Wed, Feb 4, 2009 at 11:50 PM EST

Very unfortunate HBO cancelled the show. There is very little TV anymore that is very relevant to true life. I found the show extraordinarily honest in its dealing with human emotion, something that is not often brushed on in most main-stream shows. In today's world where so many choose not to deal with the dysfunction in their relationships and choose distraction instead, I suppose HBO is just going along with that philosophy. Too bad. I thought HBO was willing to challenge the boundaries, be cutting edge, lead and make a path where there was none. HBO had an opportunity to help many people deal with the issues they struggle with each day through the characters lives in the show. I'm sure, given enough time with two or three seasons, this "new" approach (honest, raw, and real) would catch on and gain a strong, loyal following. This show was one of the only reasons for me to continue subscribing to HBO, which I have since cancelled. Please provide personally relevant shows.

ugh Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 08:29 PM EST

I saw some sections of this show a few times. I thought it was slooooooow & boring.

alex Wed, Jan 7, 2009 at 12:07 AM EST

Tell me you Love Me was a very captivating and moving series. It went deep into what several lives truly are like in this world. In some way i was able to relate to each couple or character throughout the series. HBO you REALLY should reconsider!!

Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:33 PM EST

Does HBO even get these?, or are these for the people who watch this. Maybe if they do read these, they can reconsider.

Mon, Jan 5, 2009 at 12:29 PM EST

I have to agree, I have been waiting for the second season of Tell Me You Love Me to start, and now I find out it has been cancelled. Shame on you. There is alot of programs on that should be forgotten. Someone shoukd pick it up, good show. I also have to agree, Unless it can be picked up, I will consider dropping HBO.
Sorry about that, I have been a suscriber for quite awhile.

jqtbkomh rmvlq Sat, Jan 3, 2009 at 04:31 AM EST

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Najzee Sat, Jan 3, 2009 at 02:06 AM EST

This sucks! HBO tell me you love me and will reconsider. The show was awesome and it had the depth and complexity one expects from HBO shows. I guess it's not worth paying for HBO if it's not going to deliver.

mwieko isbepmzwg Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 05:17 PM EST

plskxrey exsfz fnmuahbsd hwqp wlshri aujrm eykvmn

John Thu, Jan 1, 2009 at 09:06 AM EST

It isn't clear to me why "Tell Me You Love Me" has been canceled. It is clearly a good show. This was my definiton of reality tv, because the relationships were all too real. This show illustrated real realtionships from different angles in a couples therapy setting. I'm glad I recently googled it, or I wouldn't have known about this cancellation. This is terrible news. I guess HBO has given its viewers the greatest tease. . .disgusting.

Harriet Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 10:14 PM EST

Seems that all TV is the same. A show comes on that one likes and is interested in, and then it's canceled the 1st season without closing the storylines. Time to throw the TV out the window and get some good books.

siyerucj cjfinh Sat, Dec 27, 2008 at 07:07 AM EST

axzmvndiy tczrfxwq tufyi wlhuyv djatuzwg umjgb pyzujo

Rainey Thu, Dec 18, 2008 at 07:47 PM EST

I can't believe HBO said one thing and did another. Pisses me off!

Kissd Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST

VAyanse a la verga pendejos, hijos de puta verga!!

Mauauau Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST

I was really hooked with this program. Is the only one that really moved me and all of the sudden, boom, gone! very bad HBO, you really suck. Better turn my TV to E!

Diamond Fri, Nov 14, 2008 at 09:07 AM EST

omg, I can't believe this show Tell You Love Me is not coming back. My husband and I could not wait to watch this show. The show was very entertaining and the sex scenes was ok to watch. This is a bummer!

eve Wed, Oct 15, 2008 at 08:02 PM EST

Well I loved the show the sex was ok, however it told how people truely go through life. Most people could relate to some part of the show... Shame on HBO once again!

Linda Tue, Sep 23, 2008 at 01:04 AM EST

I am SO mad that "Tell me you love me" is no longer on!
It is not the nudity that got to me, it was the relationships that drew me in. I was also so happy to see them show an Older woman having a love life for a change!!!
I will miss this great show! I can not understand how they can keep junk on and take this off!
Truly bad taste HBO...

thinker Mon, Sep 22, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

You've done it again! It is amazing how HBO manages to hold on to its viewership. Why can't you make the decision to close out your shows with some resolutions to the conflicts that you have engaged your audience in? You have an audience that is not interested in violence but in more thought provoking shows like "Tell Me You Love Me." ANOTHER CUSTOMER BITES THE DUST!

Heather Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 07:52 PM EST

Very upset about no renewing Tell Me You Love Me...outstanding plot and actors.

karchung lhamo Thu, Sep 4, 2008 at 10:17 AM EST

we should try to understand the love of our loved one.

Dena Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 11:31 PM EST

My husband and I are addicted to "In Treatment" and can't wait for the next eight episodes. I liked "Tell Me You Love Me" but it wasn't nearly as thought-provoking and inspiring. Good call and great writing, HBO!!

Nicole Symons Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST

I truly enjoyed watching "Tell Me You Love Me". I stumbled across the show by accident while on an airplane. I don't think it had enough time for word-of-mouth to build a larger audience or enough advertising to let people know it existed.

EnToUrAGe#1FAN Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 09:01 PM EST

Tell me how you can have shows like the Sopranos and Tell me you Love me and cancel them when they have such large audiences. Isn't the whole part of having these mini series out to get a response from the viewers and get an interested audience?I just find it unbelievable that you can cancel shows as great as tell me you love me and air other shows like john from Cincinnati and In treatment. One word describes those shows, "crap." You should really think about bringing back shows that the SUBSCRIBERS enjoy, and not what your HBO "suits" think will be good for ratings. All I can say is if HBO keeps this up I'll be canceling my subscription and just watch Showtime, everyone knows Weeds is the best series out now anyway.

Roy Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

I'm really getting tired of HBO and the long time between their series and then not following through. Time to get rid of this expensive channel.

Raoni Mon, Aug 25, 2008 at 07:25 PM EST

I'm so sorry about this

jamie Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

i would have to agree with the majority. hbo is one disappointment after another. maybe if you stopped adding 89 new shows a year, and then right when your customers get hooked you stop the show. what kind of business is this? I LOVE LOVEEEEED tell me you love me, and was extremely excited when I found out about the renewal. stop with the mind games hbo. i hope you go bankrupt bc u suck

quef egtnpbyi Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

ltpqnkoab cnhzajvi cemphr nxgirv yevnt tvck mpflcoxte

Ken Thu, Aug 7, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

I was a big fan of oz, the wire, and the sopranos. I could even sit down and watch sex in the city with my wife every now and then. Since those shows are gone, i was looking forward to the future of hbo original programming. I started becoming a fan of deadwood, carnival, and my wife and i like to watch tell me you love me together. I will admit that some of those shows were a little bit odd at first,but they quickly caught my interest. Now that all of those shows are gone, what do you seriously expect the people who have been faithful to hbo for years(since 1st and ten and arliss)to do but go to other cable channels for original programming. I really don't know what you base your decisions on. but your timing couldn't be worst. You take the shows of the air right when people are starting to get into them. There is so much you could have done with the stories you had. Maybe you should start with getting more or better writers to finish what they start. I hope you leave big love alone.

Hallie Tatum Wed, Aug 6, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

I am in love with "Tell me you love me" and am so dissapointed that the powers that be at HBO decided not to renew this raw real and revealing show. In treatment is marginal. I am thinking about cancelling my HBO subscrition.

Kate Sun, Aug 3, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

I couldn't stand watching "In Treatment" for a few moments! I loved "Tell Me You Love Me"!!! I agree they got this flip-flopped! But maybe the ratings were better for that yawn fest. But I do agree that each couple pretty much case to a nice conclusion at the end of season one. It would be tough to continue one unless you started with new couples. So, I will say that at least we have some closure!!! That would have really sucked if there were some cliff hangers and then they decided to cancel!

I will also be cancelling HBO once Entourage is over! (Unless of course Curb comes back for another season!!!)

swt Sat, Aug 2, 2008 at 10:43 PM EST

I liked "Tell Me You Love ME" In Treatment is AWFUL. You got it backwards HBO. Not that I remember, it was so long ago. I only have HBO for Entourage. When thats done, I'm gone. Oh, and I cancel it during the off season. I'm renewing it at the end of this month so Im back for the Entourage season opener.

Matthew Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST

And one more thing, why would anyone invest time in an HBO show when its just gonna be pulled after one season?

Matthew Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

I question whether HBO should just go ahead and cancel the notion of original programming. No one turns to them for it anymore, and no one considers them edgy anymore. Showtime passed them long ago ("Weeds," "Dexter," "This American Life," the upcoming Diablo Cody show.) It's the kharma they deserve for canceling Valerie Cherish.

Hayward Tue, Jul 29, 2008 at 12:02 PM EST

Guess what, HBO? You really stink.

NOT WITHOUT MYTOOTH Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST

After The Wire went off the air. I canceled my HBO subscription. No Wire. No Sopranos. No SITC. No OZ. No Six Feet Under. No need for me to watch.

dma69 Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 11:44 AM EST

Thank God. Tell Me You Love Me was not just really bad, it was god-awful. Ever since losing Sex And The City, Six Feet Under, and The Sopranos, HBO has been losing audiences to other cable channels like Showtime, FX, and AMC.

If your show needs graphic nudity to get people interested, the show is doomed. Tell Me You Love Me was just plain boring, so boring not even the nudity kept me interested. The stories dragged on, you didn't care about any of the characters. It's simply one long snoozefest. I couldn't believe HBO would air this. It was less about couples therapy and more about how much nudity can we get away with.

In Treatment doesn't need that; it has great writing, characters you really care about, great acting. Seeing the eps five times a week is a challenge (thank goodness for DVR), but, trust me, it's worth it. Those Emmy nods were well deserved.

Michael Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

The people running the show have no idea what they are doing. I have seen all 6 episodes of "12 Miles of Bad Road" starring Lily Tomlin and an incredible cast. It is the best show I've seen in years and they never even aired it.

Beverly Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

I tried to watched this show for three weeks straight. I did not like it so I stopped watching it. Can't say that I will miss it.

Kevie Buttons Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 08:22 AM EST

I never watched this show. I had to stop committing to HBO's new shows after they dumped Carnivale. They did so without any kind of conclusion for those of us who stuck through both seasons, only to leave us with a mother of a cliff hanger. I hope they do better by Big Love. I won't start any more of their series for this reason.

JillS Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 08:05 AM EST

I canceled my HBO last month. They've lost their edge and I seriously HATED this show.

HOLLY Mon, Jul 28, 2008 at 12:44 AM EST

thank god this show is canceled i thought it was the worst porn i had ever seen.

Nadia Sun, Jul 27, 2008 at 01:10 PM EST

I am kind of disappointed, because even though the show had some dry moments, it was different and it would have been interesting to see what happened to the characters second season.

Stef Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 11:46 PM EST

boo.

Camille P. Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 11:06 PM EST

GOOD.

Jessica Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 10:50 PM EST

Yay. That show was really bad, and I started watching it so I had to keep watching it and now I am free from an awful second season. In treatment was a MUCH better show about therapists, although quite different.

m Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 07:08 PM EST

well that's a shame. It appears that the creator didn't think or plan ahead for a second season.

justaguy Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 01:33 PM EST

HBO has jumped they will now have 20 of no new series programming for the first time in ten years. Showtime now as more and better series. With TNT, FX, and USA doing great series TV there is no longer a reason to get HBO.

cj Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

i lost all confidence when they cancelled The Comeback. Long Live Valerie Cherish!

Garry Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

Don't fret, everyone, there's still plenty of porn to be found on TV.

Daniel Sat, Jul 26, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

Well I guess this is good in a way, because now Sonya Walger will be able to return to LOST more frequently than she would have been otherwise able to. Penny certainly has an interesting storyline coming up...


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