USA Cancels Peacemakers

USA Network late Wednesday canceled its freshman Western-based skein, Peacemakers, despite relatively decent ratings.

The show -- starring Tom Berenger as an 1880s sheriff who uses forensics science to solve crimes -- averaged a 2.3 household rating. But the nine-episode show’s ratings declined precipitously since bowing at a 4.0 in July, with its Oct. 8 finale garnering a series-low 1.7 mark.

Network sources also said Peacemakers’ audience skewed older than expectations.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.