Seems 80% of the shows that I start to watch and end up liking lately get cancelled prematurely (Deadwood, Rome - HBO, Invasion - ABC, Studio 60 - NBC). I thought Studio 60 was brlilliantly written with an excellent commentary on society at times. So it seems that the show isn't working because it's not funny enough. The strange thing is, I never really thought it was supposed to be a comedy. I thought it was kind of a drama about a comedy show with some funny stuff mixed in. So is the real problem that people just aren't smart enough to get it? And at the risk of being a little arrogant here, does this mean that smart shows will never work because the majority of the viewing public doesn't get it?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15640559/

I don't watch TV much, so can't comment except to say that Rome was NOT cancelled, and actually are in the middle of their second (and FABULOUS) season...

Deadwood was scheduled for 4 seasons, but HBO said it was too expensive and let all the actors out of their contracts. There may or may not be 2 movies to finish off the series at some point in the future. I've read that Milch (the creator) is trying to make that happen.