Michael Emerson has confirmed the CBS cancellation of Person of Interest after Season 5.
Speaking at New York Comic-Con, the actor said the upcoming 13-episode fifth season will indeed be the last on CBS, though, as previously noted, he holds out hope that another outlet will resurrect the show for Season 6.
It had been hoped that an upturn in ratings, spurred in part by the show’s recent release on Netflix, could persuade the CBS powers that be to keep POI for Season 6.
However, judging by Emerson’s comments, minds have already been made up – though as you might expect, CBS has yet to make an official announcement.
Of course, things can change and given that Season 5 is likely to leave the story open to some extent, there’s still the possibility that Netflix or another platform could save the day. Stay tuned…
Michael Emerson says these will be "the last 13 episodes on CBS" but holds out hope for the show. #PersonOfInterest pic.twitter.com/Inl5Ti3g9J
— NERDOPHILES (@nerdophiles) October 11, 2015
RIP.
tommy stevenson says
Why in the hell are they canceling a show that everybody love that’s people hate yall you people keeping canceling the shows people want to see but let the shows people hate stay on
suzangrace says
why would you cancel such an excellent successful show??? devoted vewiers are very upset. pick it up on another station, or give it another chance. love Jim Caviezel and Emerson. miss shah./ [;ease change your mind. one of my favorite all time shows. put it back on. very innovative and exciting. can’t say that about many shows these day!!!
Alfonso says
It makes no sense to cancel a successful show such as Person Of Interest. They should allow another network to pick it up. Their management team needs to be revamped.
Ryan says
It’s only successful in your eyes, that’s what a lot of people don’t seem to understand that even though we as an audience love a certain show, it doesn’t mean that it’s successful in the eyes of the network. CBS obviously doesn’t think it’s worth the time or the money anymore and that’s fine, if it really is that good of a show it’ll find a new home like other shows have done in the past..if not then it had a good run and that’s that.
obsidian says
The show is solid from a ratings standpoint. The problem is that CBS does not own it in-house and they would prefer to promote their own properties. Mergers of production and broadcast companies used to be prohibited by law; what’s happening to Person of Interest is an indirect byproduct of deregulation. I like the show and hope they move to another network or online outlet … one wonders if that’s why CBS is dragging its feet on airing Season 5. Might as well try to kill future competition.
Bunkie McBride says
I would have stopped watching as season 6 would have introduced the lesbian relationship. There are still some of us out here that won’t support those shows by watching them. Otherwise, it was a GREAT show.
vp says
CBS is famous for being STUPID and cancelling GREAT shows’ AND KEEPING bad SHOW’S. i HATE cbs . So now this house will watch ABC, NBC and KTTV and cbs can go straight to hell with it’s new president of production ,& Les Mooves for whom I use to have alot of respect(now gone) and staff. So long…..
Elli says
Season 1 and 2 were awesome, then this show went down the toilet.
Do they really believe Shaw and Root can save this show???
Hahahahshaha. Nolan and Plageman have lost their minds. People do not wanna see THIS!!!!
Sharon K. Harshman says
Agreed.
dave daniels says
Shaw in particular is one character I really want to see. Her fate after being kidnapped by the evil group with the bad computer mind is very intriguing. She is a sociopath who has a very human side she is trying to get back. Plus she is hot, and can truly kick assWill she? Root is a psychopath who might have a lesbian desire for Shaw, whose sexual orientation is unclear. But Root is dangerous but brilliant, and is also trying to find her humanity. All of the characters are dangerous, superagents of one kind or the other deeply damaged, who find a father figure in the computer’s creator, plus there is the police detective, another flawed figure, and there are several other plot developments that hopefully will get resolved. I think that this will be like Voyager though, with a fantastic build-up for fans, but no resolution because the arcs were not given time to complete. I disagree that the show is not of interest to a lot of people (pun intended). There are a lot who are interested.
pama martin says
I totally agree Dave Daniels
Paul Roupe says
It’s stupid to cancel this show and put on some dumb ass reality crap! I watch a lot of CBS programs and POI is one of my favorites! I don’t give a rat’s ass about ratings either, POI is good quality programming! It’s interesting to see what will happen from week to week!
Sharon K. Harshman says
I HATE that they are cancelling MY FAVORITE show. I am so very sad. My heart is broken. I don’t know what they are thinking…………. I can’t believe the numbers are so very bad, that some other network can’t pick it up. Unbelievable CBS. You have now out done yourselves. Way to go. I think I may be changing my favorite network. I just can’t believe it. First they take the Thajah off, which at that time, she was my favorite character, but now the crazy girl, and the dog are my favorites.
marie claxon says
I want Person of Interest on
Reality says
The series was always clever, especially when the creator (Jona Nolan) still had a hand in it. But since S3, the series has lost in ratings in both overall audience and in that all important demo, the 18-49 age group.
s1 and s2 averaged (Live + Same Day) over 13 million viewers with an average of demo of 2.89
(several episodes in s1 drew in over 15 million viewers!)
Even s3 was somewhat respectable, even though a main character was killed off: 11.83/1.97
But s4 did very poorly: 8.41/1.53
Lots of reasons: new time slot, character death, more streaming available, change in focus and theme, not a CBS production…but until some other rating system takes over, these numbers will determine the series ad revenue for the network. CBS is a business and cut its losses: POI was not winning its time slot anymore.
Deb says
Yes, it got a bit slow for a few shows but if you watch through to SEASON FOUR, WOW~! I just now finished it on NETFLIX and my heart is still pounding~! WHY in the world would they cancel it?!?!
Kara says
Person of Interest’s season 4 had better average ratings than at least six other shows that got renewed, e.g. Navi CIS: L.A.. They were in the middle field when it came to ratings.
Maria says
We really enjoy this show when we get to watch it but our local channel 9 puts it on so late at night after putting all the rubbish on before it that we have to record everything.
This is the problem is Australia.All the rubbish from the bottom of the barrel is put on at prime time while all the better shows are slotted in later at night.
Thank heavens I have 3 twin tuner DVD recorders as I have to tape everything for my husband and myself to watch the next evening.
judy says
I cannot believe that they are cancelling Person of Interest. One of the best shows on TV. where are their heads cancel some of those stupid reality shows that are ridiculous and leave the good ones alone. Come on CBS get smart.
Agnes says
Shame on CBS, canceling their best show.
Cazz says
Big shame, hope it gets picked up…the trouble is that here in UK we are a season behind and it’s shown really late at night, the perils of not being picked up by one of the satellite ‘biggies’, love the show tho
DOMINIQUE PERKINS says
Truly very sad. Change of time slot didn’t help. I see that others also complain of that. This is a very innovative show full of worthy ideas to discuss & consider. I could do with a bit less violence but am willing to bow to that if it can bring home the discussion of machines & peoples ability to manipulate them.
I do hope it will be picked up by another venue.
Efrain says
I love this show, have followed it since day one. Please keep it going.
Don Dorisio says
CBS, you suck. You cancel the good shows and keep all those stupid reality shows (And there is nothing real about them) and those even more stupid sit-coms. I know you are only bottom-line oriented, and i know that because I used to work for you!
Jok says
They’re complitely lost their minds…
Deb says
YOU GOT THAT RIGHT~!!! They want to show the silly and/or sleazy shows and take off the ones that people who actually have a brain watch~!
Patti says
Darn it! But, I hope they will give us proper closure with the remaining episodes in case someone else does not pick them up…..
dmr says
I hope Netflix picks it up for the 6th season.
M. Spolar says
We LOVE Person Of Interest! This show is why I even started watching programs on CBS! We will continue to watch CBS only if Person of interest is renewed!
Grace Karu says
Why! Why are you canceling an amazing show!
Deb says
This is RIDICULOUS to cancel POI~! WHAT??? Is it hitting a bit TOO CLOSE TO HOME….to the TRUTH that is working in this nation??? WELL GUESS WHAT~! MOST of us know the truth so at least let us enjoy a GREAT show while we still have our freedom to do so~! CBS, I hope Netflix DOES pick it up and YOU FAIL~! STOP the stupid reality shows that we all KNOW are fake~! Yes, you have to have a pretty brilliant mind to follow POI but those of us who do, want it ON THE AIR~! COME ON NETFLIX. GIT ER DUN~! Let CBS show the highly racial left wing garbage that they love so much~!
Deb says
….and btw…if you take off NCIS, I am DONE with the network. I’m sure MANY others will be as well. ABC started this crap, cancelling the good shows, the shows that intelligent folks watched and look where it got them~!
monica says
Poor Decision CBS…. Just when you put something worth while on the air you cancel it. I am going back to NBC.
David says
Person of Interest is my “Show of Interest”. I watch other shows like Power, Empire, The Flash and White Collar. I love them all for different reasons.
That being said, Person of Interest is the only one that brings awareness and provokes thought to the world we live in today. When I see technology out in my everyday life, I think of how far if not beyond, the world has come close to this show’s dynamic of “The Machine”.
They have a unique and wonderful cast. The diversity of the characters developed always promises to be enjoyable.
Root is my favorite. She’s the “Jane of all Trades”. Her collection of personas is impressively incorporated, and always makes me smile or laugh. Pulling this off without me saying “oh come on, that’s just dumb!”, is definitely an accomplishment. When she expresses joy it always lights me up. Her relationship with The Machine is unique. Though Harold too has a relationship with the Machine, hers is far more intimate.
This brings Harold to light. His story and struggle throughout the creation and management of The Machine, is just part of this characters plight. I enjoy seeing him interact on different levels. He constantly risks his own safety to keep others safe or keep them on mission. His injury from the explosion that caused his disability, yet he doesn’t let it hinder his actions, is inspiring.
John is always a treat to watch. You know more than likely he will accomplish the task without failure, but how he pulls it off is always enjoyable. I relate with his military mindset and his journey to transition as needed to a less Militant mindset. He shares Harold’s regard for protecting the rest of the team, but ultimately the “number” is the top priority. He’s come a long way from his continuous blackmailing of Lionel.
Lionel seems like a character that was developed over time to become not just an asset, but also a main character. I have come to appreciate how he’s become part of the team, not just the go to guy for dirty work. One thing you rarely see in modern shows up for cancellation – growth within. His regard for Carter once assigned as his partner helped this. Just as her character also influenced John.
(Spoilers for anyone that hasn’t seen the show)
I’m sure we all miss Carter. Though sad to see her go, I can appreciate how she’s not forgotten as the show continues. John references her multiple times and she remains part of the show even without her presence. She’s become apart of who John is becoming. This was a great idea in my opinion. I love it!
Shaw, I love her! The smile of her face when she is allowed to shoot or beat people up puts a smile on mine. Not to mention they were slowly showing us a more personal side of her. She too was transitioning as is John. The female version, with variances that made the two characters unique to one another.
Bear… The dog that actually plays a constant role and isn’t just an extra. He interacts with all the main characters and some bad guys. His close relationship with Harold, John and Shaw rocks! How many other shows appeal to dog lovers, while not making it the main focus of the show?
The Machine & Samaritan
They work similarly and whenever the scenes cut with their perspective I determine which one of them is looking at us. I even once found myself saying “The Machine! Yes!”. Samaritan is unchained since birth and The Machine was crippled at birth. Not quite David vs Goliath but close to it. They are both evolving and the anticipation to see their next phase of evolution is great! The God Mode battle at the hotel early in season 4 was awesome! Unexpected to see The Machine expose itself to help Root counter Samaritan.
Elias! The first “Oh wow!” Moment for me. Well the way he was introduced. Another element to this show that I enjoy is the criminal element, which the team allies with occasionally. At first I was like “This guy is supposed to be the top dog?”. Well, I’m not sure how they did it, but after a while, that’s exactly how I saw him!
In conclusion this all supports that this show isn’t just “Oh they get a number and the save the day” for any episode. There’s always so much more going on. Well I’ve ranted on enough. Reading my rant I see why this show would be cancelled. It’s like every other show, right? No. Yes to sarcasm though.
I’ve submitted my email in hopes to get information on how pursue the continuation of this show. I’m just one person of interest, wishing to see this show go beyond 5 seasons. Just a number. But every number matters, right?
Rene says
I also agree, I have watched this show from day 1 and have never missed an episode…CBS has made a grand mistake and we will all miss this show. It made my day to watch it, I loved all the characters especially John! Handsome and the voice of all men, you could not beat that! Shaw and Carter they were women you could look up too and would want to be due to they were strong women and believed in themselves! I will miss all of them Harold, Lionel, Root and Bear and of course the Machine!
CBS you have made a big mistake your #’s will go down!
Tara says
Person of Interest was THE show I waited all week long to see. There were some other good shows on TV of course but none of them held a candle to this one. The day the episode aired, I’d keep checking the clock to be certain I’d be THERE right on time to see the characters I loved and how they made it through another heart-pounding escapade. The writing in seasons 3 & 4 wasn’t as good as seasons 1 & 2, but by that time, I loved the White Knights (as I called them) so much that it didn’t matter quite as much. I cared about them. Even though I know they are fictitious characters,I cried buckets at the loss of Carter and held my breath every time John put himself in danger to protect others. I admired Finch’s mind and heart. Lionel started off as a despicable character and became a hero, for goodness sake. For Root there was a love-hate feeling until she decided to became human. Shaw’s chutzpah and daring-do made me grin as she became her better self. There was grudging admiration for a host of lesser characters like Elias and Scarface and watching a smart, resourceful woman like Zoe maneuver in ways that amazed me was an occasional gem.
NOW CBS IS KILLING EVERY ONE OF THOSE TERRIFIC CHARACTERS AND DOING IT ALL AT ONCE!
If there is any justice (or business savvy), Netflix will pounce on this show and grin hugely all the way to the bank. I haven’t been interested in Netflix before, but if they pick POI up, I guarantee that I will become a Netflix watcher.
chloe narcisee says
This series has been a breath of fresh air in my life. I started watching back to back episodes of Season 1 and since then I am so enamored with each and every episode. I feel sad, happy, angry and confused right along with each and every character, with each and every attack. I will miss this show if it is ever cancelled. It’s a sad day in humanity when you would rather be wrapped up in a television series and its characters that you will in real life and then that gets pulled out from under you like a rug
Jo says
I agree with everyone. Person of interest was the best show ever aired. please
bring it back. PLEASE
Jo says
I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND WAITING FOR THIS SHOW TO AIR IT’S NEW SEASON.
TO FIND THAT THEY ARE CANCELING THE SHOW MAKES ME SICK. INSTEAD WE HAVE WONDER GIRL, ANBD LIMITLESS, I DON’T MIND THESE SHOWS, BUT THEY DON’T COMPARE TO PERSON OF INTEREST. NONE OF THEM DO!!!!!!!!
Sara says
The CBS executives don’t care. They are selfish assholes. Take it from an ex employee
Matt says
The writers ruined the show. Seasons 1and 2 were the best shows I have ever seen. Then the self proclaimed genius writers totally took the show in the wrong direction. Killing Carter was insane. Then this grand plot involving stupid worldwide entities instead of the average people and their stories was once again insane. Those things made the show a hit, so they totally go away from success to show anything can happen???? That is why diehard fans stopped watching because of the absurdities that the genius writers came without. I knew it would be cancelled when they changed the entire premise of the show. What a shame.
Drine says
My husband and I both love the show. We especially liked it when they characters were helping the “irrelevant” cases. The addition of a second computer and the world wide threat got a bit much for me. I really missed Carter. It was a shame to lose her on the show. I liked the tough guys doing good things for people. Only watched it on Netflex. Never heard of it before then since I don’t watch much TV. Sorry to hear it has been canceled. It was our favorite series.
Linda DiMezza says
Not cancelled yet. Wrong information.
K Casady says
Watch on Netflix …… Netflix we are loyal fans, you should pick the show up… Make a Deal!!!
suze says
If anyone’s listening, agree the original premise of season 1,2 made this must see TV at our house. In these days of senseless violence, it’s nice to think, if only for an hour, that there could be a John and Harold watching out for people. When it went off into bizarre worldwide conspiracies with battling computers, we watched occasionally. Go back to the original, a little humor, more thinking, characters we care about. Netflix might give it a run if people watch the series they have up now
They did it with Longmire.
ted chamberlain says
My wife and I watched the first episode and never quit watching a great show. All of the cast, producers, directors and writers deserve a lot of credit for putting a quality show on TV for a change. There is no much garbage on tv with either sex or stupid jokes that get old very quick.
Judy says
poi was one of a very few intelligent, classy series on the air, excellent writing. CBS is slowly going down the tubes just like ABC. There is nothing on ABC even worth watching. They’re too busy throwing boobs in your face no matter what the program is and CBS has started down that same greedy, lack of morals path. CBS used to be different with morals and integrity but not any more.
Anonymous says
Why do they cancel a show like this but allow those reality TV shows about opening abandoned storage containers or repoing cars stay on.
Suaznne Nilsen says
CBS YOUR VIEWERS HAVE SPOKEN WE ALL!!!!! WANT POI TO RETURN. IF NOT WE ALL HAVE THE OPTION OF BLOCKING YOUR CHANNEL. I WILL IMMEDIATELY AND HOPE OTHERS WILL ALSO UNTIL WE SEE A RENEWAL OF POI.
Pam says
AGREE 100%
Tim B says
This is NUTS!! Love this show! You going to make a lot of people MAD!! And I’m one of them!
Adile says
Honestly I m disappointed why Cbs cancelled the show
At least it could be look forward a movie for the epilogue
It’s a shame
Lint says
I AM NEVER watching anything on CBS ever again. I’ll just pirate it. 🙂 You ain’t getting my money after cancelling Person Of Interest.
Karen says
It is a good show, why cancel?
Pam says
Like always they cancel a GREAT show and all those so called reality shows that are disgusting stay on the air! What is wrong with this picture
Mariya says
I love the show too. Great characters, I am very deeply touched by their friendships, support and sacrificial work even for people that they don”t know. I As far as the technology involved its incredible to see all that incorporated in a great show. CBS should renew the show .
Karen Sabatini says
I found Persons of Interest one of the best shows on CBS, which always did well in the ratings. I do want to see Season 5, and hope the “Powers that Be” on CBS have enough common sense to keep a well written drama on, instead of tiring reality shows like Survivor. Although I would have no problem watching Person of Interest on Netflix or any other station, in order to keep the show going into Season 6.
Diana says
Again, one of a mere handfull of shows that I watched. This was a BRILLIANT show, crossing multi-generations. I am 63 and was totally absorbed from day 1.
Then, my daughter found it when it aired on Netflix, and couldn’t believe she loved something I loved so well. I am the action, crime drama, mystery queen and she seldom ventures into my worlds, but became mesmerized with this series. Sad to see it go. Adore Jim.
Zeffypoo says
I think the whole story line with Samaritan went on too long and became too serialized. They should have had some resolution to it by the end of season 4, probably would have boosted ratings and kept the show going. Never a good idea to have a plot line with a never ending arc and multiple season ending cliffhangers based on that plot. Audiences don’t have that kind of attention span.
Neil Murphy says
I am left with fewer and fewer shows to watch. I tried ABC’s Agent Carter way too PC for my taste and the science was truly lame.
PjJns says
I am just flabbergasted, this was truly one of the best shows out there. The subject matter could have been a gold mine, and could have been taken in any direction. Great acting made it believable, it was just cohesive. But nooOOoo, another show canceled way too prematurely. If another network picks it up I will be there. Fooey on CBS! The dullards!