Behind the scenes of 'Granite Flats'
(Photo courtesy of BYUtv)
According to BYUtv, 'Granite Flats' is cancelled after 24 episodes. The news left fans with many questions and left them frustrated about the show; wait and see what BYUtv has coming next.
The current 24 episodes will be available for streaming primarily through Netflix to keep the legacy alive, but some fans are still upset the series is at an end. BYUtv Director of Content Scott Swofford said, 'I read those Facebook posts, and I just feel terrible for those fans.'
BYUtv said in a press release the goal for 'Granite Flats' was to be able to create scripted drama that 'would fill the decade-long family-friendly programming void — something that would make it possible for those of all-ages to watch together.'
'Granite Flats' proved became the first scripted drama that not only supported BYUtv's programming slogan, 'See the Good in the World,' but also became 'a wonderful experiment for BYUtv,' said Derek Marquis, executive producer of 'Granite Flats' and managing director of BYUtv.
BYU alumna Bonnie Andrus loves how intriguing the show is and loves trying to solve the mysteries. She also greatly appreciates the clean nature of the show and the positivity the show retains. For example, Hershel Jenkins, played by Peter Murnik, tries hard to turn around his life for his son. She said, 'That was nice that they kept him nice instead of having him turn bad like some of these shows nowadays.'
'Granite Flats' has made the whole network more successful, as it received 'positive national reviews and earned the highest BYUtv viewership in its history,' BYUtv said in a press release. 'Season two aired in April 2014 and touted a 48 percent increase in viewers.'
Many fans took to Facebook to share their frustration. Andrus was in agreement with many of the fans.
'I'm surprised they want to end it so soon,' Andrus said.
'Granite Flats' surprised fans and BYUTV with its increased viewers and success and its sudden end, and viewers wonder what's to come.
Swofford explained BYUtv is a nonprofit organization with limited financing, and scripted drama shows aren't cheap to make.
'If you're going to try new stuff and find new audiences, some things, even some things you love, are going to have to go away,' Swofford said.
'Granite Flats' has been able to create new opportunities for the network, and in doing that, they have had to focus their resources on those opportunities. Though it means moving on from 'Granite Flats,' it means new, exciting things for BYU and for its viewers. Swofford hinted at a news series, new products and new ideas that 'You'll get to hear about soon.'
'I'm not saying that we won't revisit Charley as he goes to college,' Swofford said. 'But for right now, 'Granite Flats' is going to stand by while we try to develop some other stuff.'
'Granite Flats' has served its purpose to introduce many to the fun family entertainment BYUtv provides and now the channel is going to give fans even more, Swofford said.
'We're not retreating; we're not backing off. We're just redirecting new sources to new stuff,' Swofford said. 'I think they'll like it just as much as they did the old stuff.'