LOGO Axes: Noah's Arc

"Noah's Arc", the LOGO Network's self proclaimed most popular show, was cancelled after two short seasons. Angry fans have responded all over the blogsphere many cancelling subscriptions with local cable companies. The network never actually made the announcement about the cancellation itself. Instead, the information came from the actors on the show, who confirmed, via blogs, that they had been told the show was canceled. LOGO announced last week that it plans to make a film version of "Noah's Arc" for theatrical release.

The press release announcing the new film describes the TV show on which it will be based as LOGO's "hit flagship series about four African American gay friends in Los Angeles." This statement and the odd way the show was cancelled have left many fans understandably outraged. The release went on to state, "Noah's Arc will join 'Sex and the City,' 'Star Trek' and 'The Simpson's' as yet another fan-driven series finding a home at the multiplex."

The statement doesn't actually make a lot of sense. Fans of Noah's Arc are skeptical (as am I) for several reasons. Noah's Arc is not the longest running sitcom in television history (The Simpson's). Noah's Arc did not enjoy a series finale with resolution of the character's story lines (Sex in the City). Noah's Arc is not the foundation of five separate successful television shows (Star Trek). So what gives here?

According to Brian Graden, President, Logo, "Noah's Arc has one of the most intensely loyal fan bases in television and we're thrilled to harness the power of film to let Patrik-Ian Polk continue the story he has so skillfully woven," he continued to say, "Noah's Arc has so many dimensions and possibilities, so advancing to the feature film format is an exciting way to motivate our loyal fans and engage an even wider audience." I am no TV network executive and before Noah's Arc (and LOGO), I had never heard of Brian Graden. I am a confessed television junkie and media connoisseur. I don't understand this decision. If your top-rated show has an intensely loyal TV fan base, why cancel it?

Jasmyne A. Cannick, political and social commentary and journalist had this to say: "My guess and it is just that, is that Logo canceled the show and offered the movie as a consolation prize. It makes sense to me that if you want to silence the criticism for canceling the show that you would wait until the last day possible to make the announcement without really making the announcement, if you know what I mean. Hey, who's going to be upset the series is canceled when there's the possibility of a movie in the works? "

Filmmaker and Noah's Arc creator, Patrik-Ian Polk, issued the following statement in response to the news:

Needless to say, I am very excited and hope you will be too...I know the fact that there will be no new season of the show on TV this year is disappointing, but you can take solace in the knowledge that we will be bringing you a fabulous feature film version of the show that will continue what we've begun on Logo network and take everything to new heights! The season 2 DVD will be out in June, I believe, so make sure to support. Nothing sends a message to the powers-that-be more than dollars and cents. Remember the series FAMILY GUY was cancelled after one season, but the DVD sales were so amazing that Fox network resurrected the show and it's now in its 5th season. So hang in there, Noah Fans...And we'll see you soon.

I figured the best thing to do, since LOGO wasn't being very forthcoming at their website was to check out the internet and see if I could find some answers there. I did. A google search of "Noah's Arc cancelled" returned no less than 55,000 hits. These hits included, petitions to save the show (apparently the 2nd season was also once in doubt); a National Public Radio interview with former Noah's Arc cast member, Jensen Atwood; blog postings by the show's creator Ian Patrick Polk and thousands of fan MySpace pages.

One such space was that of Keith Boykin, one of the most dynamic new voices in American media, politics and literature. This is a sample of feedback from his popular community-based website keithboykin.com:

Cadence

January 25 2007, 10:17AM

I've heard many people say that Noah's Arc is the only show that they watch on LOGO. I think this was the main problem. LOGO probably thought why they should keep spending money on a show, if its viewers are gone to tune out the rest of the programming on the network, especially when they can use the money to build up an audience who will be more loyal to the network. I doubt NA had a large crossover audience; remember last year when Keith was on the year in review, the other panelist didn't seem to know what he was talking about when he mentioned the show.

I'll be sad to see NA off the air, and I won't hold my breath for a movie. Hopefully LOGO won't go the route of its sister networks and drop programming with diverse casts. Judging by its upcoming shows, this just may happen.

Jay

January 25 2007, 10:28AM

If the cast members of Noah's arc were drug addict, gay black prostitutes that called themselves niggers or niggas every week, I am sure the show would have lasted, I cannot begin to describe how disappointed I am and shocked, unfortunately with the hatred so evident in Black culture and African culture a show featuring gay black men will get no support whatsoever from the black gay community at large, unbelievable, just unbelievable and extremely sad.

My hope is that when Ellen was canceled it ushered the way for Will and Grace, I hope Noah's Arc ushers in more shows featuring gay black men in all of their beauty.

And if Patrik-Ian Polk and the cast member of Noah's Arc happen to read this, I for one want you to know that I am extremely grateful for the show and will never find the words to express what the show means to me.

Robert

January 25 2007, 10:52AM

Well, there's absolutely no reason for me to watch LOGO anymore. My sincere hope is that they fill the void left by Noah's Arc. Otherwise, it was nice knowing you LOGO!

Greg

January 25 2007, 10:54AM

Just a shame, a shame! After a season and a half? But, I don't know how they think this show would ever be able to make it on the big screen? It, seems like it will be a straight to DVD movie, since I don't see it as a crossover like the "Brokeback Mountain" movie turned out to be.

So much for diversity at Logo, the new line up is typical of most things run by the white gays, lily white with a scattering of faces of color to prove they are inclusive. Not worth my coins anymore.

C. Baptiste-Williams

January 25 2007, 11:21AM

I upgraded my cable package when Noah's Arc was on just so that I could see it... and when the season ended I downgraded. Needless to say I won't be upgrading or supporting the channel. It is apparent that gay African Americans are not in there target audience.

Ty

January 25 2007, 1:28PM

Preach on it Louis, CANCEL the network, why pay for something that offers nothing of interest to our community? Other than a few dance video clips? And, notify the sponsors of some of the new and I would venture a guess LAME shows they are trotting out. The actors aren't going to say anything, what can they say? Say anything negative, and they will be left out of the upcoming "blockbuster" movie event. And, Hollywood has a way of making sure you never work in that town if you complain, so, I can say I do respect their silence.

I fully understand that it was a business thing, but, why wait until the last minute, and after only showing 8, get that 8 episodes of the second season, and leave it with a cliff hanger, at least have the courtesy to tie up the loose ends, as if anyone is going to care when the movie comes out in 2010? If, then.

Stanley L. Walker

January 25 2007, 1:59PM

Yes, the DL crowd will be afraid to go to a theatre to check it out, but so what?

That reminds me of seeing BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN on opening night in DC and about nine of these "thug" types came in after the lights went down and all of them exited before the credits rolled.

So, I think they will go. But they will go in disguise or buy tickets for other movies and sneak in after it starts.

Stay tuned.