ABC’s “The Practice” Renewed Without 6 Main Actors

Verdict’s in on ABC ‘Practice’: 6 won’t return

The Boston law firm of Donnell, Young, Dole & Flutt is undergoing a dramatic downsizing. Dylan McDermott, Lara Flynn Boyle and four other cast members of “The Practice” are exiting David E. Kelley’s ABC legal drama next season after their options were not picked up by David E. Kelley Prods. and 20th Century Fox TV. The slimming of “Practice’s” actor payroll comes as the Emmy-winning series faces at least a 50% reduction in the license fee paid by ABC. The show endured a rocky seventh season — ratings took a dive after a midseason time-slot shift to Monday — and secured only an eleventh-hour pickup for 2003-04 on condition that the estimated $6.5 million license fee be halved — though ABC committed to returning the show to its longtime 10 p.m. Sunday home. McDermott will guest-star in at least four episodes next season, and it is unclear if the other exiting cast members will make any appearances.

Link: ABC’s “The Practice” Renewed Without 6 Main Actors

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Practice doesn't Make Perfect! said:

What a bunch of Crap!

This show will hardly be what it was without the members that are being cut from the show. Dylan McDermot, and Lara Flynn Boyle have made the show what it is today, and without them, frankly, I can’t see me watching the show anymore.

It was bad enough when the time slot and day was changed on us, which caused me to miss several of the episodes preceeding the season finale. But now to remove 6 of the best known characters??? That really make me think about the phrase, “Practice makes perfect!” because here I think exactly the opposite is happening!

Commented on May 25th, 2003 at 9:38 pm.

Maria said:

Was so sad to hear that 6 cast members will not be coming back this season. They are the heart of the series. The new blonde on the series - she keeps acting and saying how actrative she is and I see her as an average person. She has a fat face and her looks are nondiscriptive. We need the other cast members back and the new cast members gone!!!!! I know I will not watch the series any longer.

Commented on August 19th, 2003 at 1:52 pm.

Janet said:

I very happy to see changes to the show “The Practice. The media made it seem like the former actors were dropped without notice. That’s not nice. James Spader is one of my favorite actors and I can’t wait for him to steam up the show with great drama a his sex appeal. The show was getting dull. I stopped watching.
I hope that football on Sunday’s doesn’t interrupt the new show. That’s so annoying.

Commented on August 24th, 2003 at 10:33 am.

Teresa said:

What a crock! “The Practice” was Bobby’s baby from day one. These skilled actors created the characters that created “The Practice”. ABC threw them a curve by rescheduling the show, demanded a cut in budget based on the poorer ratings, and then put them back in the winning time slot!!! Are you serious?!?!? That was almost as well written as one of the award winning episodes The Practice is known for. Did they think no one would notice?

ABC has screwed over their lead shows like The Practice & NYPD Blue as well as their viewers with all of the schedule shuffling. It was arrogant of ABC to assume that viewers would happily tune in whenever they deemed fit to air the shows. I have personally watched both shows very loyally for years, arranging evenings around them whenever possible. It became a hassle trying to keep up with the rescheduling. I was also insulted that they would think that I could be “forced” to endure some of the things they have aired in the successful time slots.

Just my 2 cents worth…

Commented on August 24th, 2003 at 10:17 pm.

Dr. Lee Roberts said:

What a load of B.S.! I cannot believe what they have done to “The Practice!!!” The powers that be, who work with this once great TV drama, must be smoking dope or something. The decisions they have made (related to the show) over the past couple of years have been nothing short of idiotic and assanine…to put it mildly!

First, moving the show to Monday last year was so stupid…how can you mess with a perennial Top 10 show to the point of causing it to implode…and that is what they did, and that is what happened! They screwed it over big-time, and then it went down and down until it imploded!

Second, to NOT pay the actors more and NOT meet their demands (to a certain extent, at least) was just the same as “writing out the show’s deth certificate!” I predict that The Practice will plummet to the lower 1/4 of all the TV show rankings this year, and that it will be canceled and NOT be renewed for the next year. Isn’t that a shame!?! They took an award-winning TV show that consistently ranked in the Top Ten and destroyed it in a sad and brutal manner.

ABC has really done it this time! They struggle enough as it is, and now this! Go figure!?!

Commented on August 25th, 2003 at 9:53 am.

ilyse said:

1.I’m surprised the other cast members (those that remained) allowed the firing to happen. I guess I expect all shows to act like the cast on “Friends” where everyone sticks together.
2. The cast of the practice allowed ABC to move the show to Monday without notice and then the network complained about poor ratings.
3. It seems to me the show will never be as good not even comparable with so many key stars gone….but then ABC could always put in another CHEAP reality show!!!!

Commented on September 14th, 2003 at 10:10 pm.

drphillips said:

ABC is to blame for the declining ratings of the Practice, not the show. The schedule change to Monday nights was totally unjustified. That time slot hung the show out to dry.

The remaining cast members should have joined with Dylan McDermot, Kelly Williams, Lara Flynn Boyle, Marla Sakolov et als and positioned themselves with David Kelly as a united front: all go, or all stay.

David Kelly should have sought to place the show with another network or into syndication, to put pressure on ABC.

The show was an outstanding drama. …And Kelly Williams was never adequately recognized for her outstanding acting. Her performances were consistently worthy of Emmy awards.

What a sad combination of errors. The people hurt by this are the show’s loyal viewers.

DAVID: Instead of making a “brotherhood of Poland, NH”, you should have consentrated your efforts in making a “brotherhood of the Practice”.

Commented on September 24th, 2003 at 5:00 pm.

Genie Sandlin said:

After watching The Practice tonight, we will be watching Rob Lowe’s new show Lyon’s Den. With out the other main characters the show is a dud !!!! The other 5 were the catalyst for the show. I sure am disappointed that Mr Kelly didn’t want to spend the cash to keep such a good show going in the right direction. It has been our favorite since day one, but not any more.
James Spader is not a Dylan Mc Dermitt,and PLEASE don’t have Sharon Stone as a half way regular,that would be the last straw.
A disappointed viewer

Commented on October 5th, 2003 at 10:24 pm.

cousin itt said:

Where did the others go? Why did they go? Does anyone know? Sorry, I haven’t read all of the posts. Anyway, I like the new cast. And some of the regulars are still there. The show is still very interesting. I say give everyone a chance.

Commented on October 13th, 2003 at 2:25 am.

Jdom said:

I was worried with the changes to the practice- I don’t like that there’s no explaination on where some of them went….but I love James Spader. I think he’s a great addition- and Sharon Stone has really turnes out to be a pleasant surprise! I don’t even like Sharon Stone. I’m giving the show a chance, unless they move it again- then I’m done.

Commented on October 13th, 2003 at 8:39 am.

betty said:

After never missing an episode of The Practice,
the first two weeks are awful - new actors are
not up to par for this show. I will probably
try another channel on Sunday night. HOW COULD
YOU DO THIS TO US?

Commented on October 13th, 2003 at 12:45 pm.

Joe said:

The only reason I watched this weeks The Practice was due to ALIAS. The show has been lacking for so long and the cut in cast is just another blow. I will be shocked if the show is picked up for a ninth season.

Commented on October 13th, 2003 at 10:35 pm.

Ninche said:

When my wife was pregnant, I had told her not to go in labour during ‘the practice” or else she will be on her own. I went further as to get a friend on stand-by just in case my wife did go into labour on a sunday night to help her untill I am done watching the practice, that is how much I love the Practice, Stupid ABC have done it again. Next thing ABC will do is to get rid of PETER JENNINGS, I wish Dave Kelly could have moved the show to CBS, OR NBC with all the cast intact.

Commented on October 14th, 2003 at 9:40 am.

Kay Smith said:

Last year I was bored to death with the Practice. I liked it in the beginning but I just got so tired of all the pouting and grief. I love James Spader..I think the new show has great potential.

Commented on October 19th, 2003 at 10:09 pm.

Barry said:

As a loyal viewer of the Practice I was very dissapointed that the characters who made this show (Bobby, Helen, Lindsey)were not brought back. Why ruin such a successful show? Cheers without Ted Danson, MASH without Alan Alda, Sopranos without James Gandolfini? Give me a break. Nothing against James Spader or Sharon Stone but this was a bad move and I wont be watching. Thank you to this site and the other posters because this is where I found out what really happened and why they were not on the show anymore.

Commented on October 24th, 2003 at 3:42 am.

craig said:

I have not watched this show since they cut the crew. I dont watch a lot of tv, but the practice I did watch-all the time. Never again! Will I watch the practice!

Commented on October 27th, 2003 at 1:47 am.

Esther said:

The character played by James Spader is a scumbag; the character played by Sharon Stone is a total nutcase. These two characters, especially Spader’s, completely change the type of show The Practice has been, from very high quality to off-the-wall junk, as there is much too much emphasis on them. What a shame to completely ruin an excellent show–I NEVER missed this show, from the very beginning! But after viewing the first few episodes of Season 8, I will NEVER watch it again.

Commented on November 2nd, 2003 at 12:11 am.

Bernard Langhe said:

I loved the show before, love it more now. James Spader changes the whole show. the practice was getting to be quite boring with all the grief and constant arguing over a failed marriage. james Spader brings a whole new character inot the mix and i must say it has worked to be a brilliant show.

Commented on December 2nd, 2003 at 10:09 am.

Anna said:

I just watched the show for the first time in months…loved the changes!!!!Loved them so much. The show had gotten so dark and dreary with the old cast…they were always fighting, being unethical, just a downer. Tonight’s episode was irreverent and funny!!! I laughed so hard! I love the new blond guy…what his name? I remember him from Sex, Lies and Videotape. I loved him in that too! Yes! Keep up the humor and the irreverence!

Commented on December 8th, 2003 at 2:10 am.

Natalie said:

I hope the show will stick around for a few more seasons.James Spader is brilliant.Wouldn’t be watching The Practice without him!

Commented on December 9th, 2003 at 8:16 am.

Rick said:

I also had stopped watching “The Practice” some time ago - no fault of the actors on the show, it just didn’t grab me enough. The old show was a bit overdramatized and was somewhat wearing. But I’ve got to say since the addition of James Spader, a good show has turned into a great show. In fact, I have a whole new appreciation of Spader’s acting ability here. The audaciousness to the sublime. I’ve always thought of Spader as more of a “B” movie actor, but in “The Practice” he really shines. The witty, irreverant and brutally honest remarks portrays him as just shy of being a narcissistic sociopath. This façade is then juxtaposed with a character who empathizes deeply with the person he is defending and whose brilliant defense of same is often obfuscated to both prosecution as well as the client. In fact, the exact opposite of the narcissistic sociopath character emerges as a humble humanitarian. He is not who he appears to be. You know that Spader’s character knows what it is to have been an underdog once and has a past that still haunts him. All deduced in a look. Now, that’s acting.

Commented on December 15th, 2003 at 1:54 am.

Angel said:

I LOVE “THE PRACTICE” TO DEATH. I LOVE BOBBY AND LINDSEY. BUT WHAT HAPPEN TO THE SHOW. IT’S NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT THEM. I AM SO SAD. THAT’S THE ONLY SHOW THAT I WATCH ALL THE TIME.

Commented on January 9th, 2004 at 11:15 am.

France Kim said:

There are no weird people - some just require more understanding.

Commented on January 25th, 2004 at 8:19 am.

Ana Fox said:

Hi…
I am from Brazil and my english is bad.
Sorry…
Where are “ThePractice” on DVD???
Here in Brazil have “ER”, “Law And Order”, but
“ThePractice” no have.
Kisses!!!
thepractice@ig.com.br

Commented on February 15th, 2004 at 5:25 pm.

torontofan said:

I loved the old Practice and I love the new revamped Practice..James Spader superb..BUT..I am really saddened that this FAB series is to be cancelled…I look forward to it every Sunday night…i wish we could all do something to PROTEST…:o(

Commented on March 11th, 2004 at 9:50 pm.

Maralyn said:

WE are delighted with Alan, played by James Spader, he is wonderful! PLEASE don’t cancel the show! Eugene, Elinor, Richard, Lucy is missed too, everyone is talented and we want to see more of Practice.
WE do not miss Bobby, his wife, or Helen, but we DO miss others from the original cast. PLEASE bring back James Spader, he is great. The evil rascal.

Commented on March 18th, 2004 at 4:08 pm.

tom grover said:

James Spader is a great addition to the show. Also like the English dark haired actress Rona. The blonde actress playing Jamie Stringer is boring, nothing intriguing about her. Have really enjoyed how James Spader has spiced up the show. The old cast and story line was getting boring and melodramatic. Now it has an edge.

Commented on March 20th, 2004 at 6:35 pm.

chuck said:

bobby’s nightmare has emerged into reality. the practice has become that pretentious blue chip law firm, a mirror image of the one that cursed his father, the janitor. firing bobby, lindsay and helen is one thing, but replacing them with a pompus DORK like james spader is ridiculous. the only bright side to this season was the FIRING of Alan Shore and the return of lucy.

Commented on March 29th, 2004 at 10:45 am.

Cathy said:

I too was bored by the old Practice. James Spader is wonderful and you never know what will happen, but you can bet it will surprise you. The show is edgy with wit and a deep undercurrent of all of the charactures that was not present in the previous version. I do miss Laura Flynn Boyle, but still love Eugene & love the dark british gal-what a sexy, classy chick! Camryn Manheim is still cool, Jimmy palys a good background characture. KEEP THIS SHOW ON! It only gets better.
The writters are obviously great too.
WAKE UP AND WATCH IT WITH AN OPEN MIND. Even my 12 year old son “gets” it.
The best thing on tv!

Commented on March 29th, 2004 at 11:26 pm.

x said:

Morphing “the practice” into a show centered on James Spader and Rhona Mitra seems fitting to me. The other main cast did not impress me this season.

Commented on April 4th, 2004 at 9:21 pm.

Liz said:

“The Practice” and “NYPD Blues” are the best shows on TV right now. I look forward to watching them every week. I will really miss them when they’re gone. Why do all the great shows die?

Commented on April 18th, 2004 at 1:15 pm.

Liz said:

“The Practice” and “NYPD Blues” are the best shows on TV right now. I look forward to watching them every week. I will really miss them when they’re gone. Why do all the great shows die?

Commented on April 18th, 2004 at 1:16 pm.

Liz said:

“The Practice” and “NYPD Blues” are the best shows on TV right now. I look forward to watching them every week. I will really miss them when they’re gone. Why do all the great shows die?

Commented on April 18th, 2004 at 1:17 pm.

Liz said:

“The Practice” and “NYPD Blues” are the best shows on TV right now. I look forward to watching them every week. I will really miss them when they’re gone. Why do all the great shows die?

Commented on April 18th, 2004 at 1:17 pm.

Cathy said:

Never watched “The Practice” before James Spader came on. Both my husband and I looked forward to watching it every Sunday. Will be sorry to see it leave the air soon.

Commented on April 24th, 2004 at 1:42 pm.

Cathy said:

Never watched “The Practice” before James Spader came on. Both my husband and I looked forward to watching it every Sunday. Will be sorry to see it leave the air soon.

Commented on April 24th, 2004 at 1:43 pm.

Kevin said:

yah I agree with everyone here. James Spader’s character definitly spiced up the show. The Practice is so great; it’s pretty much the only show I look forward seeing on TV (except basketball games). How come there are no DVDs???

Commented on April 29th, 2004 at 2:52 am.

Terry said:

Totally bummed that the show is ending! I love Spader and “Denny Crane” was growing on me. They could take this show to other levels with Eugene as a judge. It could open up opportunities for really cool guest stars. I am so upset it it leaving the air. The only show I really love to watch.

Commented on May 3rd, 2004 at 1:29 pm.

jim said:

i thought the show was getting bigger at the end of season; but is it done? finished?? no more??

Commented on May 4th, 2004 at 7:30 am.

jim said:

i thought the show was getting bigger at the end of season; but is it done? finished?? no more??

Commented on May 4th, 2004 at 7:31 am.

jim said:

i thought the show was getting bigger at the end of season; but is it done? finished?? no more??

Commented on May 4th, 2004 at 7:31 am.

jb said:

I’m so glad to hear that this crap of a show is leaving the air. I really began to like it when spader came on but the last few shows have been very “ally mcbeal-ish” and I just can’t take it seriously anymore. Plus, it’s become a political platform for the liberal hollywood types who write for it. Good riddance David E. Kelley.

Commented on May 4th, 2004 at 9:58 pm.

ANA FOX said:

HI…!
I AM FROM BRASIL AND MY ENGLISH IS VERY BAD, SORRY.
VISIT A NEW SITE FOR “THE PRACTICE” IN BRASIL.
http://geocities.yahoo.com.br/gambledole
THANKS FOR VISIT.
I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND ME.
KISSES!

Commented on May 16th, 2004 at 1:24 pm.

ANA FOX said:

HI…!
I AM FROM BRASIL AND MY ENGLISH IS VERY BAD, SORRY.
VISIT A NEW SITE FOR “THE PRACTICE” IN BRASIL.
http://geocities.yahoo.com.br/gambledole
THANKS FOR VISIT.
I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND ME.
KISSES!

Commented on May 16th, 2004 at 1:25 pm.

ANA FOX said:

HI…!
I AM FROM BRASIL AND MY ENGLISH IS VERY BAD, SORRY.
VISIT A NEW SITE FOR “THE PRACTICE” IN BRASIL.
http://geocities.yahoo.com.br/gambledole
THANKS FOR VISIT.
I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND ME.
KISSES!

Commented on May 16th, 2004 at 1:25 pm.

ANA FOX said:

Hi! I am from Brasil and my english is very bad, sorry.
Visit a new site for The Practice.
http://geocities.yahoo.com.br/gambledole
Thanks for visit.
I hope you understand me.
Kisses!

Commented on May 16th, 2004 at 1:28 pm.

Mike said:

Finally … the best show on television. And its all because of …

Denny Crane

Commented on May 18th, 2004 at 2:03 am.

Mike said:

I am really happy to hear that Fleet Street will continue the Practice in new clothes. The show is witty and keeps me in stitches. Hopefully some of the other current characters will be written in to some of the episodes.

Commented on May 18th, 2004 at 10:55 am.