The series debuted in the U.S. on approximately 50 stations in 1988, three years after its debut on British television, where it’s an institution and among the highest rated shows in U.K. history.
Meanwhile, in the U.S., EastEnders has never grown beyond its cult status, and scores of public TV stations have dropped it steadily due to its high cost, low ratings and poor financial support from viewers.
Occasionally, the threat of cancellations have left the series’ continuation in doubt, such as what happened in 1996 when WNYC, the flagship station, was sold by then mayor Rudy Guiliani, and the BBC made overtures that it would not be able to continue satellite transmission if a replacement station in the New York area was not found.
Thankfully, WLIW, picked up EastEnders and has stuck by it, although occasionally expressing disappointment that not enough viewers have financially supported the show.
The Walford Gazette, which was founded 11 years ago to give the stations a premium-incentive tool in their fundraising efforts for EastEnders, urges that all fans who watch via public television to support their local stations with what they can give financially when they’re asked to contribute.
A BBC source said that any further cancellations should be known next spring.
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