Alan Alda Was Nearly Brought In To Save An Acclaimed Steven Bochco Series
This legal drama was facing low ratings in 1996, prompting creator Steven Bochco to pursue a cast change. He was hoping for legendary star Alan Alda.
In 1996, critically acclaimed Steven Bochco series Murder One was on the verge of cancellation as it prepared for its second season. The show's creator considered a last-ditch effort to save the show by bringing in renowned actor Alan Alda to replace Daniel Benzali as the lead. Bochco believed Alda's star power could help broaden the show's appeal, but the cost of signing Alda was too high.
The decision to part ways with Daniel Benzali led to a structural change in the series, with Bochco opting to expand Murder One from its original one-case structure to cover three cases per season. This shift aimed to engage viewers and allow for more creative exploration. However, despite these attempts to invigorate the show, Murder One ultimately struggled to maintain its audience and was cancelled after the second season.
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