Was Automan Cancelled Due to Its Similarity to Tron?

The 1980s saw a wave of innovative science fiction television series that inspired both fans and creators. Among these was Automan, a show that, while intriguing at its conception, struggled to capture a substantial audience. It was often suggested that Automan was cancelled due to its resemblance to Tron, a groundbreaking film released in 1982. However, a closer examination of the show's cancellation reveals a more complex and multifaceted story.

Background and Similarities to Tron

When Automan originally aired, it quickly became possible to draw parallels between the show and Tron. Notably, Glen Larson, the creator of Automan, brought in key elements from Tron to enhance Automan's visual and narrative appeal. Donald Kushner and Paul Locke, both instrumental in creating Tron, were enlisted to ensure that Automan had a similar cinematic feel and style. Their contributions included adopting some of the special effects and costuming techniques from Tron, making Automan a visually striking series that drew significant attention from both critics and audiences.

While these similarities undoubtedly enhanced the show's appeal, they were not the primary reason for its cancellation. Although Automan managed to maintain a distinctive identity, the fundamental differences between the two produced a series that, while visually impressive, did not fully succeed in capturing its target audience.

Reasons for Cancellation

The cancellation of Automan was a decision driven by both creative and commercial considerations. The show aired with a 13.6 rating and had not aired its final episode, which was scheduled to air a week later. NBC was facing a period of significant financial and creative challenges, with the network cancelling almost its entire fall roster of shows.

NBC's struggles could be attributed to various factors. The 1980s saw a shift in viewer preferences, with a growing interest in more grounded and gritty television series. In contrast, Automan was a more fantastical and visually oriented show that struggled to appeal to the changing tastes of viewers. Additionally, the show's reliance on expensive special effects and costumes contributed to its higher production costs, making it a less cost-effective option for the network.

The cancellation decision was also influenced by the ratings and feedback from the initial run of episodes. Despite a humorous sidekick named "Cursor," which added a lighthearted element to the show, the ultimately cheesy and unrealistic portrayal of computer-based characters and vehicles in real space may have alienated a segment of the audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Automan was certainly influenced by the groundbreaking Tron, its cancellation was not solely due to these similarities. The show's numerous challenges, including high production costs, changing viewer preferences, and underwhelming ratings, ultimately made it unsustainable for the network. The complex reasons behind Automan's cancellation highlight the often multifaceted factors that contribute to the success or failure of a television series.

The legacy of Automan continues to be a subject of interest among fans of 1980s television. Although it may not have achieved the same level of success as its inspiration Tron, Automan remains a notable instance of how innovative concepts can be challenging to translate into commercially viable entertainment.