NBC Ends Undercovers' Run

NBC has opted against ordering the back nine episodes of Undercovers, effectively canceling the freshman drama.

Undercovers drew notice for both its behind-the-camera pedigree -- J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost) and Josh Reims (Felicity) — as well as its cast, two African-American actors in the lead roles.

Although the series — about two retired CIA agents who run a catering business then return to the agency — was the first to be picked up for the new TV season, it premiered to just 8.6 million viewers and a 2.0 rating among 18-to-49-year-olds. The last episode drew 5.8 million viewers and a 1.3 rating.

Undercovers introduces new mythology to attract viewers

The news comes just as the series was introducing new mythology to attract viewers. Reims told TVGuide.com he hoped the storyline would help persuade NBC to order more episodes.

"Obviously, we would have liked for [the network] to say, 'Go ahead and shoot your back nine episodes,' but I understand our ratings aren't exactly going through the roof," Reims said. "I'm hoping that when they see the episodes that are airing in the next few weeks, plus the scripts they are going to get, they'll realize, 'Oh, wow there's a lot going on in this show and we don't want to give up on it yet.'"

Undercovers' next three new episodes will air as planned through Dec. 1. There are no airdates yet for the last three completed episodes.