Commenting on the cancellation, Suehaila Amen says, 'We are well aware that, at the end of the day, it's a business decision for any network.'
- Mar 8, 2012
AceShowbiz - "All-American Muslim" won't be back for second season, and some of its cast have reacted to the news. One of the cast members, Suehaila Amen, told the Detroit Free Press that she's "saddened that there will not be a Season 2" since she believed the show "helped to pave the way for the moderate Muslim voice to be heard in this nation."
Her brother, Bilal Amen, said "the first season was great." Praising TLC for doing "an amazing job," he added, "We opened up the eyes of many Americans, showing them that we are just like everyone else...I am sad it was not picked back up, it was an important conversation that needs to happen in a country where racist comments are being considered dialogue."
TLC didn't explain to the press why the controversial docu-series, which follows five Muslim-Americans families in Dearborn, Michigan, was not picked up for another season. However, the network reportedly have told the cast that the show was canceled because its ratings was not high enough for it to continue.
Despite the explanation, the cast members claimed that ratings was not an issue since they believed the show pulled in an equally-modest number of audience like many other shows. "We are well aware that, at the end of the day, it's a business decision for any network," Suehaila shared her thoughts on that matter.
Regardless, Suehaila was thankful for being given the opportunity to show Muslim's "a basic understanding of the culture and faith" through the show. "Having the opportunity to be a part of such a groundbreaking series with TLC has been extraordinary," she said. In the same tone as his sister, Billal stated, "The show was an amazing experience and I am honored that TLC gave us that chance."
The show gained 1.7 million viewers in its premiere in November 2011, but attracted only 900,000 audience in its December finale. It drew controversy when Lowe's, a U.S.-based chain of retail home improvement and appliance stores, pulled its advertising from the show. It's also accused by the Florida Family Association to be propaganda.
