Reasons For The Show's Demise

First off, the producers wanted to capitalize on the 'era' of the time: It was the time when "Social Welfare" was the big news of the day, especially when Lyndon Johnson became President. Social Security changes, AFDC, GR, and every other welfare program under the sun was in full swing. Plus, this was the beginning of the overall "Revolution" that exploded a few years later, and younger people began rejecting the policies of the previous generation. However, 'East Side West Side' was too ahead of its time in that it rarely had "happy endings"; it showed the nitty gritty reality of life and most times ended on a down note. Realistic as it was, people still didn't want to see that in the 'escapism' of their TV and movies.....they weren't ready for it.

Another thing was the last eight episodes, which sucked. The show turned from pure 'Social Work' into pure politics - with that congressman fellow suddenly taking center stage. The show became solely about that era's political environment and so then had little to do with the original premise - which was "Everyday Social Worker Guy" going out and dealing with the tough side of life in the city, on a case-by-case basis. It probably could have survived if it hadn't been for this factor.