USA Cancels NECESSARY ROUGHNESS

After three seasons, USA has pulled the plug on NECESSARY ROUGHNESS.

According to Deadline, the network has decided not to bring the show back for a fourth season, whose ratings have consistently dropped off since it debuted in 2011. The series premiere drew 4.5 million viewers, Variety reports, but by last season's end, ROUGHNESS was drawing in, on average, only 2.5 million.

"We are proud of this show and its writers, which had a unique ability to address topical subjects before they unfolded in real life on the sports pages," the network said in a statement to Deadline this evening. "We want to thank Liz Kruger and Craig Shapiro, the incredible cast led by Golden Globe nominee Callie Thorne and our partners at Sony Television."

The series starred Golden Globe-nominated Thorne, Mehcad Brooks, Scott Cohen and Marc Blucas. NECESSARY ROUGHNESS was created and executive produced by Liz Kruger & Craig Shapiro ("Miami Medical," "The Challenge"). Kevin Dowling ("Go On") also served as executive producer. Inspired by a true story, Necessary Roughness is a Sony Pictures Television and Universal Cable Productions co-production.