Television is a land of pure Darwinism – a few survive, while others are torn apart in as many as one or two episodes as months of hype gives way to instantaneous obscurity. Earlier in the season we analyzed various freshman series, including many who were canceled almost immediately. Now, here’s a follow-up with the latest news on those who survived the initial round of cuts.
ABC has officially decided not to pick up “Last Resort” and “666 Park Avenue” – both shows with huge buzz going into the season and “Resort” considered by many to be the best pilot in years – and neither one will be able to complete more than their initial 13 episodes. Per Deadline.com, neither show is technically cancelled, but put on a back burner just in case ABC wants to bring it back next year. This strategy is similar to 2011’s “Pan Am,” but after seeing how that played out…well, don’t hold your breath.
Onetime CBS hopeful “Partners” has also been cancelled. The show’s ratings weren’t terrible – in fact they were equal to or better than any other network’s freshman comedies (with the exception of NBC’s “Go On”) – but “Partners” apparently didn’t meet the CBS gold standard of comedy. Instead of letting the show run its course, the eye decided to pull it and fill the slot with “Two and a Half Men” re-runs. Undoubtedly, Angus T. Jones is thrilled that more “filth” will be making its way into American living rooms.
But first year shows aren’t the only ones getting the axe. Some sophomore shows and longstanding favorites will also be tuning out for the last time in the near future.
NBC’s “30 Rock” is set to conclude in May after seven seasons. The show has been on the cusp of cancellation for a few years now, and stars like Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin are poised to move on to new projects while they’re still bringing so much heat. Similarly, NBC’s “The Office” will be saying goodbye in May. The show managed to last two seasons after Steve Carell’s departure in 2011, but folks like Mindy Kaling and John Krasinski would be wise to see how far the show that gave them fame will propel them. While it will be sad to see two of television’s most beloved comedies go off the air, both shows have undoubtedly left their best episodes in the rearview mirror at this point.
ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” spin off “Private Practice” will similarly be saying goodbye this year. The “Practice” wrap-up is no surprise, however, considering star Kate Walsh had announced she would be leaving regardless of the show’s fate. No news yet on if “Grey’s” will be back for 10th season, but I’m not sure what other possible subjects that show has left to broach.
In Premium channel news, Starz has cancelled its Emmy winning show, “Boss,” so it looks like it’s time for Kelsey Grammer to go back to those tossed salads and scrambled eggs. The network blames low ratings for the cancellation; even Grammer’s 2011 best actor Emmy win couldn’t save the show. Rumor has it that the network is considering a 2-hour movie to finish the series.
Some notable cancellations in the reality television world include: Discovery’s “Dirty Jobs” after its five season run, Travel Channel’s “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” after eight seasons, MTV’s notorious “Jersey Shore,” which has been on the air for six (!) years, and the less recognizable “American Choppers: Junior vs. Senior” which has been on the Discovery Channel for three seasons.
This slew of cancelled shows doesn’t mean other popular shows are “safe” from the axe. There’s certain to be more cancellations as the season continues. As usual, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest on Nicerazzi! Stay tuned to see if your favorite show will be back for another season!