CW is cancelling four of its series -- two dramas and two comedies, says Variety.One of the biggest shows to get the ax is 'Privileged,' which aired on Tuesdays after the popular '90210' reboot. 'Privileged' remained on the 2009 bubble in true roller-coaster fashion, with earlier rumors of a midseason pick-up. There were even reports that the network would re-air the show's first season in the summer.
However, today's cancellation ends all talk -- a decision that series creator Rina Mimoun called "truly heartbreaking," according to the Ausiello Files.
Also getting the boot from the CW is 'Reaper.' 'Reaper' was in a similar position last year as one of the network's bubbled shows, but still managed a 13-episode pick-up for midseason. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for next season's lineup.
Over on the comedy side, the network is giving new meaning to 'Everybody Hates Chris.' The Chris Rock vehicle was cancelled to little surprise, as the network previously announced plans to get rid of half-hour comedies by the end of this season. 'The Game' tried to adapt to the network's format by pitching a new hour-long dramedy version of the series, but the network apparently passed.
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ABC Unveils Fall Schedule
ABC has announced its fall schedule, reports Variety. Among the highlights: A new two-hour comedy lineup on Wednesdays, kicking off with Kelsey Grammer's 'Hank' at 8PM. And returning: 'Castle' will air Mondays at 10PM after 'Dancing With the Stars,' 'Ugly Betty' moves to Fridays, while 'Scrubs,' 'Better Off Ted' and 'The Bachelor' will sub in after 'Dancing''s ninth season ends. Meanwhile, newbies 'Deep End,' 'Happy Town' and 'V' wait for midseason. Noticeably absent from the schedule: 'According to Jim,' 'In the Motherhood' and 'Cupid' -- cancelled alongside 'Samantha Who?' and 'The Unusuals.' Get the latest updates with our 2009 upfronts grid. (May 19)
ABC
NBC Plots Fall Schedule
NBC is the latest network throwing its hat into the upfronts ring, reports EW.com. The network launched its 2019-10 lineup this afternoon, with shake-ups that include moving 'Southland' to Fridays and replacing 'My Name Is Earl' with 'SNL Weekend Update Thursday.' 'SNL' will later be replaced by 'Community,' which holds the 9:30PM spot until '30 Rock' returns. Newbie dramas 'Trauma' and 'Parenthood' will air Mondays and Wednesdays this fall, while shows like 'Day One,' '100 Questions' and 'Mercy' will have to wait for midseason. 'Chuck' fans will also have to wait for a midseason return -- but hey: at least it's coming back. Get the latest updates with our 2009 upfronts grid. . (May 19)
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'Earl,' 'Unit' Cancelled; 'Medium' Eyes CBS
Two more shows have bitten the dust today. According to the Hollywood Reporter, CBS' 'The Unit' has been canceled, while NBC is parting ways with 'My Name Is Earl' after four seasons. However, hope remains for the karma-filled comedy, as both ABC and Fox are reportedly in talks to pick it up. Also eyeing another network is 'Medium.' The Ausiello Files scoops the Emmy-winning series will not be renewed by NBC, but CBS will snag it for a Friday-night launch opposite 'Ghost Whisperer.' Get the latest updates with our 2009 upfronts grid. (May 19)
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Lifetime Meets 'Sheri'
Sherri Shepherd is coming to Lifetime. The network has picked up 12 episodes of 'Sherri,' reports the Hollywood Reporter, a new comedy series about a woman who lets her husband's girlfriend and illegitimate kids move into their house. Meanwhile, Shepherd will continue to serve as co-host of 'The View,' which should give 'Sherri' plenty of material to work with. (May 19)
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'Law & Order' Celebrates 20 Years
NBC has reportedly renewed 'Law & Order' for an impressive 20th season. It's all part of a 16-episode order that is scheduled to kick off sometime in midseason, according to Variety. However, NBC has yet to comment. Get the latest updates with our 2009 upfronts grid. (May 19)
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Ferrell, Pearl Jam Book 'Tonight Show'
Will Ferrell and Pearl Jam will be Conan O'Brien's first guests on 'The Tonight Show,' says Hollywood Reporter. They'll join Conan for his inaugural episode, airing June 1 on NBC. In the meantime, Conan will also help Jay Leno say goodbye when Leno's final episode as host airs Fri., May 29. Not a bad way to start -- or go out. (May 19)
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CBS OKs New Series
More freshman series have been added to CBS' roster, reports Variety. In addition to the pick-ups of 'The Good Wife,' 'Three Rivers' and the untitled 'NCIS' spin-off, the network has acquired 'Miami Trauma,' a medical drama set in Miami, as well as the new comedy series 'Accidentally on Purpose,' starring Jenna Elfman. Get the latest updates with our 2009 upfronts grid. (May 19)
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Fawcett May Tell Another 'Story'
A sequel to 'Farrah's Story,' the NBC special chronicling Farrah Fawcett's battle with cancer, is being filmed, reports EW.com. In a telephone interview with 'The Today Show,' Ryan O'Neal revealed "We haven't stopped filming" and that they are going to "make a second installment on her life." No word on when the follow-up will air. (May 19)
NBC
ABC Cancels 'The Unusuals'; Renews 'Scrubs,' 'Castle' and More
'The Unusuals' has been canceled. The freshman drama series has been pulled from ABC's lineup after a poor performance in the ratings, says the LA Times. On a brighter note: Variety reports that 'Castle,' 'Scrubs' and 'Better Off Ted' have all been renewed. They'll be joined by eight new series next season, including 'The Middle,' starring Patricia Heaton, Kelsey Grammer's 'Hank' and 'Cougar Town' with Courteney Cox. Get the latest updates with our 2009 upfronts grid. (May 18)
ABC
Fox Releases Fall Schedule
Fox has just unveiled schedules for its fall 2009 and winter 2010 seasons. Among the favorites returning this fall: 'House,' airing Mondays at 8PM before 'Lie to Me,' plus 'Bones,' 'Dollhouse' and 'Fringe,' which is moving to Thursday night's highly competitive 9PM slot. Also joining the fall is an additional season of 'So You Think You Can Dance,' which has snagged a two-hour spot on Tuesdays, followed by an 8PM results show on Wednesdays before 'Glee.' Meanwhile, the new comedy series 'Brothers' will be paired with ''Til Death' on Fridays, while newbies 'Human Target,' 'Past Life' and 'Sons of Tucson' will be held for midseason. And now for the bad news: 'Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles' has been canceled. Get the full schedule at Variety. (May 18)
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Reader Comments (10)
ReaperDMV at 4:24AM on May 21st 2009
Any Reaper fans? Although the CW is not picking up Reaper, we not giving up yet. ABC Studios is still trying to move the show into syndication or cable. We're advocating all Reaper fans to write their CW affiliates. All links and info here: http://community.livejournal.com/reaperdmv/44208.html And don't forget to contact ABC Studios and thank them for not giving up on Reaper.
Jenny1011 at 11:15AM on May 29th 2009
Sorry but my only concern on this is Reaper...great show, super funny writing, and great characters. Love the Devil! Keep Reaper!
Jennifer at 11:16AM on May 29th 2009
Sorry but my only concern on this is Reaper...great show, super funny
writing, and great characters. Love the Devil! Keep Reaper!
Keia Brown at 8:27PM on May 29th 2009
I am so disappointed The Game is cancelled. I will probably never watch anything else on the CW. BRING THE GAME BACK!!!!!!!!!!1
zunilda at 12:27AM on Jun 1st 2009
i am also very upset and dissapointed that the game is being cancelled... i looooveeeeeeeeeeeeee this show i havent miss one episode. this show has great potential and it has proved it because it is so popular pleaseeeeee bring it back, this is my favorite show....i also like evrybody hated chris is so funny...
Sofree at 11:26PM on Jun 3rd 2009
I am so upset they canceled the Game, I am stopping myself and my family from watching anything on the CW. They seem to cancel all the good show that relate to urban america. A good example is "girlfriends" they never even got a series finally, but someone 91210 remake is on the air, its funny and I am pissed I hope BET picks it up.
Ben at 1:51PM on Jun 7th 2009
The CW has good shows like 90210, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Supernaural, Smallville, new shows Melrose Place, The Vampire Diaries etc. I liked Everybody Hates Chris which will now be on 5 days a week check local listing for time. I wasn't a fan of The Game plus sitcoms didn't work for The CW because of low ratings. Privileged was a fun show to watch I liked it but I knew that it would be cancelled no big deal.
Red Diaz at 8:40AM on Jun 9th 2009
The Game should not be cancelled. They are the one of the funniest comedies on tv. I never miss it and get upset when it does come on and it's a repeat. The network needs to keep them on the air for as long as they can.
Yo-Yo at 2:32PM on Jun 8th 2009
I am soooooooooo mad that they cancelled The Game. The show was just heating up and was very, very good. This show has so much potential with everything that has happened over the last few episodes. I believe this show can endure the hour. I hope it gets picked up by another station. Tooooo much potential to let go. OMG! I love this freaking show. :-(
Jacque at 4:38AM on Jun 9th 2009
I hate that CW is going to cancel two funny shows "The Game" and "Everybody Hate's Chris" that just further lets me know that TV execs only want to apeas the whiter side not wider side of TV viewers and if they learned anything in "09" is that AMERICA is changing and its mindset it wider not WHITER. Keep an OPEN mind because if you ask me GOSSIP GIRL, this new 90210 and the other GARBAGE they air is cheap and corrupting young AMERICA's mind. Let the 20's-30's and plus have shows like "The Game and "Everybody Hates Chris" things that we can relate to. They already have MTV, BET, and Cartoon Network give us something PLEASE. You took off "Girlfriends, One-One and Half-and-Half. And I to believe that TV is to NEVER allow shows with a variety of COLOR and I don't just mean clothes or 90210 bc the guy and I do use that loosely he has less soul or color than any brother I know.
A very Anger 30 something!