Is it life imitating art or art imitating life? After disappointing ratings and even worse reviews, ABC has decided to pull the plug on the Kelsey Grammer sitcom 'Hank.' Ironically, the show itself was about a hot-shot New York City CEO (Grammer) who, after being laid off, is forced to downsize his family to his hometown in Virginia. Grammer, best known for his Emmy-winning role as uptight psychiatrist Frasier Crane in both 'Cheers' and 'Frasier,' had another short-lived sitcom, 'Back to You,' that was canceled by Fox in 2008.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the network has no immediate plans to air the remaining five episodes, and instead will air comedy repeats and holiday specials in the sitcom's Wednesday at 8PM slot.
The three other new half-hour comedies in ABC's Wednesday night lineup -- 'The Middle,' 'Modern Family,' and 'Cougar Town' -- have all received full-season pickups.
Reader Comments (64)
webo at 8:01PM on Nov 11th 2009
Grammer is a very funny but limited actor. He plays Fraizer in every role I've seen. The issue with the show though was a lack of depth in cast and poor script.
Rich at 9:44PM on Nov 11th 2009
You are right. I only caught one show and that was enuf. Silly situation and really poor writing. I think it would have been funnier if Hank still had his job and they had him as the typical pompous CEO who doesn't have a clue. Like in real life.
anne d at 7:24AM on Nov 12th 2009
Another problem I saw right off with this show is the fact that too many people are in the situation that "Hank" was in. And you know what?It's not funny, and trying to make unemployment funny just doesn't work right now. And webo is right, Grammer needs to be able to be different than Frazier. He also needs better supporting cast! Give him someone he can work with. He is good, and I like him. Just a bad concept for a show with so many out of work.
Scott at 8:02AM on Nov 12th 2009
I agree. Also has anyone seen the Ebay item #300363783416. Someone is selling footage taken in the board room of the HIGH TIMES Magazine offices. Apparently they got out of hand and in to the hands of someone making a buck off it. They have sample pictures up. preaty cool. just as I imagined back when I used to read it. What Next
donny at 8:18PM on Nov 11th 2009
I love Kelsey Grammer, and I liked Hank. The shows they are keeping are of course trash, especially modern family. So much of television is garbage, maybe Hank was too moral.
Simi at 9:04PM on Nov 11th 2009
I couldn't feel more opposite. Kelsey Grammar is great but Hank was awful. The acting was abysmal and the storylines were cheap. Not even funny. Interesting concept but it failed to live up to it on so many levels. The series was beneath him.
Plus, Modern family is a great show. It was great in every aspect at which Hank sucked.
Dean at 9:00PM on Nov 11th 2009
Why do they keep pushing this guy on the public? His 15 minutes were up a long time ago.
King David at 9:06PM on Nov 11th 2009
"Back To You" was the best show that he's been involved in since Frasier. This "Hank" show was a real chore to watch -- the SUPPORTING ACTORS just were not sufficient. Too bad, I'm actually hoping that someone resurrects "Back To You",with the SAME crew of actors. Good show!!
Sue at 6:18AM on Nov 12th 2009
I agree about the supporting actors in Hank. All they did was drag him down, even their house was depressing! I love Kelsey Grammer but he was drowning in this show! Of the for wednesday shows, the one that should have gone was The Middle...ugh. The same storyline every week and when her boss is on (Murray) I have to change the channel. I can not listen to his gravely voice for more than one second. I stopped watching that show but gave Hank a shot every week. I hope they find a venue worthy of Kelsey's talent.
NanaRenan at 7:50AM on Nov 12th 2009
I agree. Back to You was delightful and the perfect role for Grammer. The character needed "Frazier-like" pompousness...yet there was something everyman about him, too. And Heaton was excellet as well.
Clearly the Nielson system is obsolete and there needs to be some other way for sponsors and networks to receive guidance in what the public wants.