Posted on 01/22/2006 11:18:33 AM PST by LdSentinal
NBC Cancels Emmy-Winning 'West Wing' After Seven Seasons, Makes Several Midseason Moves
PASADENA, Calif. Jan 22, 2006 — The new president on "The West Wing" will be a real short-timer: NBC announced Sunday it was pulling the plug on the Emmy-winning political drama after seven seasons in May.
NBC, struggling to regain its footing after the worst season in its history, also outlined several midseason schedule changes including the moves of popular dramas "Law & Order" and "Las Vegas."
"The West Wing" announcement wasn't much of a surprise. Although this season's story line with a presidential campaign involving a Democrat played by Jimmy Smits and Republican portrayed by Alan Alda has been strong critically, ratings have sunk with its move to Sunday nights.
NBC Cancels 'West Wing' After 7 Seasons Odds-On Oscar Favorites Emerge as Noms Near There She Is
The decision to cancel it was made before actor John Spencer, who played former presidential chief of staff Leo McGarry, died of a heart attack Dec. 16, said Kevin Reilly, NBC entertainment president.
"There's a point when you look at the ratings and say, it feels like it's time," Reilly said.
The series finale will be May 14, preceded by a one-hour retrospective. The campaign to replace the fictional Josiah Bartlet as president will be settled, NBC said.
Producers Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme, who created the show and guided it through its early years, will not be involved in the finale, Reilly said.
"The West Wing" won four Emmy Awards for best television drama in a row for its tales of political intrigue. At its prime, it also offered NBC two valuable benefits: critical acclaim and the most upscale audience on television, an important drawing point for advertisers.
(Excerpt) Read more at abcnews.go.com ...
I'm not terribly shocked, yet it's still hard to believe.
Nope.
In a weird bit of irony, alot of the leftys (especially the DUmmies) thought Goodmans character was based on Tom Delay.
Goodman himself says he was told the character was actually based on Dennis Hastert.
Goodman doesn't appear to follow politics.
Alan Alda, does what he can for the role, but for what its worth, his version of a republican is basically a RINO.
Its also pretty clear who the character is based on.
Hint, its not a real conservative.
Aldas character ir pretty much a fictionalized version of McCain (except they made the republican pro-abortion, and possibly even a closet atheist).
The demcoratic candiate, is based on a perfect, idealized version of John Kerry, which is assinine.
If they're basing that guy on Kerry, they are very indirect about it. Hispanic Congressman from Texas. Look at the guy trying to be true to his position throughout the campaign. Look at the guy's relationship with his wife. Look at the number of times he went off campaign script. If they want us to think of Kerry, they are doing a poor job.
Vegas won the best and most cleavage awards. May have a supporting fan base anywhere, if you know what I'm saying.
It should be noted Martin Sheen was a practicing Christian in that show.
I didn't say they were doing a good job.
His gaffes are all based on Kerry, right down to him even saying the line "I voted for it before I voted against it", and he does contradict himself, especially on free trade.
They have introduced some elements of flip flopping, but always in the ideal, this is complex no harm done kind of way.
I'm not positive but I think they even referred to him as having been in the military at one point.
He is supposed to be Kerry, if Kerry was done the right way, I.E. The ideal version of Kerry.
Could I possibly over analyze this even more?
I always thought they did it because they wanted to show an explanation....and because they are bitter when the American public reacts one way, they have to show how their version of the American public should react (Santos comments draw absolutly no heat or consequences) in real life, voters would be mocking him like crazy.
agreed
OK, I'm over it.
Well, tonight's episode might be the best way to end the series. Let 'em all get wiped out by a nuclear plant meltdown!
Never ending supply of wing nuts.
may have to send in Jack Bauer
Moving it's time after all these years probably means they want to get rid of it, too.
Only a matter of time before it's gone... the ratings are abominable because it's an absolutely horrible show. Bad writing, bad characters, bad acting.
If there's one thing Hollywood loves more than liberalism, it's money. They're not going to let their politics trump bad ratings.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Yeah - Good Riddance. I never watched the show - couldn't stomach it.
More than one CREEEPY LIE-YER will be out of work.
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