Free Republic

The new president on “The West Wing” will be a real short-timer: NBC announced yesterday it was pulling the plug on the Emmy-winning political drama in May after seven seasons. 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. 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.

ABC has formally apologized for a slightly raunchy open to Monday Night Football featuring Philadelphia's Terrell Owens and actress Nicolette Sheridan of ABC's prime-time sudser Desperate Housewives.The open featured Sheridan, clad only in a towel, trying to entice Owens. Once Sheridan dropped her towel, Owens opted out of the game, saying the team would have to win without him.In the taped segment, Sheridan drops a towel and is shown from a rear angle unclothed down to the lower part of her back. After Owens says, "Aw, hell, the team's going to have to win without me," Sheridan jumps into his...