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'Ugly Betty': ABC cancels the struggling show
The news ain't pretty. Sadly, ABC confirms to Zap2it that "Ugly Betty" is indeed canceled."We've mutually come to the difficult decision to make this 'Ugly Betty's' final season," a joint statement from Exec producer Silvio Horta and ABC president Steve McPherson reads. "And are announcing now as we want to allow the show ample time to write a satisfying conclusion. We are extremely proud of this groundbreaking series, and felt it was important to give the fans a proper farewell."
Additionally, Entertainment Weekly reports that the network has trimmed the show's episode order from 22 to 20.
It's a rough end for the show that once held so much promise as a breakout hit in its first season. The show was an out-of-the-gate hit, averaging better than 11 million viewers per week in 2006-07.
It lost its way midway through season two and, in the process, lost viewers as well. ABC shifted the show in season four to the "Friday Night Death Slot" and viewers didn't follow.
The last hope in keeping it alive occurred earlier this month when ABC moved the show to cap off its Wednesday night comedy block. Again, almost 40% of "Cougar Town" (its lead-in) viewers didn't stick around to see Betty's latest misadventures. The show averaged 5.3 million viewers this season, which is nowhere close to what the network needed.
Part of the low number can be attributed to "Betty" starting the season on Friday nights, but its numbers haven't really improved since moving to Wednesdays in early January.
In its four seasons, "Ugly Betty" received multiple Emmy nominations and garnered an Outstanding Leading Actress win for star Ferrera in 2007.
High profile guest stars included Lindsay Lohan, Salma Hayek, Isaac Mizrahi, Martha Stewart, Lucy Liu, Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell.
What a ride, "Betty." We'll miss you.
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Photo credit: ABC
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Nnnnooooo!!! ABC has done it to me again! I really hate how they treat their shows..."Ugly Betty" has been struggling, okay but with all the kudos they've gotten since their first season, I think ABC could show a lot more loyalty to America and the rest of the cast. At least they will properly wrap up storylines - small solace IMO.
What a shame. I really like this show.
awful awful news!! deeply saddened!! :(
And what's going to replace this great show - another reality series!!!!!
Really sad to hear about "Ugly Betty", I watch it every week, it will be missed!
1 down, 19 to go ... then maybe ABC will have a chance to gain viewers by becoming the 1st network to be All Giligan, All Day ... wall-to-wall Giligans Island! Don't laugh or mock, can it be any worse than what they have on now?
SHOW WAS unrealistic,,,,,,how many yrs. does she NEED BRACES ON,ANTWAY? AND SURELY HER CLOTHES SENSE WOULD HAVE IMPROVED,RIGHT?
I HATE YOU ABC!!!!!!!!!!!
Well that just sucks, but atleast they're giving TPTB time to write a (hopefully) good and satisfying ending.
Maybe instead of just wasting burning them off Tuesday nights, ABC could move 2 episodes of "Better Off Ted" into the 10-11 time slot. I think the same people who watch "Middle", "Modern Family" and "CougerTown" would watch BOT. What do they have to lose?