2008 – 2009 Cancelled Shows: NBC Cancels 10 Television Series

The peacock network has just unveiled their plans for the Summer months. Two disaster mini-series, Meteor and The Storm, will debut as will new scripted shows like The Philanthropist, Merlin and The Listener. They’ll be joined by a new version of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and Great American Road Trip. USA Network’s Law & Order: Criminal Intent will return to the network as will NBC’s perennial hit America’s Got Talent.

While there are lots of new shows in the network’s future, it’s been confirmed that there are even more that won’t be returning. The unlucky shows are…

American Gladiators — A revival of the 1989 syndicated game show, this series pits amateur athletes against “gladiators” in contests of strength and agility. When NBC announced its year-round schedule last April, Gladiators was set to return for season three in Summer 2009. In the meantime, the series performed poorly in the ratings and execs changed their minds about its future. It’s been rumored that Gladiators may eventually return but it won’t be on NBC. TV show dates: January 6 — August 4, 2008.

America’s Toughest Jobs — A reality show in which contestants try difficult and dangerous occupations. The winner takes home the combined first year salaries of all of the sampled jobs. The series performed poorly in season one and was shuffled to Saturday nights for its final installments. TV show dates: August 25 — October 25, 2008.

The Baby Borrowers — Based on a UK series of the same name, five young couples get a feel for what it’s like to take care of a baby for three days, then a toddler, a pre-teen, a teenager, and an elderly person. The network took a lot of flack for “borrowing” infants and didn’t even get good ratings. TV show dates: June 25 — August 6, 2008.

Celebrity Circus — Pop culture stars are trained in circus acts and then perform for judges and home viewers to stay in the competition. Antonio Sabato, Jr. won the first season’s competition but there won’t be a second year. TV show dates: June 11 — July 16, 2008.

Which show will you miss most? America's Toughest Jobs American Gladiators The Baby Borrowers Celebrity Circus Celebrity Family Feud Fear Itself Last Comic Standing Momma's Boys Most Outrageous Moments Nashville Star None of them! View Results  Loading ...

Celebrity Family Feud — Al Roker (The Today Show) hosts the newest version of the classic TV game show with celebrity families competing for cash prizes that are given to charity. Six episodes were produced and aired but not enough people watched. TV show dates: June 24 – July 29, 2008.

Fear Itself — This series is an anthology of horror/suspense stories, directed by well-known directors like Stuart Gordon, Brad Anderson, John Landis, and Rob Schmidt. Unfortunately, the series couldn’t scare up many viewers and NBC only aired eight of the 13 produced installments. TV show dates: June 5 — July 31, 2008.

Last Comic Standing — A reality show competition that seeks to find the most talented stand-up comedian. The winner receives his own comedy special and a development deal with NBC. Created by Peter Engel (Saved by the Bell), Standing has been hosted by Jay Mohr, Anthony Clark, Bill Bellamy, and Fearne Cotton. The series ran for six seasons and 59 episodes. TV show dates: June 1, 2003 – August 28, 2008.

Momma’s Boys — Co-executive produced by Ryan Seacrest (American Idol), this reality show centers around a group of mothers who help to choose a mate for their complacent sons. All six episodes of season one aired and there won’t be any more. TV show dates: December 16, 2008 — January 19, 2009.

Most Outrageous Moments — Used mostly as filler by the network, this series showcases humorous clips from television and everyday situations. A few unaired episodes will pop up in the coming months (May 19th, July 21st, July 28th, August 26th, and August 28th) but no other original episodes will be produced. TV show dates: February 8, 2005 — TBD.

Nashville Star — A reality competition that ran for five seasons on USA Network before moving to NBC. Billy Ray Cyrus hosted the most recent run, season six. The show’s been cancelled by the peacock network and there’s been no mention of the series returning to its original cable home. TV show dates: March 8, 2003 — August 4, 2008.

Image courtesy NBC.

More about: America's Toughest Jobs, American Gladiators (2008), Celebrity Circus, Celebrity Family Feud, Fear Itself, Last Comic Standing, Momma's Boys, Most Outrageous Moments, Nashville Star, The Baby Borrowers

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