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Medium: CBS and NBC Feud Over Show’s Cancellation

Published:May 20, 2009

MediumFans aren’t the only ones who were upset to hear that NBC had cancelled Medium. CBS Television Studios, the company that produces the Patricia Arquett drama was not pleased either. While the studios and networks tend to play nice in public, this time the gloves have come off.

In a conference call with reporters, Ben Silverman, co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and Universal Media Studios, praised the fan efforts to renew Chuck and slammed shows like Medium and My Name Is Earl for being devoid of fan support.

Just hours later, CBS issued a statement that said, “NBC’s cancellation of Medium is inexplicable to us. The ratings don’t lie. Medium outperforms many of NBC’s renewed shows.”

It continues, “Despite inconsistent scheduling, Medium, under the creative vision of Glenn Gordon Caron, one of the most preeminent producers in television, has always performed with distinction both creatively and commercially. Multiple-award-winning actress Patricia Arquette and the cast have delivered a stellar series for five consistent seasons. The awards and ratings speak for themselves. We believe the show has a significant future and await developments.”

What neither statements say is that, according to Nikki Finke, the series was actually picked up for 13 episodes last Friday. Arquette is contracted for 22 installments (and may have to be paid for that many) and CBS wanted at least 16 because of the profits it will make in syndication. Push came to shove and ultimately negotiations fell apart.

But, as is fitting with a show like Medium, “dead” doesn’t necessarily mean “totally dead.” Because it makes sense for the company financially, it’s a sure thing that CBS will pick up for another year. The network announces its schedule shortly.

 

Image courtesy NBC.

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{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }

margaret garduno September 19, 2011 at 8:39 pm

No Fan Support? That is absurd. Despite the fact that they changed nights so often I could barely keep track of when and where to find this Medium, my daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the show, it always well done. And Earl is one of the funniest shows on television. Executives are often pinheads who don’t understand that audiences actually recognize a well produced, well directed, well written, and well acted series. It is very difficult to understand the logic of show placement and constantly moving successful shows. Does someone pay them to be ignorant. Over the last few decades I have seen many really good shows get lost in Executive indecision and stupidity. Sometimes I need a good break from stress, so, Thanks for the creation and then for nothing Guys.

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Lea morehead August 11, 2011 at 3:20 pm

I love this show ive been watching it again on netflix and I just cant understand what happened. Truely sad that such a wonderful show has ended . Wish it was still on.

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Diane February 10, 2011 at 12:37 pm

I dont recall Joe going on the trip… so how could he be in a crash>> Its a sad thing to just DUMP a super show that was watched by MILLIONS!!! Personally, I cant believe Chuck and Who dates your mother or whatever could still be on while this show not only challenges the norm, it challenges the mind.. gotta figure who did it before the show ends…. BIG MISTAKE CBS… and shame on you… if you exec’s have a brain in your head, you’ll start chasing Law and Order.. in its 23rd or 24th season!! Medium is that good!!!!!!!
Firday night is the perfect timeslot. Im still bewildered. And yep… these people come into our homes every week… we grow to love them.. we tend to say “NO JOE” when he calls the doc from the bathroom… we do love them… and for that reason they should bring the show back….. bigger and better than ever!!!

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Lori February 5, 2011 at 1:39 pm

I cannot believe Medium was cancelled. My family has watched it since it began and has always been one of our favorite shows!!! What a shock! Please bring it back!!!!

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Shirley January 28, 2011 at 10:03 pm

I watched this show religiously! And to someone’s point above, I also felt like I lost a friend! I loved spending time with that family and the story lines were fantastic! I truly don’t understand why they would cancel this show. Is most of America more interested in reality tv? Really?? Couldn’t they have sold the show to another network and we could have continued watching it there? I’ve SO sad. It was the only show I watched.

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Brenda Badie January 28, 2011 at 5:38 pm

BRING BACK MEDIUM !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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