The future of the Discovery Channel’s Pitchmen show was cast in doubt after the unexpected death of series star Billy Mays. Though the show brought in decent ratings, it was hard to imagine the show continuing without the king of infomercials.
Now, less than a month later, a decision has been made. And, as the expression says, “the show must go on.” Executive producer Thom Beers and co-host Anthony “Sully” Sullivan tell Eric Deggans that they’re going to try to continue the series, if they can do it in a way that honors Mays’ memory.
Sullivan noted that, “We have to re-invent the show, but I really want to be careful. I just want to make sure we do what Billy would want — I think he’d roll over in his grave if we just stopped it.”
Beers said, “I know (Pitchmen) will continue on. Absolutely, without a doubt.” He believes that the series can continue primarily because of the emotional drama created by the inventors pitching their products to Mays and Sullivan and their decision to assist them.
Sullivan wants to be sure that the reinvented show meets with the approval of Mays’ family and many fans. He says that he’s gotten an incredible amount of supportive mail from viewers, telling him to “carry the torch.” Sullivan notes, “I get the feeling how we do it will be part of the appeal of season two.”
The Discovery Channel has confirmed that a second season of Pitchmen is being developed with Sullivan, Beers, and Mays’ offspring, Billy Mays III. A premiere date for season two hasn’t been set.
What do you think? Is this the right decision? Do you think it’ll be worth watching?
Image courtesy Discovery Channel.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I am really on the fence with this one… There will never be another Billy Mays and in some respect anyone else on the show would be compared to him. On the other hand, part of the team was Sully and I think maybe he can pull it off.
Billy Mays was actually Billy Mays, Jr. and his offspring is Billy Mays III. You might want to correct that.
@Jen: You are correct. Thanks for the note!
@TOM: I agree, I was also on the fence, but really enjoyed the show. A big part of that was Billy, but Sully also is a big part of the show and I would think that Billy would want it to go on. I am glad they decided to give it another season.
I loved Billy Mays! I hate that I am now seeing his ads on TV being cut up so you can’t see it’s him sanding the floor and some woman is doing a voice over. I don’t handle change well and I’m very loyal to the people I like. Billy was one of those people.
I do think “Pitchmen” should continue as long as Sully and Billy’s son are on board. I don’t think they need to replace Billy Mays on the show. They can continue with Sully and the companies he works with along with the staff and Billy the 3rd.
I think that this is a great thing! I was one of those people who wrote discovery and Sully expressing my feelings that Billy would have wanted the show to continue! Billy made the “info-mercial” a legitimate business and this show was suppose to be the culmination of his career. It must keep moving forward!
i hope they show a second season of pitchmen sometime this year. it was one of my favorite discovery channel shows.