Reaper: Syndication Plans Fall Through, Show Stays Cancelled

Even before the CW officially cancelled Reaper, there were talks that ABC Studios might be able to keep the supernatural comedy series alive by other means.

Weeks ago, the studio approached CW affiliate stations about purchasing new episodes through first-run syndication. The CW network recently gave Sunday nights back to the local stations to program on their own so they’re in need of additional programming. ABC Studios’ syndicated Legend of the Seeker has been a success with affiliates and there was talk about possibly offering Reaper and Seeker as a package deal.

Many of the CW affiliates expressed interest in purchasing Reaper but then ABC Studios didn’t present them with contracts. Shortly thereafter, the affiliates were reportedly told that the show was being sold to a cable outlet.

Reaper actresses Missy Peregrym and Jenny Wade both twittered that a deal was almost in place with Sci Fi but then the deal fell apart. It’s unclear as to the reasons why but it may have to do with the contracts of the actors and/or overall production costs.

According to Nick C, ABC Studios considered keeping the show going without Bret Harrison and Tyler Labine. In that scenario, the Devil (Ray Wise) would have found a new “Sam” to make miserable. Ultimately the studio decided against it.

While it appears that the show is over for real this time, some devoted fans are still fighting to get the show back. You can get involved at the Reaper DMV site.