See below for update. Despite the fact that the sitcom has been a winner for CBS in the Thursdays at 8:30pm timeslot, it looks like Rules of Engagement has been cancelled.
An inside source has told us that CBS has decided not to order the back nine episodes for the current sixth season. The cast and crew have two episodes left to shoot and believe that those will be the last episodes of the series.
Our source tells us that calls went out on Friday night to those who work on the show to give them the bad news. Especially given the current ratings, many were understandably shocked and upset as they head into the holiday season.
Starring David Spade, Patrick Warburton, Bianca Kajlich, Megyn Price and Oliver Hudson, Rules of Engagement launched in early 2007 and has been a reliable pinch hitter for CBS for years. It started in the post-Two and a Half Men timeslot but has been moved to a couple different timeslots.
Last May, the series was renewed for a sixth season with the aim of a Saturday night run. Word was that the studio gave CBS a great deal so they’d have additional episodes for the syndication package. When How to Be a Gentleman tanked, the network brought Rules back to Thursdays where it’s doing far better than it did last year — and better than any other sitcom that CBS has had in that coveted slot.
Our source says, “The reality is it’s got to be politics. The network has always had it out for Tom [Hertz, Rules’ creator] and the show, which is why it’s weird that they just set up a put pilot with him for next season… It really does seem to be a desperation move on their part to find something that hits it out of the ballpark in that Thurs 8:30 slot. Doubles and triples apparently aren’t good enough for them. They’d rather risk a few more fouls and strike outs than go with a solid player.”
What do you think? Are you a fan of the TV series? Should it get a seventh season?
UPDATE: A network source has told us that Rules has not been cancelled — not yet anyway. Apparently the sitcom was picked up for 18 episodes for season six, to be combined with two leftover episodes from season five. CBS has now cut the episode order down to 13 episodes (or 15 total). (Deadline is now reporting the same thing.) While the door is still open for season seven, we’re told that many involved with the production believe this is truly the end of the show.
Image courtesy CBS.
I love this show…I was looking forward to more!
Yes-I love this show…I was looking forward to more!
Rules of Engagement: Please bring this show back want to see more of Jeff and Audrey as parents and Russell and Timmy how things are going with them. This show gave me and my husband a reason to watch TV. It brought laughter in our home. We will watch reruns but would love to see you all back at the diner again. The character Liz ,Adam and Jen were great as well you could of not better Actors then this to do the series ,this was a wonderful series. I guess I start watching Grimm on NBC. Love Monroe and… Read more »
My wife and I love this show. We watch the re-runs on Sunday mornings while lying in bed and sipping coffee. This is the only sitcom that has been able to make us both laugh since Friends. We both hate reality shows and perverted sitcoms. It’s to bad that quality shows that people actually enjoy are being replaced with perverted ones. It makes me question the character of the individuals making these decisions. My wife and I don’t even watch TV anymore, but we will continue watching the re-runs of “Rules Of Engagement” and “Friends”.
My husband and I enjoy this show very much we’ve been watching reruns waiting for the new shows. Very disappointed the show is off. There is very few comedies now that we enjoy.
Keep Rules of Engagement .This is the best comedy show. do not cancel this show
Ilove the rules of engagement .Bring it back I love it . The best show on tv .I hope you or someone realizes it soon??
bring it back……love this show…..best show on TV…….
it’s funny……cute…..and able to understand…..bring it back!!!!!
One of the best shows on TV. What are they thinking?
Bring it back! Tired of reality shows.
We love Rules of Engagement. It’s the funniest show on TV. Wish it would stay on the air! BRING IT BACK STUPID NETWORK….
i love rules of engagement. bring it back
Too many reality shows, need more laughs. I loved Rules of Engagement. CBS puts on so many sitcons that aren’t even funny, Bring back Rules.
Hopefully another network will pick up on one of the best shows period!! My opinion of CBS just dropped them to 4th as far as networks go. Talk about a moronic move, I hope someone realizes it soon!!
Two and a half men sucks. Loved Rules of Engagement.
Won’t watch your other Crap.