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.
The network has given me yet another reason to stop watching. I have never missed an episode of this show. I agree that they should shop around. USA seems to be a good fit here. The show is well developed and quirky, exactly what you are looking for in a sitcom. Too bad the network execs seem to think that people would be willing to tune in to watch just any old thing these days. Maybe they will learn when they cancel every single good program, and for some “unknown reason” end up with zero viewers.
Are they thinking that The 2-2 or Undercover Boss will take its spot? I think CBS is making a rare mistake in their programming.
Fine with me-one less sitcom on TV is a GOOD THING
What a stupid move to cancel Rules of Engagement! It is one of the best sitcoms on tv. I hope somebody else picks it up.
Another good show down the drain. I’ll be sad to see it go.
Wow, what a stupid move. What are you thinking CBS? this was a great show. PUT IT BACK or you will have a huge boycott!
I didn’t watch it but why’d they cancel it if it was doing well?
[…] UPDATE: Rules of Engagement has been reportedly cancelled. […]
WTF?!?! This show is awesome. Patrick Warburton is hilarious. I agree with Joe – we will watch it on any network that airs it.
I watched one episode and hated it. It isn’t funny at all and it feels ok and stale. It’s like David Spade and Patrick Warburton are trying to hold on to the 90s and it’s boring.
This blows my mind. If the ratings are great WHY on earth would they cancel the show? It’s one of the most hilarious shows on tv right now! My husband and I LIVE to see this show every week! It has to be politics and egos playing into this and it’s a shame. Other networks should be lining up to snatch this show up! Let’s hope someone does. This is a travesty considering all the other garbage on the air now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay so I stopped watching all the CSI’s cause they got to icky. Have never like “men” and don’t get all the other nerdy sitcoms CBS churns out but “Rules” was awesome. The cast was consistently funny! But on the other side of the coin I am not surprised it finally got canceled seems CBS didn’t really support it after season 2 because they kept moving it and moving it. If it were not for my DVR I would have missed it completely. I guess with it’s cancellation it’s another reason for me NOT to watch CBS anymore.
They need to shop another network. This show is great and it seems to get funnier every week.
@#$%#$%#$
Wow – This is a stupid move! This is one of our favorite sitcoms. Another network (NBC?) should snatch it up, we’d watch it wherever it airs.