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.
Ple-e-e-se, do not cancel Rules of Engagment! I am an avid T.V watcher and since the lose of “Charlie” it is my favorite comedy sitcom along with “The Big Bang Theory”.
I loved Rules !. I miss it . That Rob show is a bummer. Yes keep reminding us we have to learn how to speak Spanish. Thanks Rob
First gary unmarried now this f’n cbs u suck!!!!
Rules is one of the funniest shows on TV, hands down, especially since Two and Half Men has lost a LOT of appeal after Charlie’s demise. Nobody wants to watch Ashton’s character in a relationship with some half-attractive British chick with no personality, or the two kids always getting high on dope. They still do not know where they are going with the show, so they keep flopping around like fish out of water. A bit painful to watch. Too bad, because overall a good cast of characters still in place (just not being used effectively). And that new show,… Read more »
Since the loss of Charlie Sheen, “Two and a Half Men” has slipped from the top of the heap of CBS comedies to a mere mediocre show. “Rules of Engagement” in my mind then bumped to number 1. Cancelling it would be another CBS travesty. Hopefully ABC will pick it up and insert it between “The Middle” and “Modern Family” and have the best sitcom lineup since CBS monday about three years ago.
We certainly hope this show is renewed. We liked the interaction between David Spade and his assistant and Jeff and his wife. The other couple is a bit lost, but we always looked forward to this program and are hoping that there will be a new season, too. The Two Broke Girls is not a good replacement. Thank you.
I love this show – it is the funniest best comedy on TV right now! I am so bummed. There is nothing else to watch on TV right now that is as good as Rules of Engagement! All the characters are so funny! I can’t believe they cancelled this show! I won’t watch CBS unless they bring this show back! Whoever took this show off blew it BIG time! I’m so sick of reality shows and FBI/Detective shows! Life is stressful enough without having to come home watch murder shows! Bring back the comedy shows! BRING BACK RULES OF ENGAGEMENT… Read more »
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This is a quality sit-com. Very poor choice if cancelled!
I think rules is a great show stands really close to how I met your mother Jeff is halirous and Audrey and Jen are awesome to look at. David spade has always been funny and how it goes at it with timmy is great. If you look at it as a sitcom its a great show and I agree 2 broke girls is a joke and rules should replace that slot
I really hope there is a Seventh season. I think it’s the funniest show on TV! I love all the charracters, and I know alot of people who would be dissapointed if it’s over.
Rules is the best show on tv. It would be really stupid if this show was cancelled. Talk about forced comedy? Two broke girls is soooo lame. Stupid sexual connotations in every sentence. Those girls are clueless actors with no delivery at all. The horse has more personality. I agree that Oliver ‘s character is whacky this year, I still love Jeff and Audrey. Please keep the show. When the baby comes, it will really be hilarious.
You don’t know what you are talking about I think the entire cast is funny especially Hudsons character and they all have great timing … go back to watching Nickelodeon!
It is idiotic for the show to get canceled … Rules of engagement is hilarious …. at work the big thing is “Shy Dial” … .just does not make any sense!
Are you kidding. It is the worst comedy ever created, the jokes are lame and forced, its a comedy for teenagers really. Oliver Hudson is the worst comedy actor of all time, he has no comedy timing and has no expression on his face when his actions or lines are meant to make you laugh, he is a good actor in general, but stay away from comedy buddy, its not your bag. This is a comedy that would have been good in the 80’s but comedy has evolved from this sub par edition of so called modern comedy
Great show better than two and a half men.
Should not have been cancelled.