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.
My wife and I love this show. It’s one of the smartest and consistently hilarious shows on T.V. If its canceled we’ll stop watching the entire network. I already cut 2 1/2 men off the DVR. Not much left for this network.
CBS would rather cancel a funny show like ‘Rules’ and keep a crappy show like ‘2 Broke Girls’?
This is my husband and my favorite show! We LOVE it! It is hilarious! Do not cancel please!!!!!!
This is very sad news. I love RoE!!! Why cancel it? I agree with all of the comments above. There are so many far worse shows that could go. If it’s a political decision due to Tom then CBS needs to get over it and think of the fanbase who love the show. I’ve even had Rules of Engament marathon parties at my house since I have every episode on DVD. PLEASE DON’T CANCEL IT!!!!!! I’m glad I at least got to make it up for one taping and got the pleasure of meeting Patrick Warburton, so my life is… Read more »
Rules of Engagement has been our favorite show for the last three seasons. Look forward to it every week. We will be so upset to see it go. Not watching new show in that time slot!!!!!
Replace ROE with Rob Schneider? Are you fraking kidding me? ROE being canned due to politics? The CBS prick who is behind this can suck my dogs worm ridden anal cavity. The sad thing….he probably would.
I love the show…..Leave it alone!!!!
You have got to be kidding me !! Rules is one of the funniest Sit-Com’s on TV these days. Truly genuine good timeless humor. Do not do this CBS. The other sitcom’s currently out can’t hold a prayer. The current cast and their personalities are brilliant.
Nothing you can create will be any better (see past bombs…)
TA-Tonawanda, NY
What a great program. Another stupid decision by those idiots in charge at CBS.
they always take off the good shows and leave on the horrable reality shows
I like this show!!! Why does CBS screw this show every season? If I’m not mistaken, “Rules” only had one full season (22 episodes). Every other season has been 13-episode runs. Give this show a break. It’s funny and the cast are good. It’s better than “2 Broke Girls.”
CBS can’t be that dumb… Rules is one of 4 shows left on TV worth watching. Sad for CBS the other three are on ABC
We LOVE Rules of Engagement in ur house and will be completely pissed if they cancel the show. Why would you cancel a show that is getting good ratings to bring on new crap that no one will cling to? These network execs are getting out of control with the canceling of stable shows to bring in new ones that won’t work. Don’t get me started on abc with the canceling of soaps. Ugh leave well enough alone!!
Leave the show alone!
“Rules….” has a good following, is funny and deserves its rightful place.
When networks endeavor to shove SO much crap and cheap, unrealistic reality shows down our throats, what we need is more, not less, stable, well-written shows like this one.
Best show on TV. I wish they would not cancel this show. My wife and I really enjoy and look forward to it.