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.
This has to be one of the funniest shows on TV, destined to be a classic, right up there with Seinfeld,Fraser ,Cheers and the original Two and a half Men. It would be a Fatal mistake to Cancel it. I sure hope this isn’t true.
Please do not cancel. Stupid decision.
This is what happens when you give the WRONG people power.
Unbelievable. And how many more years will that mind crap “How I met Your Mother” go ona t CBS?
I was really glad when Rules came back from near cancellation a year or so ago. I think it is great and would really miss it. I can’t believe “Up All Night” is replacing it even though I like Applegate.
Don » Rules and Up All Night are on different networks. ¡Rob! Is replacing Rules.
I am pissed, I loved that show!!!! Stupid stupid people running my CBS lineup. First Two and Half Men got ruined, now this, they are losing me if they make one more change to one of my shows!!!!!
You have got to be kidding! They come up with what looks like a terrible show, “Rob” and they want to cancel Rules? Idiots. Rob won’t last five episodes. Rules is a hilarious show, one of the best comedies on TV.
I love this show! Always am laughing at the story lines!
I am very disappointed that the show was cancelled being that it is being replaced with a show that I probably wont even like and most likely not going to make it as well. Cancel the good shows to put on not so good shows. Its Rob Schnider, really!!?
LEAVE IT ON THE AIR…..GREAT SHOW!
I cant believe that they are thinking of canceling Rules . It is one of the few comedies that my husband & I like . We are already resorted to watching reruns because we just dont like alot of the new sitcoms . !st Charlie Sheen screws it up on 2 & 1/2 men Now this !!!
Completely outraged, one of my favorite shows, can’t believe it’s cancelled
stupid decision by someone,
rules is still a funny show! they should keep it going!
Rules should not be cancelled. It is a great show, and it old sadden me if it were no longer on. Soooo……don’t cancel the damn show!
Rules is one of the funniest shows on TV. The people that make the decisions on this must be idiots. They are replacing it with a show called “Rob”. It is really looks lame from the adds that have been running. If CBS was willing to take a chance on Ashton Kutcher taking Charlie Sheens place then they should leave Rules on because it is better than Two and a Half Men, 2 Broke Girls and Up All Night all put together.