(Photo by: Patrick Wymore/The CW)
The Whose Line Is It Anyway? performers are going to be kept on their toes for one more year anyway. According to one of the show’s stars, The CW has renewed for a 20th season (the 12th on the network), but those episodes will supposedly end the beloved series’ run.
A comedy improv series, the Whose Line Is It Anyway? TV show is hosted by Aisha Tyler. Each episode typically features show veterans Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady, Colin Mochrie, and a guest performer. The foursome tests their comedic reflexes by participating in spontaneous improv games. After each round, Tyler doles out points to the performers, and she then declares a winner at the end of every episode (not that the points matter). In the current 19th season (the 11th on The CW), guests include Jonathan Magnum, Padma Lakshmi, Darren Criss, and Gary Anthony Williams.
Airing on Friday nights, the 19th season of Whose Line Is It Anyway? averages a 0.07 rating in the 18-49 demographic and 540,000 viewers. Compared to season 18, that’s down by 9% in the demo and down by 8% in viewership in the live+same day ratings (includes DVR playback through 3:00 AM). In the live+7 day ratings, the comedy series picks up about 30% in delayed viewing.
The show ran for six seasons on ABC before being cancelled in 2004. It was revived by ABC Family (now Freeform) for two more seasons (2005-2007), and The CW revived Whose Line again in 2013.
A veteran of the British version of Whose Line, Mochrie has been a star of the American incarnation from the beginning. Now, the performer says that the show has been both renewed and cancelled. He wrote, “Hey everyone. Hope you are enjoying the current season of Whose Line. In January, we shoot our final season. Thank you all for the support over the years.”
Nexstar Media Group recently purchased a controlling majority of the network (former owners Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery split a 25% interest) and wants to focus on inexpensive and acquired programming. One would think that Whose Line would fit the bill, especially since it is produced by a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. It’s possible Nexstar leadership believes that the ratings don’t justify the series continuing and wants to try something new.
Mochrie notes that he, Stiles, and other Whose Line veterans aren’t giving up performing. He tweeted, “We will all be touring in various incarnations and who knows what else.”
Given the format’s popularity, it’s hard to imagine that Whose Line wouldn’t be revived again at some point, possibly with a new group of performers.
What do you think? Are you glad that the Whose Line Is It Anyway? comedy series will be back for its 20th season? Are you disappointed that it’s also been cancelled again?
Yes I’m glad the show is coming back. I need plenty laughter in my life. (PINK RIBBON ON THE HEELS)
Do not cancel WLIT. This show is our daily laugh.
I remember watching it in the 1990’s here in England. I didn’t think it was still going. Now, I have 20 or more seasons to catch up if I can find them. I am Aspie so I love this type of entertainment. No narrative to misunderstand and certainly no incomplete subtitles. If the background is busy or there are multiple sounds, it takes hours to watch a 42-minute programme of any of my favourite American shows.
The Josie lady, Greg or Gregg Proops, Ryan Stiles, I loved them all.
I don’t predict often, but I feel the chances are great that the show will pop up elsewhere sooner than later.
Friday nights are usually not a good spot for any TV show. Regardless, the show does not have appeal for younger audiences. 30 till 40 year olds know what the show is and like it probably well enough, but that is a difficult age bracket, The show doesn’t have much production costs, salaries are likely the main contributor to the financial picture. For me this show is a nice way to waste 25 minutes, sometimes a belly laugh is mixed in. So it wouldn’t have to go in my point of view. The veterans and most of the guest performers… Read more »
The first 2 or 3 years on CW where the best Whose Line, then CW muzzled them and the show wasn’t as good. Maybe another network will pick the show up and give them more freedom.