ABC gives up the ghost on "Ghost Whisperer"
Looks like ABC couldn't make the economics work in acquiring CBS' recently canceled "Ghost Whisperer."
Things were looking up for the Jennifer Love Hewitt skein, particularly because ABC Studios co-produces the show, along with CBS TV Studios. What's more, the show looked like a good fit for ABC's Friday night 8 p.m. slot, as a lead-in to newcomer "Body of Proof." And exec producers Kim Moses and Ian Sanders already have an overall deal with ABC Studios, where they developed three projects last year.
But "Ghost" was ending its fifth season -- and that's when shows get more expensive, as production and talent fees rise. ABC execs were also leery of running "Ghost" opposite CBS' "Medium," fearing that "Ghost" wouldn't ultimately be worth the investment.
Here's a statement from "Ghost Whisperer" exec producers Kim Moses and Ian Sander (above, with Hewitt):
“After five wonderful seasons and over 100 episodes, we are disappointed to announce Ghost Whisperer will not be returning for a sixth season. We’ve had an incredible experience and owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved. We continue our relationship with ABC Studios and look forward to developing many more successful projects together in the future.”
Read Cynthia Littleton's 2009 profile of the show, "'Ghost Whisperer' beats the odds," here.
Peter Caranicas wrote about "Ghost Whisperer's" special effects team here.
And Keith Marder wrote about "Ghost Whisperer's" passionate online fanbase here.
Warner Bros. TV, meanwhile, is still holding out hope on reviving "The New Adventures of Old Christine" -- although ABC is seen as a longshot.
Variety's Team TV -- Cynthia Littleton, Stu Levine, Jon Weisman, Andrew Wallenstein and A.J. Marechal -- provides a roundup of stories big and small, as well as opinions and analysis from across the TV dial.
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If someone starts a petition we can bring back the show. There's still hope. I'm so tired of reality tv taking over good shows like this despite it's cheaper appeal.
Posted by: Ashley | October 11, 2010 at 02:18 PM
I am truly saddened. Ghost Whisperer is a great show and about the only one that I watch anymore. It is very uplifting, healing and gives hope in a very dark, jaded world.
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I think CBS/ABC really missed out on this one. I don't think they realized how big the cult following for Ghost Whisper is. I own every DVD, watch them constantly and also watch the T.V. reruns.
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I don't believe CBS/ABC understood the show's audience. I think they always were trying to target a younger age group. I am 44 and believe that Ghost Whisperer attracted people my age as it is "clean" and doesn't involve shooting, war, or a horrible reality show.
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Don't the older viewers count for anything? What are we? ...chopped liver!!
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I believe there were a lot more fans than the ratings indicated. I watched every episode of Ghost Whisperer on one of those "Free T.V." sites before I ever started watching it on T.V. I don't see how the Networks can come up with realistic ratings because of the internet. If they are using Nielsen the sample is about 5,000 people using their T.V. sets. I find it exasperating to think that 5,000 random people are determining what shows I get to watch.
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Anyway....R.I.P. Ghost Whisperer!!
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PS: How about a Ghost Whisperer movie giving all the fans the proper ending that the show needed! :)
Posted by: Tessa | May 27, 2010 at 09:22 PM
Way to get our hopes up, ABC. This is crap. U just lost a potential viewer.
Posted by: Janelle | May 27, 2010 at 08:45 PM
How could Kim Moses and Ian Sander let this happen?? They only care about their new show deal with ABC than Ghost Whisperer. Well, ABC I was already not watching anything on your network so now I continue not too. Shame on ABC and Kim Moses and Ian Sander for not working harder to save a classic show like Ghost Whisperer. To not even try to give it a final ending. To Jennifer, David and the rest of the cast you are loved and will be truly missed.
Posted by: Njlovallo | May 27, 2010 at 07:44 PM
Well this just plain sucks. ABC you have lost a viewer. Same goes for CBS. This is why I don't watch anything on Network TV. Goodbye Ghost Whisperer. I'm sorry you never got a real final ending.
Posted by: Gina Hc | May 27, 2010 at 07:35 PM