King World execs are poised to finally pull the plug on two of the company’s sinking ships, “The Martin Short Show” and “Roseanne.”
Although a King World rep vehemently denied any decision, sources close to the shows said that staff members for the two shows have been told to clear out their desks once the two talkers wrap up production in April and May respectively. “Short” and “Roseanne” rank as the bottom two high-profile talkers in syndication with ratings of .8 and .4.
However, King World execs said it’s too early for any movement on either show. “We’re finishing production on a full season of ‘Short’ in April, and will have all originals ready to air in May,” said the KW rep. “Any decision for a second season will take place down the road.”
King World executives only sold the Martin Short talker for a single season and have been quiet about clearances for the fall. As for “Roseanne,” national ratings plummeted after NBC O&Os dropped the series despite a two-year contract.
