Two basic-cable comedies got the deserved ax this week, with TBS declining to pick up a third season of Frank Caliendo's awful sketch-comedy show Frank TV, and CNN ending its Daily Show clone D.L. Hughley Breaks the News. Frank TV had strong ratings at first, but they've since declined. Still, it seemed like TBS was working to build a brand around Caliendo, and they don't really have any signature shows other than My Boys. Caliendo will continue his role as a commentator on Fox's NFL coverage, so football fans will be treated to his John Madden impression for years to come.
The official excuse for the end of Hughley's show is that he wanted to spend more time with his family in L.A., but everyone knows "spending more time with family" is always code for "got fired." CNN claims that Hughley will remain on board as an occasional correspondent, but I'm not sure how his comedic style will fit in with otherwise-serious broadcasts. His show was awkward and unfunny and always compared unfavorably to The Daily Show, so it's probably best that CNN is sweeping it under the same rug that's hiding The 1/2 Hour News Hour.
Photo courtesy of TBS
Comments
D.L. Hugley’s “Breaking the News” is just getting started with great commentary and guests. Is he too controversial for CNN?
He’s just now into his rhythm. Hope the show continues…Tabby from South Carolina
Tabby, unfortunately D.L.’s show has been discontinued, but he may be popping up on CNN from time to time. I think it’s probably less about him being controversial and more just about his ratings not being very high, and the show not fitting with the rest of CNN’s programming.
Hahaha glad to see this show fail. But wait perhaps the Dems can force us to continue showing these type of shows despite the fact that liberal talk shows suck and can never last.
Cant wait until the fairness doctrine is passed! Bye bye DL your show sucked, no one wants to listen to liberal ideas!!!! keep it up CNN! Fox is killing you!
that show was a really good show and many people of color understood the humor….i’m sad to see it go…..
Funny I thought he gave some life to CNN, alittle twist in the ever so hum drum boring comentary displayed daily. He definately asked tough questions of his diverse and politcal guess, something very much lacking in CNN coverage. CNN admits Campbell Brown is doing poorly but she deserves time to grow an audience. No Bias No Bull is full of Bias and Bull; I’d rather see her goooo along with John King’s Sunday funnies, and Anderson is best left on the road!!!! Wolfe Blizter is stale too. Honestly D.L. Hugley, Jack Cafferty, Larry King, Fareed,and Don Lemon are the best of the lot and now unfortunately only two have real shows…
CNN GET A GRIP!!!
“Cant wait until the fairness doctrine is passed! Bye bye DL your show sucked, no one wants to listen to liberal ideas!!!! keep it up CNN! Fox is killing you!”
Camden, if such a doctrine were to come about, Fox need not bother broadcasting any longer. There’s your big loser…