Well, it’s been rumored and expected for some time, and much like rumors in the real Washington, this one was confirmed on a weekend when no one was around to notice:
NBC Cancels ‘West Wing’ After 7 Seasons
By DAVID BAUDER
AP Television WriterPASADENA, Calif. (AP) — The new president on “The West Wing” will be a real short-timer: NBC announced Sunday it was pulling the plug on the Emmy-winning political drama in May after seven seasons.
NBC, struggling to regain its footing after the worst season in its history, also outlined several midseason schedule changes – including the moves of popular dramas “Law & Order” and “Las Vegas.”
“The West Wing” announcement wasn’t much of a surprise. Although this season’s story line with a presidential campaign involving a Democrat played by Jimmy Smits and Republican portrayed by Alan Alda has been strong critically, ratings have sunk with its move to Sunday nights.
The decision to cancel it was made before actor John Spencer, who played former presidential chief of staff Leo McGarry, died of a heart attack Dec. 16, said Kevin Reilly, NBC entertainment president.
“There’s a point when you look at the ratings and say, it feels like it’s time,” Reilly said.
The series finale will be May 14, preceded by a one-hour retrospective. The campaign to replace the fictional Josiah Bartlet as president will be settled, NBC said.
Producers Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme, who created the show and guided it through its early years, will not be involved in the finale, Reilly said.
“The West Wing” won four Emmy Awards for best television drama in a row for its tales of political intrigue. At its prime, it also offered NBC two valuable benefits: critical acclaim and the most upscale audience on television, an important drawing point for advertisers.
Ah, if only the real occupants of the White House could be cancelled so easily.
Oh, and while they were at it, they also canceled Will & Grace… another non-surprise, since we all knew this was the last season anyway.
