I’m confirmed that NBC is considering cancelling My Name Is Earl due to low ratings and escalating costs. The 20th Century TV show’s producers are resisting the drastically reduced licensing fee they’re being offered. So word is that Kevin Reilly could pick up the show, which he originally developed when he was NBC Entertainment prez, for the Fox network, where he is now. Fox’s own comedy development is weak, with Boldly Going Nowhere near dead and projects like the derivative Cop House a better fit for Comedy Central. But 20th TV needs a few more years of Earl for additional syndication value. As for NBC, everything is low-rated, even its critical hits like 30 Rock. But I bet if NBC owned the show, it would stay on the air. So maybe the network execs will reconsider if they realize the show may head to a competitor.
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