Shame Shame on ABC! R.I.P Pushing Daisies

Shame Shame on you for cancelling Pushing Daisies!

I hate to get too mad at ABC. Their decision a few years ago to greenlight shows like Lost and Desperate Housewives was a brave one. At a time the hour long drama was pretty much dead unless there was a coroner as a main character or you were a Law and Order or CSI, those hits were responsible for a slew of great dramas to hit the air the last few seasons.

Recently ABC kicked off Eli Stone, Life on Mars, Dirty Sexy Money and Daisies. Although I never watched Dirty Sexy Money, Eli Stone and Life on Mars were great shows worthy of more time.

None came close to the greatness of Pushing Daisies. I know I am late on the bandwagon for posting this, but I just finished Daisies season 1 on DVD, and am heartbroken it is leaving the air. And to have Private Practice still on the air simply adds salt to the wound, even though I think Practice has litte hope make it to next season.

The creators and cast of Pushing Daisies presented a truly original and magical hour of television. Lee Pace was a true standout, and I am so in love with Kristin Chenoweth. It does not have the large cast that a Private Practice does, and should have been given more time. Whether you blame the writers strike or the economy, great shows need time to root, and this show need more time. If you look at some of the big shows from the past, like a Dallas, one of tvs biggest shows of all time, you have to see it never hit big until season 3, slowing building a following its first three seasons.

Why can't US tv be like the UK. Why do shows have to be cancelled??? Why can't quality shows be given smaller orders. How about two 4 episode orders to air twice a year. Why must it be all or nothing. Daisies did not need to die. Although I understand it is dirt cheap to produce (and it shows) having According to Jim brought back is a good example of where ABC currently is putting its energy. In low cost shows, or high cost shows that generate a ton of cash. There needs to be room for quality shows, even if they cost more to produce. I worry about Brothers and Sisters for this reason. Although it's rating will ensure it's return, no doubt like Daytime soaps, its cast will be asked to take pay cuts or work less episodes to save costs, cutting into the quality of the show.

Daisies never should have been cancelled. As a tv viewer who has always disliked Jay Leno, that hour is up for grabs for me, and I bet many others. TV success can no longer be just a matter of ratings. WIth Tivo and digital recorders and DVD sales, there must be energy put into what shows really are successful. If anyone out there would actually pay a penny for an According to Jim DVD set I would be shocked. But then again, the fact it is back on the air tells a story.


R.I.P Pushing Daisies! I would like to think another network would scoop you up, or ABC would see the error of its decision, but I do not hold out hope. You will be missed.