Eye closes 'RHD' file
Mann series on indefinite hiatus
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No official decision on the fate of the Tom Sizemore starrer has been made, but industry insiders aren't holding out hope for the show's return. CBS has already announced that midseason drama "Queens Supreme" will replace "RHD" in the 10 p.m. timeslot starting January 6.
The Eye pulled "RHD" on the same day national Nielsen numbers showed the skein turning in an encouraging performance in a test airing on Saturday nights at 10 p.m.
Mann admitted he was disappointed by the Eye's decision, but didn't sound surprised.
"I guess maybe the show never found its audience," Mann told Daily Variety. "The irony of it is that everyone (at CBS) likes the show, from Les Moonves on down. (And) I think our potential was demonstrated this Saturday night."
"RHD" struggled to find an audience airing in the same timeslot as another crime drama, Dick Wolf's monster hit "Law & Order: SVU." Overall, skein averaged 7.12 million viewers and a 2.1/7 in adults 18-49, down about 9% from what "48 Hours" was averaging in the slot a year ago.
Skein did show signs of promise in two Saturday airings. What's more, "RHD" actually retained more of its adults 18-49 lead-in than "Presidio Med," another struggling CBS drama that's been given a full-season order.
But another U skein, "The Agency," fared dismally in a Friday slot. CBS execs seem more convinced of the long-term viability of "The Agency," which is a co-production with CBS Studios, than "RHD."
Universal TV topper David Kissinger said that while he did not know "what the ultimate fate of the show will be," the studio was disappointed by "RHD" being pulled.
"This is a frustrating day for us because we all believe the show is creatively extremely promising," he said. "Michael Mann is one of the most gifted talents I've ever had the chance to work with, and it's hard to see such distinctive work not enjoy greater success."
