ABC scraps 'Circus of the Stars'

Rival NBC project causes casting problem

By JOSEF ADALIAN

Deciding there’s not enough room under the big top, ABC has scrapped its plan to revive “Circus of the Stars” as a weekly reality show.

After winning a fierce bidding war with at least one other network, Alphabet began developing its take on “Circus” three months ago (Daily Variety, Jan. 16). At virtually the same time, NBC ordered at least six episodes of Endemol USA’s “Celebrity Circus,” which also features semi-stars getting their Barnum & Bailey on.

Despite being happy with how the show was coming along creatively, the presence of a rival circus skein -- as well as the glut of celebreality shows in the TV marketplace right now -- made casting ABC’s “Circus” tougher than expected. Facing the prospect of a subpar cast, the Alphabet decided to pull the plug on its project earlier this month.

NBC’s “Celebrity Circus,” meanwhile, is proceeding as planned, with casting well under way, according to a Peacock rep.