Diane Ruggiero quits 'Ex List'

Showrunner sought to give show original stamp

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

Diane Ruggiero has quit as showrunner on CBS’ new series “The Ex List.”

Ruggiero’s exit, which took place Friday morning, took the Eye and producer 20th Century Fox TV by surprise. Exec producer Rick Eid will now serve as showrunner.

But insiders said Ruggiero opted to leave “The Ex List” when she and the network couldn’t see eye-to-eye on the show’s direction.

CBS is said to have been looking for a more faithful adaptation of the original Israeli format (known as “Mythological X”), while seasoned exec producer Ruggiero was looking to put a more original stamp on it.

Production won’t be halted on the series, which has already shot six episodes and started filming its seventh Friday.

“We are sorry that she has decided to leave the show but have tremendous confidence in Rick Eid and his strong team, which includes Segahl Avin, the creator of the original Israeli format who will continue to be a consultant,” CBS and 20th said in a statement.

“Ex List,” which bows Oct. 3, stars Elizabeth Reaser as Bella, a single woman who’s told by a psychic that she’s already met her soulmate -- and that they have a year to reconnect if she ever wishes to wed.

Ruggiero’s past TV credits include “Veronica Mars” and “That’s Life.”