"Ghost Whisperer" has given up the ghost.
After days of crunching numbers, ABC threw in the towel on Thursday, confirming that it had no further plans to acquire CBS' recently canceled "Ghost Whisperer."
Things were initially looking up for the Jennifer Love Hewitt skein, particularly because ABC Studios co-produces the show, along with CBS TV Studios.
What's more, the show looked like a good fit for ABC's Friday night 8 p.m. slot, as a lead-in to newcomer "Body of Proof." And exec producers Kim Moses and Ian Sanders already have an overall deal with ABC Studios, where they developed three projects last year.
But "Ghost" was ending its fifth season -- and that's when shows get more expensive, as production and talent fees rise. ABC execs were also leery of running "Ghost" opposite CBS' "Medium," fearing that "Ghost" wouldn't ultimately be worth the investment.
"After five wonderful seasons and over 100 episodes, we are disappointed to announce Ghost Whisperer will not be returning for a sixth season," exec producers Kim Moses and Ian Sander said in a statement. "We've had an incredible experience and owe a debt of gratitude to everyone involved. We continue our relationship with ABC Studios and look forward to developing many more successful projects together in the future."
Contact Michael Schneider at
mike.schneider@variety.com