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Behind-the-Scenes Tensions Put Cable Series At Risk

Apr 1, 2014  •  Post A Comment

A popular cable show is reportedly at risk because of behind-the-scenes drama involving its two stars. Writing on Deadline.com, Nellie Andreeva reports that the Nickelodeon show “Sam & Cat” may not be renewed because of the problems.

The show stars two characters from popular Nick series, Sam Puckett from “iCarly” and Cat Valentine from “Victorious,” played by Jennette McCurdy and Ariana Grande. After "Sam & Cat" became a ratings hit, the network doubled its order from 20 to 40 episodes.

But there’s no renewal order yet, even though the show is close to ending production on the 40 episodes. The reason?

“There has been talk about discord on the set, with emotions running high and McCurdy and Grande sometimes showing up late,” Andreeva writes. “The grueling, 40-episode shoot has been taxing on everyone. Additionally, McCurdy had been going through a difficult time in her personal life for the past six months and recently had to deal with the leak of racy photos, while Grande’s music career has taken off a big time.”

Andreeva adds: “I hear things came to a head last week when the show came close to a shutdown. Then this past weekend, McCurdy publicly accused Nickelodeon of unfair treatment. She also fueled speculation about a rift with longtime best friend Grande by un-following Grande on social media and not joining her co-star at Nickelodeon’s Kids Choice Awards, where both were nominated for favorite TV actress.” Andreeva notes that sources have told her the two actresses are still getting along.

The issues have been a factor in Nickelodeon’s hesitation to give the show a renewal, the story says. “I hear there is a Season 2 production start date penciled in for later this year, but a renewal decision still appears to be a toss-up,” Andreeva writes.

In a statement, the network said, “We are wrapping up what was an unusually long production cycle of ‘Sam & Cat,’ and everyone is understandably tired. We are going into our production hiatus next week, which will give everyone on the show a much needed rest.”

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