Logo

ABC Dumps ‘Money,’ Hires Oprah

Dec 15, 2006  •  Post A Comment

ABC has canceled its low-rated game show “Show Me the Money,” hosted by William Shatner, the network confirmed Friday, and has ordered two new prime-time series from Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions.

ABC announced just one week ago it was ordering six additional episodes of “Show Me the Money,” which now will not be made. “Money” viewership has been in decline since its premiere. The most recent episode hit a series-low 1.6 rating among adults 18 to 49, according to Nielsen Media Research. The show has been partnered with the drama “Day Break,” whose ratings have also been suffering.

Today ABC also announced two alternative prime-time series produced by ABC and Harpo.

In “Oprah Winfrey’s The Big Give” (working title), 10 people will use cash and unique resources to help others. In “Your Money or Your Life,” a crisis team will aid families on the brink of disaster.

“Oprah Winfrey getting into series TV is monumental,” said Stephen McPherson, president, ABC Entertainment. “Our relationship with Harpo has been wonderful for us, and this latest partnership takes it to a phenomenal new level. These two shows are a perfect fit for our alternative brand with their focus on wish fulfillment and making lives better. I can’t wait to get started.”

Ms. Winfrey will appear in at least one of the series, though the extent of her on-camera involvement is currently unclear.

(Editor: Gilbert)