TV Article

Yank Robbery

What happened to ''Karen Sisco''? Critic Ken Tucker explains why the networks are so quick to pull shows -- even good ones -- off the air

By | Apr 09, 2004
Carla Gugino, Karen Sisco | IT OUGHTA BE A CRIME ABC pulled ''Karen'' (starring Carla Gugino) way before its time
Image credit: Karen Sisco: Vivian Zink/ABC
IT OUGHTA BE A CRIME ABC pulled ''Karen'' (starring Carla Gugino) way before its time

What happened to ''Karen Sisco''?

Why do the networks take shows off so quickly? Also, wasn't ABC going to bring back ''Karen Sisco''? -- Tony

Unaired ''Siscos'' are being burned off on the USA Network (Wednesdays, 10 p.m.). But you're right: Nets want immediate hits (big ratings = big ad bucks) and yank too soon; there's always a cheaper reality show waiting to replace a quirky series. The nets do pay a price: Playing fast and loose with shows like ''Sisco'' partly explains why ABC is down 10 percent in viewers this year.

(Got a TV-related question for Ken Tucker? Post it here.)

Originally posted Apr 09, 2004 Published in issue #759 Apr 09, 2004 Order article reprints