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Fox Stunner: ‘Til Death’ Lives, ‘Back to You’ Dies

by Chandra on May 10th, 2008

That time of the year is upon us, namely the spring upfront season, which is when viewers learn the fates of their favorite shows on the bubble. The industry-speak phrase refers to those series that network executives haven’t yet decided what to do with: cancel, renew, or downsize to a midseason replacement. The last two options are obviously better than the first.

Fox has spoken regarding a couple of its shows on the cusp or brink or edge or whatever — the sitcoms ‘Til Death and its broadcast companion Back to You. Shockingly (at least in my head), the first series has been renewed for a third season while the second show, which stars TV-comedy heavyweights Kelsey Grammer (Frasier, Cheers) and Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond), has been axed.

Say what?!

Sure, Back to You isn’t the best it could be, but it’s still highly watchable on a decent night, and downright hilarious most times that regulars Fred Willard and/or Ty Burrell are onscreen (and when you get them both together, just sit back and soak up the comedy genius). I actually thought a sophomore run was more or less a lock for the series. That shows how much what I think matters.

Word on the street is that the heavyweight factor contributed substantially to the show’s demise because big stars demand big paychecks. With more than a few actors making close to a million dollars for a single episode of a TV series — an absolute travesty when none do much more than play pretend — I can’t argue with networks that choose not to go down the ridiculously expensive route.

Jumping into the sitcom spot left open following Back to You’s departure is the new half-hour comedy The Inn. The plot revolves around a happening hotel in New York staffed by such familiar faces as Niecy Nash (Comedy Central’s Reno 911!) and Jerry O’Connell (ABC’s likewise canceled Carpoolers).

The newcomer’s pilot was directed by Jason Bateman — as in brother of Justine and Arrested Development’s Michael Bluth — so maybe the lining is kinda silver after all in some respects.

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POSTED IN: 'Til Death, Back to You, Canceled Series, Do Not Disturb, Jerry O'Connell, Niecy Nash, Pickups, Renewals