It was the easiest punchline of the spring TV season, and an opportunity for everyone who watches TV to come together and say "Who the hell let this happen?" But now we'll have to rely on something even more awful than Work It to unite us all in hatred; EW reports that ABC has cancelled the cross-dressing sitcom, after ratings dropped 20% between its first and second episodes. With critics sharpening their knives to attack it and audiences clearly not responding, there didn't seem to be much advantage in ABC keeping it around.
The cancellation was met with a statement from GLAAD's senior director of programs Herndon Graddick, who couldn't help but gloat at seeing such a trans-phobic show get cancelled. Here's the statement:
"While many of ABC’s positive and groundbreaking portrayals of LGBT people have been critical and popular successes, the public had little interest in this outdated show. As a result of this campaign, an important dialogue has been started in Hollywood and mainstream media about the real discrimination faced by transgender people today.”
When reviewing the first episode of the show, our TV editor Kelly wondered if the problem with Work It wasn't that it was offensive, but that it was too old-fashioned for modern TV viewers. Apparently the answer is both, and even though comedies with laugh tracks and multiple cameras are still succeeding, Work It had a combination of old-school jokes and style that killed it off. And if you're looking for even more good news, the cancellation of Work It might clear up enough room for Cougar Town to return to the ABC schedule. Swapping in a bad show for the return of a good one? If only ever TV decision wound up being that easy.
