Sam And Cat star Jennette McCurdy is at war with Nickelodeon. She’s even admitting as much on the record, but as to what exactly she’s mad at her employer about, that’s the subject of rumors, innuendo and gossip. Regardless of where the truth lies, however, production on her hit show has now idled, and unless a truce is reached, Sam And Cat may not even see a second season despite its massive popularity.
Rumors about a possible rift with Nickelodeon began earlier this year when a racy picture McCurdy allegedly sent to her boyfriend went public. The network stood by her, however, and the chatter mostly died down, at least until the actress no-showed the recent Kids Choice Awards and then fired off a giant middle finger at the network on Twitter.
Here’s a look at the actual TwitLonger since the middle finger couldn't fit into 140 characters…
A lot of you guys are asking why I didn't attend the KCAs.... I wish I could explain everything as thoroughly as I would like to, but unfortunately a simpler explanation is all I can write. I was put in an uncomfortable, compromising, unfair situation (many of you have guessed what it is) and I had to look out for me. I chose to not go because sticking up for what is right and what is fair is what my mom taught me is ALWAYS the most important thing. I want to thank those of you who have reached out with kind words of support, McCurdians and Arianators alike. No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting fairness first. If you have done that, thank you.
You would think that must have something to do with the picture, but McCurdy later clarified that it did not. So, what could possibly be going on here? Well, TMZ is claiming that it’s all about the money. She allegedly makes way less than her co-star Ariana Grande, and now that the show is a huge hit, she supposedly wants a bigger piece of the pie.
An example of the ultra-rare double spin-off series, Sam & Cat descends from both iCarly and Victorious. Thus far, every single first run episode of its mega 40 episode first season has been viewed by more than two and less than five million people. Those are very good numbers for basic cable, and obviously, they put McCurdy in a position of power when it comes to negotiating. That being said, given their contracts, it’s clear the network thinks Grande, with her burgeoning music career, is the bigger draw. So, it's possible executives might think Grande could carry a show by herself. Regardless, it would be really nonsensical for a show that works this well to not get at least fifty more episodes.
The history of television is filled with actors and actresses who bailed on popular television shows for more money or different opportunities. Sadly, for every George Clooney, there’s more than a few Lisa Robyn Kelly’s.
We’ll keep you updated on this mess as it plays out.
