ABC Still Plans On Broadcasting John Ritter's Show

[TiggerPiglet]

I just watched my local news and it said that ABC still plans to show 8 Simple Rules, even though John Ritter passed away. He will appear in the first three episodes and then they will actually write in his death and the rest of the shows will deal with his death.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm a huge John Ritter fan and I feel it's his show and if he's not here, neither should the show, but on the other hand if they are going to write his death into the show, maybe it would end up being a great tribute to him.

How do you guys feel?

 

[CathyCanada]

I just read that story and feel kinda funny about it. It just somehow doesn't feel right and I think it is just a ploy by the network to cash in on John's passing rather than cancel the show. I hope I am wrong and they really do want to pay tribute to him. I'd rather think of it in that light anyway.
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[TigerBear]

I haven't seen the show but isn't it a comedy? I wonder how they will make grief into something funny.

 

[Pembo]

Tigerbear, it is a comedy.

I've been wondering if they would write his death in as a storyline. It certainly will change the dynamic of the show. I do think it is a tribute to him and not a way for ABC to make $$. But my guess is it will only last this season. Just won't be the same without him in it.

 

[sorcerormickey]

I was just going to start a thread on this very topic.

I don't think it is right. The show was mostly based on his character and not so much with the Mom. I know ABC had a hit show, but it will never be the same. They shouldn't try to replace him or continue the show, IMO.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

8 Simple Rules is my favorite sitcom, and I am glad they are going to air the episodes as well as make a tribute to John Ritter. I mean, they can use this as a way to cancel the show without leaving all the fans of the show hanging by a thread about what would have happened next. I think they'll probably just use the death for closure of the series.

I know it'll be weird for a sad situation in a comedy, but, life is life and I agree that the show will probably not even worry about comedy anymore...I'm sure "comedy" is the last thing on their minds. They wouldn't do anything disrespectful to John Ritter, I am sure of that.

BTW - I had to take a picture of the "star" for John Ritter at Universal Studios (they have that Hollywood section, and I remember pointing out a few months ago John Ritter...after he passed I made sure to take a picture on my next trip).

 

[doxdogy]

Tonight at 8:00 on ABC Diane Sawyer is doing a special on the life of John Ritter.

 

[TiggerPiglet]

I found a link explaining what they're planning to do.

http://entertainment.msn.com/news/article.aspx?news=134304

It looks like they plan on continuing the series for a while. I just hope they don't do a show about him dying and then the next week they act like nothing happened.


Thanks for the info Doxdogy, I'll make a point to watch it.

 

[Flyfly_Eclipse]

Oh wow, so they aren't cancelling? Well, I can't say anything yet...I'll just have to trust them and see what happens...

I know it won't be the same since John Ritter was what made the show such a success...but I think it's good they are going to make this a "real life" situation instead of some lame TV attempt saying he "ran off with someone" or something...I don't know. This is more respectful IMHO.

Also, I remember when a woman passed away in a TV show my dad watched...was it The District? Well, I think they handled that situation quite well...the continued episodes after her death, but let her character go with respect. I suppose that's what 8 Simple Rules will do.

I still can't believe he's gone though!!

 

[SoonerKate]

Here's an interesting article about how other TV shows have dealt with the deaths of cast members:

http://www.msnbc.com/news/966633.asp

 

[Planogirl]

I have mixed feelings about this too. It just doesn't seem like a show that featured him so heavily would work. But I'll tune in and see what it's all about.