Some shows are canceled over racist posts on social media by cast members, while some others meet their end as the main cast members face sexual assault accusations.
- Jul 4, 2021
AceShowbiz - Every now and then, TV networks decided to pull a plug on its shows when a scandal broke out surrounding the cast members. The endless bad press about the cast members might cost them jobs at best and cause the show's cancellation at worse.
Some shows were canceled after its key cast members embroiled in scandals over racist posts on social media. Some others met their end as the main cast members faced sexual assault accusations. As the shows could not go on without the actors, cancellations were inevitable.
Here are ten TV shows that were forced to be canceled due to scandals surrounding cast members.
1. 'Roseanne' Reboot
"Roseanne" was rebooted in 2018 with all the cast members returning, much to fans’ delight. However, the revival was only short-lived no thanks to Roseanne Barr, who landed in hot water over her racist rant about former Obama administration official Valerie Jarrett on Twitter.
In a since-deleted tweet, the actress wrote, "muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj." Announcing the cancellation, Channing Dungey, president of ABC Entertainment, said in a statement at the time, "Roseanne's Twitter statement is abhorrent, repugnant and inconsistent with our values, and we have decided to cancel her show." While "Roseanne" was cancelled, ABC developed its spin-off "The Conners" without Barr.
2. '19 Kids and Counting'
After pulling "19 Kids and Counting" from its schedule, TLC announced in July 2015 that it pulled the plug on the show. The decision was made after cast members Josh Duggar admitted to sexually molesting minor girls starting when he was 14 years old. Two of his alleged victims were his own sisters, Jessa Duggar and Jill Duggar.
"After thoughtful consideration, TLC and the Duggar family have decided to not move forward with '19 Kids and Counting.' The show will no longer appear on the air," the network told ABC News in a statement. Josh's parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar continued, "With God's grace and help, Josh, our daughters and our entire family overcame a terrible situation, found healing and a way forward. We are so pleased with the wonderful adults they have all become."
3. 'Buckwild'
Also getting canceled because of controversy was MTV's "Buckwild". The TV show was canceled in the wake of the tragic death of 21-year-old star Shain Gandee. Gandee, alongside his 48-year-old uncle David Gandee, and 27-year-old friend Donald Robert Myers, was found dead in his vehicle April 1, 2013.
According to autopsy, they died from carbon monoxide poisoning inside his Ford Bronco when they went "mudding," or off-road driving, in West Virginia. MTV suspended the reality show immediately after the death, and later it announced that the show was canceled altogether.
4. 'Ev and Ocho'
VH1 canceled "Ev and Ocho" after Chad Johnson a.k.a. Chad Ochocinco allegedly physically assaulted his wife Evelyn Lozada, causing her to suffer a three-inch gash to her head because of the attack. It was said that their argument stemmed from a receipt for a box of condoms.
Confirming the cancellation, VH1 said in a statement that the decision was made due to "unfortunate events over the weekend and the seriousness of the allegations." "Ev and Ocho" documented "the journey of this charismatic and passionate couple's every step, as they prepare to walk down the aisle and into each other's hearts forever."
5. 'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo'
"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" was canceled due to concerns over the safety of Mama June's (June Shannon) kids. At the time, Mama June received backlash for dating a convicted child molester, which many thought that it might endanger her daughter Honey Boo Boo.
Mama June, however, denied dating Mark McDaniel, saying on Facebook, "It isn't true, I promise...I left him 10 years ago for it and I wouldn't go back."
6. 'Louie'
Louis C.K.'s "Louie" ended after five women accused the star, Louis C.K., of sexual misconduct. In addition to cancelling the show, FX cut all ties with the comedian in the wake of the scandal.
"FX Networks and FX Productions are ending our association with Louis C.K. We are canceling the overall deal between FX Productions and his production company, Pig Newton," the network announced. C.K. initially denied the allegations, but he later admitted that they were true.
7. 'Paula's Home Cooking'
Paula Deen used to be the queen of FoodNetwork until her sweet-as-pie image all came crashed down following a lawsuit. Back in 2013, Deen and her brother Bubba Hiers were sued by Lisa Jackson, a former manager of their restaurant. Jackson accused them of sexual harassment and racist behavior.
The suit was dismissed with prejudice and the TV star also issued several apologies. Despite all that, Food Network decided to cut ties with Deen.
8. 'Transparent'
"Transparent" was among one of popular TV shows on Amazon. However, things changed after main cast member Jeffrey Tambor faced sexual harassment accusations, prompting Amazon Studios to fire him from the hit show.
"We are grateful to the many trans people who have supported our vision for Transparent since its inception and remain heartbroken about the pain and mistrust their experience has generated in our community," Jill Soloway, the show's creator, said in a statement. "Transparent" went one more season without Tambor before the show was canceled.
9. 'House of Cards'
Just like "Transparent", "House of Cards" was canned due to scandal surrounding its main cast member. Kevin Spacey, who played Francis Joseph Underwood on the hit Netflix series, was fired after actor Anthony Rapp accused him of making unwanted sexual advances towards him when he was 14.
"Media Rights Capital and Netflix are deeply troubled by last night's news concerning Kevin Spacey," the companies said in a joint statement today. "In response to last night's revelations, executives from both of our companies arrived in Baltimore this afternoon to meet with our cast and crew to ensure that they continue to feel safe and supported. As previously scheduled, Kevin Spacey is not working on set at this time."
10. 'Counting On'
Josh Duggar once again became the reason of his family's TV show being canceled by TLC. This month, the network revealed that they no longer produced more seasons of "Counting On" after Josh was arrested on child pornography charges.
Announcing the cancellation of the "19 Kids and Counting" spin-off after 11 seasons, the network shared, "TLC will not be producing additional seasons of 'Counting On'. TLC feels it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately."
