May 14, 2008 (Zap2It / Rick Porter) -- CBS Entertainment chief Nina Tassler chuckled Wednesday when a reporter asked if she's prepared for the onslaught of mail from "Moonlight" fans upset about the show's cancellation.
"It had a very passionate fanbase, and that's a good thing," Tassler said. "We just had to make a lot of tough calls."
One of those calls was not renewing "Moonlight," the rookie drama about a vampire (Alex O'Loughlin) and his star-crossed relationship with a mortal woman (Sophia Myles). The show performed OK in its Friday home this season, averaging a shade under 7.5 million viewers per week. It was, however, the weakest performer in CBS' Friday lineup; "Ghost Whisperer" drew 8.7 million viewers and "Numb3rs" 9.1 million.
"It was a factor, obviously," she acknowledges. "But the nice thing [about 'Moonlight'] is that it did have a loyal fanbase. ... But it's hard to judge the actual numbers" of those who are actively trying to save the series.
"We had to make a very tough decision," she adds. "I loved that vampire -- what can I tell ya?"
Tassler also put the kibosh on a report that The CW is interested in picking up the show as part of its farmed-out Sunday schedule, which is being programmed by independent producer Media Rights Capital. "Probably not, no," was Tassler's response to a question about the rumored move.
The CW unveiled the titles of two comedies and two dramas for Sunday night at its upfront party Tuesday night; "Moonlight" wasn't among them.
Vladimir: *peers in from the shadows* it's been a crazy few weeks. But I think I've outrun the Hunters for now, should be back more often -- Wed, Jul 2 9:19pm.
DEATH: Yes indeed, CHRONOS is a ral stickler about that :D -- Sat, Jun 28 10:47pm.
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