Without notice or comment, Showtime recently dropped its dramatic series "Dead Like Me," enraging a small cadre of loyal fans who have taken to the web in an effort to convince Showtime executives to reconsider. Ed Martin's commentary last week in Jack Myers Entertainment Report on Showtime's "The L Word" attracted the "Dead Like Me" fan base to www.mediavillage.com, where they have been sounding off about Showtime's decision and where they are voting to "Save Dead Like Me."
Matt Blank, Showtime president, responds to Jack Myers Entertainment Report: "Obviously there's a show for everyone and we take heat whenever we take something off that someone likes. We didn't think we had enough traction with the show to get the attention we need going forward and are happy with the two seasons… With more flexibility we probably would have kept 'Dead' on the air, but we don't think it's in the same league as "The Cell" "Brotherhood" "Barbershop" "Weeds"… All coming in the next 6-10 months."
Following are condensed comments from fans of "Dead Like Me." Full comments are posted in full in the Sound Off section of MediaVillage.com. To add your comments on Showtime's "Dead Like Me" or share any comment on television programming, visit www.mediavillage.com and register your Sound Off comment.
MediaVillage Sound Off on "Dead Like Me"
Daniel writes to Showtime Programming head Bob Greenblatt:
Mr. Greenblatt;
When I recently changed over to digital cable I selected Showtime over HBO because my daughter and I love Dead Like Me so
much. Now that you've canceled DLM, I'm canceling Showtime. Hello HBO. Here's hoping George gets a post-it with your name on it. SOON!
Dean writes to MediaVillage:
I'm glad to have found this site. My Sound Off, like many others, is for Dead Like Me. Beyond the excellence in all areas surrounding this show, my rant is toward subscription services that don't
communicate with their subscribers. With today's technologies, Showtime and HBO should build in real communication tools online. Ask your subscribers what they think of your shows. If Showtime had done this they'd have seen the loyal following this show has garnered. I, too, found out
late in the game about the quiet cancellation of DLM. I was just thinking to myself "I bet season 3 is coming in the next month or so". Little did I know it was uprooted and thrown out the door to make room for "more of the same". Why is Showtime doing a show on terrorism? Why another cop show? I'm an avid watcher of Queer As Folk, but that show has seen its full story arc come to fruition. It's time for it to be ended. The same wasn't said of
DLM. I agree with all the other posters who spoke of its universal appeal. All you needed to be was someone who questioned Life and Death. The humanity in its writing was funny, sad, poignant, and above all addictive. Through reading several news articles and postings, I hear that this decision is most likely based on some new executive coming in to
shake things up. Well, congratulations to you Mr./Ms. Executive. You've lost yet another subscriber because you took my subscription dollars for granted.
Arlene writes:
I can't believe the lack of consideration Showtime has for it's viewers! The only thing worth watching...they cancel, so I cancelled them! I know that this program may not have appealed to it's teeny bopper
target audience- but I am 19- Catholic, and I think that all the fuss they're making over it being a "dark" comedy, and glorifying grim reapers is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard of. Just because some over zealous nuts complained, doesn't mean that the majority of normal
people didn't appreciate the shows pensiveness, humor, and wonderful, rich plot. I have cancelled Showtime- and have advised many people to do the same (which didn't take much convincing with the programs they "offer"). I hope the executives at Showtime see this and take
into consideration the almost 34,000 people who signed the petition to save Dead Like Me.
Karen writes:
Last week I visited Showtime's website to see if they had posted a date for the start of season 3 of Dead like me. There was not one word about the show so I visited the DLM message boards where I l
earned that Showtime had cancelled my favorite show. I was shocked and saddened. I was really invested in this show. Every character was perfectly cast, every script was written with wit and intelligence, every episode had a rare blend of poignancy and humor and every episode left
me wanting to know more. The last scene of the last episode of season 2 had me on the edge of my seat! I couldn't wait for season three to see what would be revealed next. But, instead of watching my favorite reapers in Der Waffle Haus, I'm being served drivel like Fat Actress, Huff and a Reefer Madness musical. Worse, they are planning a show about a secret
terrorist cell. After everything this country has been through since 9/11, does ANYBODY want to see a show about terrorists???? I know the powers that be at Showtime consider this show to only appeal to a niche market but this show had the potential to touch a wide variety of viewers and have mass appeal. The only thing this show lacked was proper marketing.
Deborah shares her opinion:
I am writing because I just found out that "Dead Like Me" was cancelled. I don't understand why? It was a refreshing approach to death, the writing was fantastic, and you could see that the actors
really fit together! My daughter, who is 26 and I'm 44, we got together every Sunday night to watch together. I got Showtime just for Dead Like Me!! I was so excited about the 3rd season, and was waiting for updates. Sadly, it was cancelled. I really feel you all made a mistake. You
really need to see that this show deserves another shot. I remember when they cancelled "Cagney and Lacey" in the late 70's. The fans were upset and really fought to bring that show back. I feel a lot of people will
and are going to do the same for this show! Please reconsider, bring Dead Like Me back!!!!! Thank you for your time!
Deb says:
We miss Dead Like Me! My daughter and I watched it regularly [and] are both saddened that it's been cancelled. It's one of the few shows that both of us enjoy and we've enjoyed the time
viewing (and discussing) it. My disappointment in the judgment of Showtime's programmers can't be overstated. This was the only reason I had Showtime (I'm not a big movie watcher and didn't find their other programming compelling), so there's really no reason for me to continue a business relationship with them in view of the cancellation. I'm guessing that speaking
with my wallet will impress them more than my words.
Justin adds
Dead Like Me is one of the best shows to have ever come out. Shame on Showtime for canceling. I guess they decided that it was better to show the same old mindless nonsense then a show that
teaches moral lessons and actually draws family members together.
Timothy sent this comment:
When I witnessed the slew of signatures online for the Save-DLM petition, I wondered how anyone could choose to support several shows that haven't been established yet instead of continuing the success of a show that already touches people around the world. That doesn't
sound to me like good business. Please explain to those you are hurting why you intend to yank a great program?
Tony writes:
It seems somewhat shocking that amidst the insane success ABC has had with scripted dramas this season that Showtime would throw it's best scripted drama in the trash bin. I just don't
understand the line of thought in canceling Dead Like Me. The writing, directing and acting on DLM have been nothing short of exceptional.
Ernestine comments:
I'm really upset that you canceled Dead Like Me. I've been waiting for the third season to start. And if you think Fat Actress can do better I'm sorry but it can't. My son and myself are fans from the
beginning of Dead Like Me. He is 16 and I'm 45. He even got his friends hooked on it too. This is the best thing you've done that everyone can get into.
Joan says:
This quirky dramedy has a devoted fan core that can't be easily quantified as a certain age, gender, etc. group. I'm in my late 40's female, and know fans that are as young as 13 [and] into their
50's. Men, women, straight, gay; this series has one of the most diverse fan bases I know. And yet, almost nobody's heard of it. The show was poorly promoted. It's been shamelessly ignored. I've personally introduced a dozen or so people to the show through 1st series DVD's. All of
these people were anxious to continue watching it. Several people actually signed on to Showtime to continue watching it. Please help us get the word out on this gem of a show. It truly is an original(so hard to find these days).
Ian writes:
I think it was an extraordinarily bad choice for Showtime to dump Dead Like Me. I mean, the things Showtime has been putting on since have generally tanked (Huff, Fat Actress, the musical version
of Reefer Madness), whereas DLM has a very strong, very loyal fan base.
Next, the show had just posed some intriguing plot questions that have yet to be resolved. They need time to be resolved.
That being said, another reason it was a bad choice to cancel was, in dropping it when they did, they showed how they truly care about their subscribers. Dead Like Me is immensely popular, not only in
America but overseas as well. Something clearly should be done.
Alaina comments:
How come networks think that it is smart to cancel critically acclaimed shows? I mean they fight to keep more crap on the network, it boggles my mind. My sound off is for Dead Like Me. A great
show that was never given a full chance. And if Showtime is basing it on ratings why not realize on demand, TIVO and DVR all now effect show ratings. Canceling this show is something Showtime will regret since more and more people are canceling Showtime all together. Poor Bryan Fuller first Wonderfalls, after three episodes, and now DLM. Guess we should put
more doctor, cops, and criminal investigation shows on. Because nothing besides those overdone storylines will ever be given a chance. So sad.
Timm adds:
Its very rare that you find a SERIES where every character fits perfectly . The cast brings to life or to death ordinary people in extraordinary situations …also very believable . Six months ago I was
someone who watched three or four shows on TV. I didn't realize how taken I was with this show until it was quietly canceled. anger. outraged, just a few emotions!!!!! this has to one of the best show ever written! I'm very surprised what a fan/fanatic I have become and I like it! the fans
are still growing in numbers daily ! check out the web sites …this must have taken hold of me my kids have even noticed "What are you looking up dad what DLM is that a DLM sweatshirt is that a DLM bobble head!" I have let My kids watch several scenes from certain episodes
just so they see what's sparked my interest! Bring it back!
Richard says:
First, I want it known. That television and the pay per view networks have to look at the bottom line when making a decision on canceling or continuing a show. I believe that Dead Like Me was a show that
had in the built in power to have made a fortune but was not marketed and was marked for termination after season one. A personal agenda of marketing shows created and influenced by a new executive of Showtime has caused the cancellation of a show that should have been
nominated for Emmy's in acting and writing and directing. So original it may be the most brilliant show that people have
never seen. Good stories, good acting, and thought provoking funny. It is a tragedy that is slowly being realized by the million viewers who watched something amazing for a short time on Showtime the anger that it has invoked can only be remedied with its reinstatement and perhaps
the firing of the exec who thought canceling it was a good idea. Please forward to CEO of Showtime. My 2 Cents.
Eleni comments at MediaVillage.com Sound Off:
One of the most interesting shows was canceled: Dead Like Me. It had
many viewers. It won many awards, ppl are crusading and signing
petitions to bring it back or to
have some other station pick it up. Someone was not thinking, Show Times (sic) will lose it's viewers.