The return of “Murphy Brown” will not be returning to CBS.
The network officially canceled the Candice Bergen-led series today after weeks of speculation on a possible 11th hour comeback.
In the second wave of revival fever that the networks have been fueled on in recent years. the Emmy winning show returning to CBS last September almost 20-years after the original run of the Diane English-created series finished its run. However, tackling the fake news and politics of the Donald Trump era on-screen and the NFL on Fox on the schedule, the revival of the acerbic sitcom proved a pricey ratings disappointment.
Initially conceived as a one-time 13-episode run, the 11th season of sorts dived by 39% in both viewers and the 18-49 demographic from its premiere to its December 20, 2018 finale, which had a 1.1 rating and an audience of 7.01 million.
Averaging a 1.4 rating and 9.1 million viewers overall, the Warner Bros TV produced high profile “Murphy” came with some greater than usual sitcom costs to CBS due to its NYC filming location.
Still, in recent months both English and CBS Entertainment boss Kelly Kahl have discussed the potential that the series could be back in the game with a Season 12, but, as today made clear, that was not in the cards
With the current occupant of the White House a constant target, Season 11 of “Murphy Brown” saw Bergen reprised her role as the famous investigative journalist and TV anchor, who reunited with her old gang hosting a morning cable news show. All older and wiser, in their own way, Corky Sherwood (Faith Ford), Frank Fontana (Joe Regalbuto), and their former wunderkind news producer Miles Silverberg (Grant Shaud) rolled up their respective sleeves for the fictional CNC’s Murphy in the Morning.
Though not back full time, original series regular Charles Kimbrough’s Jim Dial made frequent appearances on the revival. Jake McDorman played Brown’s now-grown son, who was also a journalist.
Behind the camera, English served as writer/EP of Season 11 of “Murphy Brown” through her Bend in the Road Productions banner, with Bergen also executive producing.
During its original run, “Murphy Brown” won 18 Emmys — including two Outstanding Comedy Series trophies and five best lead comedy actress statuettes for Bergen — three Golden Globes, two DGA Awards and two WGA Awards.
The revival did score Bergen a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy nomination.