ABC’s Dilemma
ABC’s sitcom 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter is in limbo since the sudden death of its star, John Ritter, last week. Network execs face a hard decision after losing the star of their show shortly before its sophomore season was set to air on September 23. The death of Ritter left a huge void since the show was basically built around him as the bumbling father of two teenage daughters. The execs are now left to figure out the future of the show, which seemed to be one of the few favorable shows in the fall lineup, and if they should even continue to air the show.
The second season has been postponed and filming has halted as the cast and crew gathered together on Friday during the normal call time to remember Ritter. Family and friends attended a small funeral for Ritter on Monday. Reportedly producers were too shaken up to comment on the future of the show last week, but some suspect they will most likely revamp the show rather than discard it. Some possible ideas could be to center the show on co-star Katey Sagal, who plays Ritter’s wife, or to find a new male actor to try to fill the "father figure" role left by Ritter. Another possibility being talked about would be to have another popular "70’s era icon" to play the brother of Ritter’s character.’
Whatever the network decides, it won’t be an easy decision. Especially deciding what to do with his character. From a comedic standpoint, it would be tough to have his character die on the show, yet how can they explain his absence forever? Shows that have suffered the unexpected loss of an essential player never seemed to be able to make it in the past. The future of the show remains up in the air, but the fact of the matter is that John Ritter will be missed.
The second season has been postponed and filming has halted as the cast and crew gathered together on Friday during the normal call time to remember Ritter. Family and friends attended a small funeral for Ritter on Monday. Reportedly producers were too shaken up to comment on the future of the show last week, but some suspect they will most likely revamp the show rather than discard it. Some possible ideas could be to center the show on co-star Katey Sagal, who plays Ritter’s wife, or to find a new male actor to try to fill the "father figure" role left by Ritter. Another possibility being talked about would be to have another popular "70’s era icon" to play the brother of Ritter’s character.’
Whatever the network decides, it won’t be an easy decision. Especially deciding what to do with his character. From a comedic standpoint, it would be tough to have his character die on the show, yet how can they explain his absence forever? Shows that have suffered the unexpected loss of an essential player never seemed to be able to make it in the past. The future of the show remains up in the air, but the fact of the matter is that John Ritter will be missed.
By Buzzle Staff and Agencies
Published: 9/17/2003
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