Good Luck, Charlie

          When Everybody Loves Raymond left the airwaves in May 2005, CBS had little trouble deciding what show would fill the 9PM slot. Then sophomore laffer Two And A Half Men, starring comeback kid Charlie Sheen, was doing very well in the ratings, holding most if not all of Raymond's lead-in audience most weeks, so the network was hopeful that it would continue to perform on its own. And that it did. Seasons three through eight have each ranked the show as the most-watched comedy on television, and the lead-out slot has helped launched such hits as The New Adventures of Old Christine and The Big Bang Theory. This year, CBS decided to stick another Chuck Lorre-produced comedy behind Men, Mike & Molly, and the comedy has blossomed into the highest-rated new comedy of the season, as well as the fifth highest-rated comedy of the season in Adults 18-49.

          In a very rare move, CBS secured three additional seasons of Men in 2009, ensuring the series would continue at least until the 2012 season. Considering the ratings were there, and Men was also proving a giant cash-cow in syndication, there was no reason to think that the show wouldn't last until at least a ninth season. The only wild card remained star Charlie Sheen, and his contract, which expired at the conclusion of season seven. A new deal was put into place in May 2010, but the the increasingly troubled Sheen was quickly becoming a liability to the studio. If he were to quit, overdose, or require an extended stay at a rehabilitation center, production would be interrupted, and the show would be put in jeopardy. Sheen was integral to the appeal of the show, and producers were hoping that he would get his life together, and at least be able to perform his duties on the show. But, as seen this March, Sheen is far worse off than anyone could have seen, and he was subsequently terminated from Men on March 7^th. 

          Fingers crossed, the show will return next season, either with a new addition to the cast, or with the remaining cast members, and co-star Jon Cryer, the only cast member to receive an Emmy for his portrayal as Alan Harper, transitioning to the starring role. Whether the show can remain at the top of the ratings is a unknown, but for all of these people to lose their jobs because of the ignorance and ego of the star would be a real shame.