NBC Axes "Enemy" And "Jungle" Amid Ratings Woes

NEW YORK — Add Christian Slater and Brooke Shields to the list of actors with TV failures on their records.

NBC is pulling the plug on "My Own Worst Enemy" and "Lipstick Jungle," two of its more high-profile young series, according to two network executives who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly about the decision.

The network will not order new episodes of either series when their current orders _ nine in the case of "My Own Worst Enemy" and 13 for "Lipstick Jungle" _ run out, the executives said.

"My Own Worst Enemy" was given a big promotional pitch by NBC. The psychological thriller starred Slater as a man who had two separate identities and lives, and was slowly coming to learn about the situation.

But it was just another new series that viewers shrugged their shoulders at in the lackluster new TV season. The series ranked No. 61 in the Nielsen Media Research season standings, averaging just under 5 million viewers each week.

Shields was one of three hard-driving Manhattan career women in "Lipstick Jungle," one of two series that premiered last season with clear bloodlines to HBO's "Sex and the City." It was averaging just 4.2 million viewers for each new episode this season, according to Nielsen.

If it's any consolation to NBC and Shields, "Lipstick Jungle" at least lasted longer than "Cashmere Mafia," the ABC version of the New York career women story.

The executives said it was still not clear whether all the episodes that have been shot for each series will be used.

Comments

[kimmr]

I have fallen in love with this show and am heartbroken that they did not give it time (and press) to catch on. It took me a few weeks, but now I'm hooked. I think that it suits Christian Slater perfectly in that it plays into all his strengths and I've never been a fan of his. They've got an amazing cast and a unique and compelling storyline. It's a shame, a travesty really when you think of most of the typical, unimaginative junk we usually put up with.

[Beowolf741]

They should never have cancelled Journeyman.

[111]

I liked "Enemy" but was never interested in "Lipstick". I don't understand how people who do the programming expect shows to succeed or fail after only four episodes. Maybe the time slot wasn't right. Oh well.

[FCorey]

If you saw BOURNE IDENTITY or SEX IN THE CITY before, then you saw both of these shows.

Sorry Chris...Brooke....small screen just isn't for everyone.

[Jo Manning]

Was never moved to watch Lipstick Jungle -- the promos were dreadful! -- but did catch the first episode of My Own Worst Enemy. It was lousy.

[bpowell1]

I never saw my own worst enemy, but, Lipstick Jungle was great. I really hope they do not cancel that show. After girlfriends and sex in the city I finally thought I found another show to be addicted to. That is a really great show. It is nothing like Sex in the City except they are in new your. Other than that they were two totally different shows.

[LMKay66]

NBC ditched good shows like Friday Night Lights so they could put this garbage on. This network is starting to look as bad as the McCain campaign.

[FCorey]

I agree. NBC hasn't had a good Thursday night line since FRIENDS went off the air and ER turned into a desperate version of GREY'S (which is just ER XXX). They ruined SCRUBS by moving it all over the damn place and bombarded viewers with THE OFFICE until I literally could not watch it.

I was hoping 30 ROCK would carry the NBC Thursday night torch, but it seems to be losing steam and I don't even watch it on my DVR because it gets bumped for a good documentary or something else relevant.

[yngskywlkr]

About time !!

[DeniseD]

Brooke Shields is sooooo overrated. What did they expect?

[FCorey]

Since BLUE LAGOON. The only reason BROOKE is still around or made noteriety in the first place is because of the CALVIN KLEIN kiddie-porn controversy.

[texrednface]

Please NBC make "HEROS" , "KNIGHTRIDER", and "DEAL or NO DEAL" the next to go.
Though in defense of "Deal or NoDeal", I must say the plot is better than "heros"

[philosopherkingtomas]

too confusing Slater !

[clarinetmama]

Put this show on USA Network, NBC's "sister" network.

[tiajudita]

Enemy is the only new good show on the networks. They should move it to one of the cable networks.

[blakfist]

i kinda liked My Own Worst Enemy, I mean the concept, but Slater hasn't grown on me...overall i find myself TIVO'ing it because i got caught up in the story line

[Stripe007]

I agree! new time slot. NBC at the very least should play all 9 ("My Own Worst Enemy) episodes before it decides to can it. Get a recount on the ratings!!! I think it's too close to call.

[kathy001]

At least try a new time slot for "My Own Worst Enemy." Please!!! That's a great show.