"At The Movies," the show made famous by Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, has been canceled. But with the end of the iconic film program could be a new beginning--as Ebert revealed his plans for a new, more modern movie review show.
"After 24 seasons with us in national syndication, the highly regarded movie review show 'At the Movies' (formerly known as "Siskel & Ebert" and "Ebert & Roeper") will air its last original broadcast the weekend of August 14, 2010," Distributor Disney-ABC Domestic said in a statement.
The show's distributor acknowledged the program's "rich history and iconic status," but said the format of the program was outdated--and noted the "incomparable" critics who started it all: Ebert and the late Gene Siskel.
In his blog, Ebert seemed to agree with Disney's decision, saying that movie reviewing had outgrown the genre--but also adding that he and his wife are moving forward with plans of a new show:
I can't reveal details about the talks we're deeply involved in. I can say that the working title was "Roger Ebert presents Fill in Words Here," and that it has now become "Roger Ebert presents At the Movies."
...I can also say that we held video tests with several potential hosts two weeks ago in Los Angeles, and know who we will use. We also know we will have a strong web presence. We will go full-tilt New Media: Television, net streaming, cell phone apps, Facebook, Twitter, iPad, the whole enchilada. The disintegration of the old model creates an opening for us. I'm more excited than I would be if we were trying to do the same old same old. I've grown up with the internet. I came aboard back when MCI Mail was the e-mail of choice. I had a forum on CompuServe when it ruled the web. My web site and blog at the Sun-Times site have changed the way I work, and even the way I think. When I lost my speech, I speeded up instead of slowing down.
We'll also go New Cinema. Not just the One Weekend Wonders, although you gotta have 'em, but indie films, foreign films, documentaries, restored classics, the new Herzog, the new Bahrani, the new Almodovar.
Ebert also told readers no one was to blame for the demise of "At The Movies" aside from, well:
"Blame the fact that cable TV and the internet have fragmented the audience so much that stations are losing market share no matter what they do. Blame the economy, because many stations would rather sell a crappy half-hour infomercial than program a show they respect. Blame the fact that everything seems to be going to hell in a hand basket."
Ebert added that people are tired of watching bad, blockbuster movies and that it is time really good movies are paid attention to on television:
"Does that sound like a pitch? Probably. I think it's also a business plan."
Read more about Ebert's plans here.
If you want a dose of nostalgia, watch the intro from Siskel and Ebert's classic show here: