I wonder if when Shirley Booth heard that Don DeFore's and Whitney Blake's contracts weren't renewed for the fifth season, if she petitioned for the sponsor/network/producers to in fact renew their contracts. I mean consider that Shirley knew the show was a hit and at least the on-screen chemistry between all the cast was great (obviously we don't know what went on behind the scenes).

Why would she not have tried to get them to stay on the show? For all I know, she did try, but if she didn't, then I'm really disappointed in her for not trying.

Anyone have any insights on this?

Didn't I read on here somewhere, there was some friction between Booth, and Blake...?

The series wasn't the same for me in the 5th season. Don DeFore always cracked me up, and I never got tired of looking at Whitney.

I also read an interview with Shirley Booth, and she said she owned a piece of the show. Don't know how much clout that gave her though.

Yes, I think you're right that Ms. Booth did own a percentage of the show. I also think I've read that Don DeFore owned a small percent as well. I just can't believe a network would throw out two successful cast members, particularly if the show was just going to run one more season.

The show switched from NBC to CBS for the fifth season so maybe that explains it. NBC was planning to drop the show and CBS picked it up. But if CBS was so interested they picked it up, you'd think they would keep the same successful formula/cast intact.

Also, I hope that Ms. Booth went to bat for both DeFore and Blake in an effort to keep them on the show.

As I remember; Shirley Booth purchased the show rights; and after looking at the payroll decided not to renew the contracts of Defore or Blake - since they wanted more money!

I remember reading that CBS wanted younger demographics so the "younger" Baxters were cast...

I remember reading that CBS wanted younger demographics so the "younger" Baxters were cast...

True!

Yes it was cancelled on NBC due to low ratings and Booth bought the rights to the show and CBS picked it up.