I've always wondered, when the major star of a show passes away, what does the network do with the show?

Originally posted by Christopher
I've always wondered, when the major star of a show passes away, what does the network do with the show?


I wonder what happens also.

8 simple rules might just jump the shark. It wouldn't be good in my opinion if they replaced his character.. we will miss you john ritter :(

Someone told me that they said they had no comments on the future of 8 simple rules

I don't think we'll know for awhile.

I think it will take some time for this all to be decided. I don't see how the show will continue without him. The cast was all good, but he was really the hook- the personality that held the show together and made it not just another sitcom.

The producers, etc. have some really tough decisions ahead of them. I am sure that today the whole production company is in mourning- circling the wagons to protect the (cast and crew)family from the onslaught of questions and probing from the press and fans. In the comming days, there will certainly be meetings and powows from the production offices all the way up to the heads of the network, but for now I can guarantee you everyone involved in the show is thinking about each other and John's family and friends. Lets remember that these are real people folks- his fame will make this harder at times and easier at times. For those so inclined, I think now would be a good time for a short prayer for all of them.

Mark

Not only that but he collapsed on the set. I don't think any of them are thinking about the show today.

I'm pretty show his death will mark the end of the show.

I honestly think it will be canceled.

Originally posted by Unwanted Angel
I honestly think it will be canceled.

I agree

I really liked the show, despite the very long title, and really want to see the show continue.

If it were to continue, they could do the break thing & explain that the character died (the same way, maybe) and go on from there. The show could even move to a new city (if needed).

I think the show could have the potential of being a new version of "Kate & Alley". Anyone remember that show? Of course their premises was rebuilding a life after divorce..

TV doesn't really embrace the difficult anymore. Sure they're an episode on drugs now and then or drinking and driving...but how many shows embraced the topic of 9/11?? None of the sitcoms come to mind as doing this.

8 Simple Rules will unfortunately go off to the shelf as an unfinished work...gone before its time, much like the actor. I'll miss him & the show.

I am, however, glad they got in a nudge to 3's Company last season..that was very cute...

Christopher Powers

I think John Ritter would want the show to go on without him. He seemed like a show biz trooper to me. I can think of one example where the star of a show died and it continued. In the 70's, Diana Hyland died after the first season of "Eight is Enough". She was successfully replaced by Betty Buckley as the new stepmother. After that, Hyland's character was mentioned quite frequently. Maybe "8 Simple Rules" could pay tribute to Ritter in that way.

Eight is Enough wasn't a sitcom, it was a drama with comediac highpoints.

8 Simple Rules was a comedy vehicle for Ritter. Other sitcoms that have had these similiar situations rarely even acknowledged the event.

The 'coach, bartender' character from Cheers was one of the only sitcoms I can think of that had a cast member die suddenly... They didn't talk about it, aside from briefly, and did replace the character..but that's VERY RARE..

Can anyone think of another sitcom (not drama) series that replaced a character who died suddenly?? Or can you name a show that ended because of that event?

My Sister Sam 1988

Originally posted by Christopher Powers
Eight is Enough wasn't a sitcom, it was a drama with comediac highpoints.

8 Simple Rules was a comedy vehicle for Ritter. Other sitcoms that have had these similiar situations rarely even acknowledged the event.

The 'coach, bartender' character from Cheers was one of the only sitcoms I can think of that had a cast member die suddenly... They didn't talk about it, aside from briefly, and did replace the character..but that's VERY RARE..

Can anyone think of another sitcom (not drama) series that replaced a character who died suddenly?? Or can you name a show that ended because of that event?

Newsradio-Phil Hartman

Originally posted by Christopher Powers
Eight is Enough wasn't a sitcom, it was a drama with comediac highpoints.

8 Simple Rules was a comedy vehicle for Ritter. Other sitcoms that have had these similiar situations rarely even acknowledged the event.

The 'coach, bartender' character from Cheers was one of the only sitcoms I can think of that had a cast member die suddenly... They didn't talk about it, aside from briefly, and did replace the character..but that's VERY RARE..

Can anyone think of another sitcom (not drama) series that replaced a character who died suddenly?? Or can you name a show that ended because of that event? The chief on Gimme A Break died but I think he had been ill. They didn't replace him but the show was just never the same. They replaced Selma and Florence on Night Court but they were only Supporting characters. The difference here is that John Ritter was the star. Imagine how it would have been if he was replaced on Three's Company.

Suddenly Susan is another example. I don't remember the actor's name, and I never watched the show, so I don't know the character name. Anyone know how they explained is absence?

Also, Judging Amy was another. The actor playing Maxine's fiance died in the middle of the season, and they also had the character die. Very very sad episode.

All the shows mentioned featuring supporting actors or actors in ensemble shows. While they were important, it was easily conceivable the show can go on without them. The dynamic of "8SR" was John and the daughters and it's not something you can just not talk about

I don't think you can be successful and replace the father. The best thing the producers can do is an episode where Ritter's character is killed and an uncle or grandfather comes in to try to fill the void.

If that doesn't work, the show will probably be cancelled.

As much as i like the show, it should be cancelled. There is no show without John.

Let me ask you this....when Shelly Long left Cheers, should the show have been cancelled? Comedies have continued without their main stars but how they are replace has to be done just right.

Shelley Long on Cheers is completely different.
She was just part of a supporting cast.

Without John Ritter, 8 Simple Rules is dead.

I think they should end it, although, continue showing episodes of the show.

And I also think bringing in an uncle or grandfather is not a good idea, because it would simply be trying to recreate the father character.

Different Actors/Same Characters will bring the show to an end, after all, the whole premise of the show is the relationship of the father and the daughters.

I think the remaining shows should still come out, all as a tribute to John Ritter.

This show was destined to become THE sitcom of the 2000's.

Originally posted by Krusty
Let me ask you this....when Shelly Long left Cheers, should the show have been cancelled? Comedies have continued without their main stars but how they are replace has to be done just right.




That is totally different. Shelly is alive, John isn't. The show should end. It would be a disgrace to continue it. John was the show imo.

Ritter might have died but does that mean the show should die? Would have Ritter wanted that? IMO, I don't think so.

The producers need to go forward and let the fans decide. If the ratings plummet, then go ahead and cancel. Can the show still be a success without Ritter? If the scripts are creative and still witty, the show might survive.

I read they have 4 episodes ready for this season, but I'm not sure if they will ever air.

Originally posted by Krusty
Ritter might have died but does that mean the show should die? Would have Ritter wanted that? IMO, I don't think so.

The producers need to go forward and let the fans decide. If the ratings plummet, then go ahead and cancel. Can the show still be a success without Ritter? If the scripts are creative and still witty, the show might survive.




John Ritter made this show funny. He is an important character. I hope they end it. Just my opinion.

ABC and Disney might have a different opinion. It was a money-maker for them. You make a good point but in Hollywood it is about money and successl.

I hope the show will continue. I'm sure they'd have a very touching episode dealing with his death.

Originally posted by Christopher Powers
Eight is Enough wasn't a sitcom, it was a drama with comediac highpoints.

8 Simple Rules was a comedy vehicle for Ritter. Other sitcoms that have had these similiar situations rarely even acknowledged the event.

The 'coach, bartender' character from Cheers was one of the only sitcoms I can think of that had a cast member die suddenly... They didn't talk about it, aside from briefly, and did replace the character..but that's VERY RARE..

Can anyone think of another sitcom (not drama) series that replaced a character who died suddenly?? Or can you name a show that ended because of that event?

Yes Coach did get replaced but they did mention him several times throughout the seasons. Whenever Sam felt sad or something he would sometimes say he wishes coach were there to tell him what to do. They even did an episode where Sam and Woody Started Singing "Home on the Range" and then the entire bar joined in to honor coach...but This was Cheers an ensemble comedy...and Coach was a principle character...but he wasn't one of the two Main Characters (i.e. Shelley Long and Ted Danson)

In the case of 8 Simple rules...the show is called "8 Simple rules for dating MY teenage daughter" therefore the title implies john and or Katy...so they can't replace him or "explain" his death.

Originally posted by barwars88
Shelley Long on Cheers is completely different.
She was just part of a supporting cast.

Without John Ritter, 8 Simple Rules is dead.

I think they should end it, although, continue showing episodes of the show.

And I also think bringing in an uncle or grandfather is not a good idea, because it would simply be trying to recreate the father character.

Different Actors/Same Characters will bring the show to an end, after all, the whole premise of the show is the relationship of the father and the daughters.

I think the remaining shows should still come out, all as a tribute to John Ritter.

This show was destined to become THE sitcom of the 2000's.

Tim even though I agree with you that the show should be cancelled, Shelley Long WAS a main character and not part of the supporting cast like John or Bebe. The thing was that they still had their other Main Character Ted, plus since it was an ensemble comedy they had several other actors who could replace the void of the Sam and Diane relationship...hence lilith is brought back for good, Frasier and Her become the "Cheers couple" then when they got married they needed newer tension hence "Kelly and Woody".

You can't just distract the audience of Johns death by focusing on the "Doyles". That's why the show should be cancelled, it was about HIM dealing with HIS teenage daughters....

8 Simple Rules wouldn't be the same without John Ritter. I starting watching this show because John Ritter was in it. John was the show.

I don't think the show will be coming back.
They could recast the part, or write Ritter's character out of the show, but there is no way it would be the same. As stated in the above post, he was the show.

Hopefully, any new episodes that were completed will be shown sometime in the future as a tribute to John.

I, personally think John Ritter would want the show to continue... that's just the person he was.

We just have to wait and see.

In todays money making world, what could happen if the show would continue is change the name of the show and tie in his death in to the new "theme of the show". The opening sequence of the completed shows would be converted to the new format in repeats and in syndication.

I remember when Jack Soo who played Sgt. Nick Yemana passed away during the run of Barney Miller. The cast did a touching episode where they came out of character, broke the 4th wall and addressed the audience as themselves. They shared their memories of and stories about Jack. I would like to see the Eight Simple Rules cast do somthing similiar for John.

personally i dont think we should be saying what john would want because we dont know what he would want. 8 simple rules was my favorite show and it should continue. I think that we could get maby 1 of johns sons and play the charactor of him, dressed and looking ecxatly like his father. They should play those 4 episodes as a tribute to john and i think because of the successful show it was it might be able to survive w/o john. I wish he didnt die though, he was one of my favorite actors and i was shocked when i found out about his passing.


IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN RITTER (1964-2003)(UNFORTONATLY)

Although these cases weren't deaths and it my be a factor in this case we have the examples of Bewitched and the Hogan Family.

The Hogan Family was originally Valerie's Family with Valerie Harper but she left and was replaced by Sandy Duncan and the show ran for several years and had a fairly strong life in syndication.

Dick York left Bewitched because of a really bad back and was replaced by Dick Sargent.

There's a more somber element with Mr. Ritter's death in this case, kind of a shadow over whoever might take up a similar role. Although I think they explained Valerie Harper's abscence as a death. -- Brainfreiz

there's no word on what will happen to the show.

Originally posted by Christopher Powers
Eight is Enough wasn't a sitcom, it was a drama with comediac highpoints.

8 Simple Rules was a comedy vehicle for Ritter. Other sitcoms that have had these similiar situations rarely even acknowledged the event.

The 'coach, bartender' character from Cheers was one of the only sitcoms I can think of that had a cast member die suddenly... They didn't talk about it, aside from briefly, and did replace the character..but that's VERY RARE..

Can anyone think of another sitcom (not drama) series that replaced a character who died suddenly?? Or can you name a show that ended because of that event?


Chico & The Man. When Freddie Prinze died during the run of his series, he was replaced by a little kid called "Chico". The show didn't last long after that and it was cancelled. Redd Foxxx's last series called Royal Family replaced him when he died with Jackee Harry and that too was cancelled shortly after. I think at some point they should air the completed episodes and then end the series with a retrospective look of John Ritter as told by the cast members.

As history has taught us, when producers try replace the lead character of a hit series, things tend to go downhill from there. Too much fan resistance to accept someone else in the role. Here's hoping ABC does the right thing.

Originally posted by Jen1982
Just announced....the show has been cancelled indefinitely and the season premire has been postponed. This was announced on the 4PM news. For those who were wondering the status of the show.





So they did cancel the show? If they did, then why does Yahoo have a news story saying they have no clue what they will do now that John Ritter passed away?

No decision had been made Friday about the future of Ritter's comedy, "8 Simple Rules ... for Dating My Teenage Daughter," a network spokesman said.


That is a quote from this news article (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=494&ncid=763&e=2&u=/ap/20030913/ap_en_tv/ritter_8_simple_rules)

Originally posted by Christopher
So they did cancel the show? If they did, then why does Yahoo have a news story saying they have no clue what they will do now that John Ritter passed away?




That is a quote from this news article (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=494&ncid=763&e=2&u=/ap/20030913/ap_en_tv/ritter_8_simple_rules) The show isn't canceled yet. It probably suspended production of the show indeffinately. The same thing happened on the District last spring when Lynne Thigpen died. They started back up and this fall is going into its 4th season.

I was just saying a few days ago I can't wait for the 23rd so the new season starts..Now, its weird knowing there may be no more future to this show. Its the only "current sitcom" I watch. If it does continue, they better not replace John. the best way to go would make the show revolve around katey, but i can't see it happening.

Originally posted by Nirvana
If it does continue, they better not replace John. the best way to go would make the show revolve around katey, but i can't see it happening.

Accodring to an article in today's Daily News, various "sources" around Hollywood are saying if the show does continue, there will probably be an episode dealing with the death of Ritter's character.
The "sources" said Ritter could be replaced by a new male character - an uncle - brought in to care for the children.

Several names have alread been mentioned, notably Henry Winkler and Tony Danza.

I agree with Nirvana. Replacing Ritter with another father figure will not work. As we have seen before, a show rarely survives when the lead is replaced.

I think a bold move would be for the show to continue with Katey Segal taking the lead. The show would take a more sad tone, with Katey playing a widow with three kids to raise, but if it is done right, it could make for a good continuation of the series.

After all, what's wrong with Miss Segal dispensing the "rules" for dating her teenage daughters?

Henry Winkler and John Ritter were close personal friends...

I think Henry Winkler as an 'uncle' would be a great idea... I think anyone as a 'new husband' wouldn't be...but Winkler would be okay as a relative..

I don't think the 'Uncle' thing would work with Danza... Tony Danza is a series killer..he's like Ted McGillis...and the show would jump the shark big time..

John Ritter was perfect for the show. The 8SR show was great and it was great because of him. The whole point of the show was the father being overprotective about his daughters. Nobody will be able to fully replace him. To have no father and to have a relative replace him would take the show in another direction. I think John would have liked the show to continue, but how? Tony Danza, Bob Saget, Patrick Duffy (Step by Step) would be good for the part, but not as good as John Ritter. We will all miss John! He was a great actor and had a friendly personality. The TV world will miss his talent.

This was quite the tragic shock. :(

I hope they don't replace him- as noted before, when the producers do a lackluster job of dealing with the death or absence of an actor, the series tends to go downhill. Besides, John was one of a kind.

Take Bewitched- Alice Pearce died of cancer and they replaced her with Sandra Gould as Gladys Kravitz. It just wasn't the same.

On the other hand, when Marion Lorne (Aunt Clara) died, instead of being replaced, she was just never mentioned again, and later, a shy witch-maid, Esmeralda, was introduced as the spell miscaster.

Both Pearce and Lorne won posthumous supporting actress Emmy awards.

And of course, the Dick York to Sargent Darrin switch. What York said in a 1965 TV Guide interview four years before that is kinda creepy: "Maybe it’s me, I don’t think so, but the only way to tell if it’s me or not is to kill me off in one show, give the witch another husband and see if I’m missed."

Apparently. The ratings dropped, and despite what some have said, there WERE letters sent asking "Where's Dick York?"

So I really like the retrospective/tribute idea, and then have the series continue sorta like when Phil Hartman died on "NewsRadio"- that his character died as well and they must cope with it. It seems fitting.

I can buy Winkler as Ritter's brother.Danza, I can't.Besides, Tony is typecasted as the dumb Italian guy.Can he play anything else? I doubt it.Winkler could do a good job.No, he won't be John but no one will ever be John.8SR WAS John's show.Newsradio was missing something without Phil Hartman but they continued the show.8SR should do the same thing and although it won't be the same with Winkler (I hope it's Winkler.I REALY don't want it to star Danza), It'll be good to see the characters live on.

BTW, Isn't it kind of funny that 8SR might go from starring Pav's favorite actor (Ritter) to starring TJ's favorite actor (Winkler)?

I think they should have Paul die off camera and explain it and then it will leave Kate a single mom raising kids, then eventually brining on a new male to play opposite Katy. This was my fave show for this fall for comedys. Im so upset about John ( JACK Tripper forever) dying. Im so devastated. Im wondering if Katy Sagal or any of the kids on the show will somment any time soon. John will be missed.

I don't like the idea that they're considering on changing the whole premise of the show, I can see it working but it won't be the same without out him, because he was the main focus of the show and nobody will be as great and as funny as him. Atleast they aren't thinking of replacing his character, but rather bringing in an uncle, and having Katey as a single mom raising her three kids, so it will be sort of like a new spin on Full House. Eventhough the show proved to be popular in the ratings, I think if they did replace him the show would most likely be drop in the ratings or be cancelled, because many of the viewers were John Ritter fans, and they would be losing part of the shows audience.

Originally posted by Impressions
I don't like the idea that they're considering on changing the whole premise of the show, I can see it working but it won't be the same without out him, because he was the main focus of the show and nobody will be as great and as funny as him. Atleast they aren't thinking of replacing his character, but rather bringing in an uncle, and having Katey as a single mom raising her three kids, so it will be sort of like a new spin on Full House. Eventhough the show proved to be popular in the ratings, I think if they did replace him the show would most likely be drop in the ratings or be cancelled, because many of the viewers were John Ritter fans, and they would be losing part of the shows audience.


Indeed. John Ritter was the hook of the whole show. If they do decide to continue and bring an uncle in or have the mother raise the kids on her own, could the show still be called Eight Simple Rules?

I think the name of the show should be cut to "8 Simple Rules" if another character is brought in.

But I think the show should end, most viewers were John Ritter fans, and the show will definately loose something without him.

I don't think the show should end. Although I admit that John Ritter was the heart of the show, if they found the right actor (Henry Winkler) the series could continue. I would just hate to see this wonderful show come to an abrupt end. Although I guess it already has. Even if they do continue, the 8SR as we know it is gone.

I also think they should shorten to title to "8 Simple Rules". I think everybody will understand that at one time it used to be called "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter." So there wouldn'tbe any question about "why is this show called 8 Simple Rules?" It's like when Freddie Prinze died, he played Chico in "Chico and the Man." After his death the series continued and kept the title the same.

Just the day before John's passing, I thought that ABC fnally had a hit and that 8SR could go on for a long time. It's a shame what happened. But I would like to see the series bounce back from this tremendous loss.

John Ritter, you were the best.

Everything I've seen her in, she's died... Hahah, okay, I'm sorry..that's bad.. She's just not my favorite actress.

Originally posted by Christopher
That is totally different. Shelly is alive, John isn't. The show should end. It would be a disgrace to continue it. John was the show imo.

Ironically Henry Winkler was on the set that day...he was guest starring in that episode.

I watched Winkler on Larry King the other night. Oh also, FYI, Larry King is doing a dual show this Monday. Half of it will be about Johnny Cash the other half will be about John Ritter..I don't know which subject will be first..I'm assuming Ritter but not sure..

Christopher

p.s. Also, I'm assuming A&E or Biography will be doing a Bio on Ritter..Can anyone post a message when they know something..

What's with all of this talk about what "John would have wanted"?

How can anyone possibly know what he would have wanted? Unless Larry King asked him "John, if you should die suddenly, should the show continue without you?"...but I don't think that happened...

It bugs me just a little bit when people who obviously never knew the deceased, especially in the case of celebrities, are always telling the rest of us what they would have wanted...

What if one (or both) of the daughters had been killed in an accident or something...would John have replaced her (or them) as if nothing happened? I'm sure y'all know the answers to that question as well...

Anyway, to those of you who think you know what John would have wanted, thanks for looking inside his soul and letting us know what was in there....

Originally posted by Tweety
What's with all of this talk about what "John would have wanted"?

Anyway, to those of you who think you know what John would have wanted, thanks for looking inside his soul and letting us know what was in there....

I can't speak for John, but if I had my own TV show, I would definately want the show to go on after my death. And Mr. Ritter always seemed like a great guy, so why wouldn't he want them to continue the show?

Originally posted by TVAdam
I can't speak for John, but if I had my own TV show, I would definately want the show to go on after my death. And Mr. Ritter always seemed like a great guy, so why wouldn't he want them to continue the show? very true. Totally agree.

The latest buzz is that the show will go on in some way. Nothing is official though until ABC announces it sometime this week. I'm expecting Katey Sagal will be the lead now (with a tribute episode to John and airing the 3 episodes he last did) or they bring in someone like Henry Winkler as a male lead (not as a replacement for Paul, a person to take care of the family).

They should definitly do what they decide to do in a respectable way for John Ritter. If they decide to pull the show they should have all the actors and producers of the show appear out of character and just talk about John Ritter and the show, and close it for him and pay tribute; He is one of the most respected guys ABC had and they have to give it a closure. My Thoughts

So let me take a shot at this yet again. If the show goes on without John, perhaps it'll be known as "Eight Simple Rules For Raising My kids" or "Eight Simple Rules For Dating My Mother?" I can see the kids being a bit overprotective of their Mom if she was to start dating again and all the adventures that ensue because of it. I'm betting ABC will more than likely go with the Raising My Kids angle and at some point in the future have Katey Sagal's character start dating.

God the more i think about it all the more sad it gets. John Ritter is dead. it is too hard for me to grasp. I can not believe it. Just the angle the show would take and then Katey stepping in as the leader all the sudden and the whole show taking a big turn. Its all to much and too hard to believe that a fine actor and human being is dead all the sudden. I do like your ideas though TV guy, I'm sure it would work if the audience could accept it and give the show a chance. would never be the same with John Ritter because he provided a huge spark in everything he did, especially this.

Originally posted by Christopher Powers
Ironically Henry Winkler was on the set that day...he was guest starring in that episode.


That's not ironic.I believe that's why they are considering him as the new male lead.

What IS ironic is that John Ritter hosted The TV Land Awards and that the 1st person he announced onto the stage was none other than Henry Winkler :eek:.

I agree with what someone stated earlier. I think John Ritter would have wanted the series to go on. Obviously, the 3 complete episodes should air out of respect for John and his final days. After they air, I think perhaps, the series will have to pull a Valerie/Hogan Family stunt or a better example a Good Times stunt. I personally, think the series title should stay the same and have John's character die in the series as well, much like they did in Good Times and The Hogan Family. After that, I think they should introduce a new character, perhaps a romantic interest for Cate and in doing that show Cate's individual strengths as a parent.

I just hope a formula can be found that will allow the series to continue.

Why do you have to change the name from 8 simple rules for dating my teenage daughter to just 8 simple rules.... Does a daughter only consist of her father or do both parents get a say in the rules
Are you saying that if your a mother to a teenage daughter only the father sets the rules and that a mother is just the baby maker?

So okay the title does not say 8 simple rules for dating "PAULS"....it simply says "MY" and my could imply both parents or just simply the parent left in the house.

I think that it is sad and awful that John Ritter passed away and as suddenly as he did, but no one knows his feelings on how he would want the show to continue as, name to be changed to or if he owuld want it cancelled. It is sad and the show is supposed to be a comedy but even a comedy deserves the respect to have a dramatic moment, have the affects of life go on and then instead of assuming the the word my in the title was only specifically labeled for Pauls character just leave it alone and understand that their were two parents in the home and now it is down to oly one and she has to step up to the plate and set the rules for her daughter that would make the my in the title imply to the mother

When a person dies where you work does your company go ut of business? I think not! If your boss or co-worker passes away it is understandibly hard to continue or return to work but life goes on and time helas your wounds. Its a shock for these cast and crew members but the show ca be written if done correctly to finish a memorial show or a conclusion to the show and/or what ever the cast and crew agree upon doing. Its up to you if you continue to watch or not, but a show does not fail with loyal veiwers tuning in it fails when people stop watching.

Also who are we to say that the show should be cancelled it is not our show to work on, our source of income our livelyhood does not depend on the show, it is up to the crew to decide how they wat to handle this situation.

I dont think its its realistic nor funny to have an overbearing mother on her daughters' dating lifes, and that if the show does go on, it should be shortened to "8 Simple Rules", because it's simpler, and it would be similar to
"Two Guys, A Girl and A Pizza Place"
changing to....
"Two Guys and a Girl"

I dont think its its realistic nor funny to have an overbearing mother on her daughters' dating lifes, and that if the show does go on, it should be shortened to "8 Simple Rules", because it's simpler, and it would be similar to
"Two Guys, A Girl and A Pizza Place"
changing to....
"Two Guys and a Girl"

First post...found this site after John's passing to see what others thought of him..........

I think the show should go on while adding another male lead. I am in favor of Henry Winkler like others but in a supporting role . When Kate decides to date (if she decides) the kids could become jealous(especially the girls) and they could remember back to Paul lecturing them and being protective of them all the while realizing that he was just looking out for them. The kids would start to be cautious of guys that Kate is dating just the way Paul was with them. The producers could include flashbacks to old episodes where Paul was getting on the girls especially Bridget.That would be a way to keep Ritter's memory alive.

although Dallas wasn't a comedy, the father died on that so they had the character die and then remained a pretty successful show afterwards...

It's officilal the show is going on. The series will have its season premiere next week and John's death will be put into the show. It doesn't look like any other actor will be joining the cast, at least for the time being.

Originally posted by mr roper
It's officilal the show is going on. The series will have its season premiere next week and John's death will be put into the show. It doesn't look like any other actor will be joining the cast, at least for the time being.

Yeah, I found out on E! News. It was with Amy's approval, and they said he believed so much in the show and loved it so much that they were sure the best thing to do was to keep it on the air.

yeah they just announced it on the abc special..this is very dumb imho..they should just cancel it now...becuz without john, its just gonna get cancelled anyways when it goes on without him.

RIP jack.

For all you people who say the show should be cancelled do you not have any faith in the other actors on the show of being able to make it successful, or where you only John Ritter fans?
If you like the show what was it you liked only the character Paul or the show in general. All the cast and crew are extremely talented actors/writers etc... and I am sure that they will have enough class to pull together and keep in the spirit of the show and with John Ritters memory. The success of a show not only involves the main character but also the supporting cast as well and the loyal viewers. A lot of you sound like fair weathered viewers. The new shows without John Ritter have not even been taped and yet you people are calling the show a failure. At least give it a chance before you criticize. Let them have a season to test the way the audience reacts before you blame the cast and crew and ABC for going ahead with the show and callin ghtem failures or the show a failure without John Ritter.

John Ritter was the reason I watched the show in the first place but I do like the supporting cast and I am willing to give it a chance.

Originally posted by mr roper
John Ritter was the reason I watched the show in the first place but I do like the supporting cast and I am willing to give it a chance.

yeah me too, i guess.

I may be way off here since this was not an actual passing away of a person/character...but didnt Chrissy (Suzanne Somers) leave Three's Company? The critics and the viewers all said it would fail without the Chrissy character, but the show only slid down the ratings for a short while only to be brought back to a top status again...the writers were able to finally write another strong character into the show (Terri) and help bring back the comedy.
I am sad that John Ritter passed away and think that the comedy that 8 SRFDMTD will have a different direction I think that it can still find a way to be comical...Its still a shock and a big change to the show but that does not mean that it cannot still bring a little laughter into our lives as Jack Tripper and Paul have done.
I have read posts were some say John Ritter would want the show to go on, I think that all John Ritter wants from his death is to know that he made us laugh and he was successful at that and would want people to keep on laughing in any way that they can.If you want to honor him then keep watching the show he was so proud of and keep laughing

Well that announcement regarding the fate of the show was quick. I thought it would be at least month before the brass at ABC decided what they were going to do. It also looks as though my prediction in the show direction came true. The family is going to deal with his death on the show and try to move on. As for finding another male lead, I think the producers should wait until next season to do that.

I think that it would be great to continue on cause most shows today are reality shows, but not the reality most of us live in...This show could be the stepping stone to putting real tragedy into a show and finally be a show where us viewers can relate to the characters. I also think the show will change considerable and maybe thats not a bad thing, it could bring a whole new audience that never watched the show before, it could be out of curiosity or it could bring those people who like drama to the alphabet channel.
I'm just saying that people will tune in for their own reasons, personally I will tune in cause I am a fan of the show as well as John Ritter. As long as the show is on his memory is alive and well. Each cast member will carry a peice of him to work and carry a peice of him in their work on the show and that will keep his spirit in the show

Even though the show is going on, I dont think it will be funny, for at least a couple of episodes.
The entire family looses someone they love, and then just spur out a joke?!

I think it will become much more of a serious show for most of this season.

And if Kate IS pregnant, with Paul dead, it would be very hard to make light of the situation.