http://www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/117188p-105693c.html

The show could go on without John Ritter.

ABC-TV and parent company Walt Disney were considering plans yesterday to keep "8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter" going with a new star, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

An ABC spokesman declined to comment on what the show's future might be.

But word around Hollywood was that if the show does keep going, there will be an episode dealing with the death of Ritter's character, a stay-at-home sportswriter named Paul Hennessy who struggles to raise his two teenage daughters and younger son.

The sources said Ritter could be replaced by a new male character - possibly an uncle - brought in to help care for the Hennessy children.

Henry Winkler, Tony Danza, Howie Mandel and Richard Kline, who played Ritter's pal on the '70s sitcom "Three's Company," were among the actors being mentioned for the role.

Three new episodes of "8 Simple Rules" with Ritter have been shot. The second season premiere is scheduled for Sept. 23.

But replacing him will be tricky, because "8 Simple Rules" was built around his well-known TV persona.

"I don't think the show can succeed without him," said Steve Sternberg, an analyst for ad-buying firm Magna Global USA. "He was the draw for the show."

Michael Eisner, chairman of ABC parent Walt Disney Co., will pay tribute to Ritter at the start of the "8 Simple Rules" episodes when they are broadcast.

Originally published on September 12, 2003

Thoughts on this?

I think it would be the classy thing to do to simply end the series, since whatever revamp they come up with will most likely fail. That said, TV is a business, and shutting down the show would put many people out of work. In addition, Disney has sunk a lot of money into the show for over a year, and scripted primetime series generally lose money until they hit syndication for reruns. For financial reasons, I'm sure they will try to keep the show going by bringing in a new male lead and hoping that the show goes on long enough to sell into syndication.

Without 8 Simple Rules the whole ABC Tuesday night lineup could collapse..Because of that ABC will probably try to keep the show no matter if its classy or not.

The uncle/aunt premise worked for Valerie/Valerie's Family/The Hogan Family for awhile. A replacement father could work if they got the right person, unfortunately Ed O'Neil is on Dragnet.

I think John would have liked it to keep going. He seemed so proud of it.

Originally posted by marvin g
The uncle/aunt premise worked for Valerie/Valerie's Family/The Hogan Family for awhile. A replacement father could work if they got the right person, unfortunately Ed O'Neil is on Dragnet. i think Henry Winkler or Richard Kline are the 2 best replacements, if any are needed.

Originally posted by mr roper
Without 8 Simple Rules the whole ABC Tuesday night lineup could collapse..Because of that ABC will probably try to keep the show no matter if its classy or not. very true. 8SR was a big smash for ABC, which hasnt been doing all that well for the past couple of years.

Originally posted by Josh9125
I think John would have liked it to keep going. He seemed so proud of it. he seemed very proud of it. Im 101% sure he would of liked it to keep going.

I'm sure John would want it to keep going. I'm not so sure on the idea of replacing him, but if they do the uncle thing, I think they should go with Henry Winkler.

Originally posted by dr frasier crane
I'm sure John would want it to keep going. I'm not so sure on the idea of replacing him, but if they do the uncle thing, I think they should go with Henry Winkler.

Yeah...I mean personally I don't think I could stand watching it without him for too long but if I had to pick a replacement it would be Henry Winkler.

Personally, I think the show should just end. As great as the show is, I don't think it will do well without him. He was like the HEART of the show and without the heart . . . it's dead pretty much.

If they decide to keep the show going I think a good replacement would be Henry Wrinkler. He's an awsome actor with a big name like John Ritter because of his fame of Happy Days. I think the show needs someone who's famous in order to fill some of the void of John Ritter. Henry Wrinkler might be the key . . .

i agree ^

Henry Winkler.. then Richard Kline..


The other 2 choices would be a JOKE!

I was wondering if the are going to show ALL the episodes in order!

BY the way.. if they do this "idea" .. The show will be cancelled in a year..

just show all the episodes..

the end
:)