Oh great! Ashton Kutcher pulls plug on Punk'd - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian · 12-16-2003, 12:20 AM

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - MTV found itself wishing it was "Punk'd" when Ashton Kutcher (news) announced Friday he was discontinuing the hit series.

The news stunned the teen-targeted cable network, which had ordered a third season of "Punk'd" to begin in March. The current season has ended after an eight-episode run.

"This was something that came out of the blue," an MTV spokeswoman said.

But unlike the pranks he pulls on TV, Kutcher's decision is no hoax. In a statement he released with co-producer Jason Goldberg of Katalyst Prods., the 25-year-old actor said he wanted "Punk'd" to go out on top.

"We have had an incredible time doing the show and have decided to stick with the old adage of 'leave 'em wanting more,"' he said in the statement.

Still unclear is whether MTV announced the third season without obtaining a commitment from its star or whether Kutcher backed out of the agreement. Regardless, both sides still declared their intent to work together on future programing projects as part of a development deal Kutcher has with the network.

"Ashton will always be a member of our family, and he won't be gone from MTV for long," Lois Curren, executive vp series, music and movie development at MTV, said in a statement. "We have a number of projects in development, and we're looking forward to his next big MTV hit."

Sources within MTV suggested that Kutcher pulled the plug because "Punk'd" was becoming a victim of its own success: The exposure the series received was making it more difficult to fool its celebrity subjects. The network is unlikely to continue "Punk'd" without his involvement.

The loss of "Punk'd" leaves a gaping hole in "Sunday Night Stew," MTV's powerhouse programing block between 9-11 p.m. along with lead-outs "Viva la Bam" and "Wildboyz," which also received new episode orders.

Last month, they comprised three of the four highest-rated series on cable, with the exception of wrestling and kids programing, all averaging well over 2 million total viewers per episode. "Punk'd," which anchored the Sunday schedule, ranked highest with 2.8 million.

The network has not yet determined what will replace "Punk'd" in "Stew." A fourth series in the block, "One Bad Trip," is not expected to return.

MTV found itself in a similar situation in 2001 when Johnny Knoxville (news), star of the network's then-reigning hit series "Jackass," suddenly declared the series over after two seasons. Knoxville later signed a new deal with MTV that paved the way for a hit theatrical version of "Jackass."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

______

This is just great.

I saw the first episode of this series and really liked it. Now I see that the series is ending.

Thoughts?

-*Leah*- · 12-16-2003, 12:39 AM

I agree. I really liked this show, but I think Ashton is making a good descision to end it early, because I hate when they play good shows so long that people end up hating them.

Brian · 12-16-2003, 12:45 AM

I do agree in that respect with ending it early but I wouldn't mind if it had one more season.

-*Leah*- · 12-16-2003, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian
I do agree in that respect with ending it early but I wouldn't mind if it had one more season.

Yes, I don't think one more season wouldn't hurt anything.

David · 12-16-2003, 09:28 PM

awwww Punkd is cancelleD!?!?! thats like the best MTV show right now! Argh.

MaydayMalonesGirl · 12-16-2003, 11:12 PM

I liked the first season, but I got kinda bored with the second. I think it was a good choice on Ashton's part to pull the plug.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 12-18-2003, 06:41 PM

That sucks, I like that show. I never watch MTV, if I do it's only that or the Osbournes. Oh well...I guess it is a good idea.

EricIdlefan · 12-20-2003, 04:32 PM

Better to go out on top than the bottom like Seinfeld and MASH!!

barwars · 12-20-2003, 04:36 PM

IMO, no episode could ever live up to the first episode of Punk'd and this season wasnt quite as good as the last. (except for the Halle Barry episode)

I Dream of Jeannie · 12-21-2003, 10:48 AM

In the words of Drake, "It sucks." I loved Punk'D, this sux, but I guess it is best, as someone said the second season wasn't as good as the first. BUT I wanted Dee and Drake to get Punk'D.

-*Leah*- · 12-21-2003, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by I Dream of Jeannie
In the words of Drake, "It sucks." I loved Punk'D, this sux, but I guess it is best, as someone said the second season wasn't as good as the first. BUT I wanted Dee and Drake to get Punk'D.

*coughobsessedcough*

I Dream of Jeannie · 12-21-2003, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by -*Leah*-
*coughobsessedcough*

Now, now, Leah, don't get yourself in a conversation you can't keep up with.

-*Leah*- · 12-22-2003, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by I Dream of Jeannie
Now, now, Leah, don't get yourself in a conversation you can't keep up with.

I'm shocked at you Maegan!

Dean Winchester · 12-23-2003, 03:40 AM

I think it was smart for Ashton's sake. If he kept Punk'd on too long, it'd damage his credibility and make it that much harder for him to find work once That 70's Show ends.

Plus, it is better to pull the plug on a show when people are still interested than wait until people are "that show's still on???"

12-16-2003, 12:20 AM	#1
Brian Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Jun 23, 2001 Posts: 20,451	Oh great! Ashton Kutcher pulls plug on Punk'd NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - MTV found itself wishing it was "Punk'd" when Ashton Kutcher (news) announced Friday he was discontinuing the hit series. The news stunned the teen-targeted cable network, which had ordered a third season of "Punk'd" to begin in March. The current season has ended after an eight-episode run. "This was something that came out of the blue," an MTV spokeswoman said. But unlike the pranks he pulls on TV, Kutcher's decision is no hoax. In a statement he released with co-producer Jason Goldberg of Katalyst Prods., the 25-year-old actor said he wanted "Punk'd" to go out on top. "We have had an incredible time doing the show and have decided to stick with the old adage of 'leave 'em wanting more,"' he said in the statement. Still unclear is whether MTV announced the third season without obtaining a commitment from its star or whether Kutcher backed out of the agreement. Regardless, both sides still declared their intent to work together on future programing projects as part of a development deal Kutcher has with the network. "Ashton will always be a member of our family, and he won't be gone from MTV for long," Lois Curren, executive vp series, music and movie development at MTV, said in a statement. "We have a number of projects in development, and we're looking forward to his next big MTV hit." Sources within MTV suggested that Kutcher pulled the plug because "Punk'd" was becoming a victim of its own success: The exposure the series received was making it more difficult to fool its celebrity subjects. The network is unlikely to continue "Punk'd" without his involvement. The loss of "Punk'd" leaves a gaping hole in "Sunday Night Stew," MTV's powerhouse programing block between 9-11 p.m. along with lead-outs "Viva la Bam" and "Wildboyz," which also received new episode orders. Last month, they comprised three of the four highest-rated series on cable, with the exception of wrestling and kids programing, all averaging well over 2 million total viewers per episode. "Punk'd," which anchored the Sunday schedule, ranked highest with 2.8 million. The network has not yet determined what will replace "Punk'd" in "Stew." A fourth series in the block, "One Bad Trip," is not expected to return. MTV found itself in a similar situation in 2001 when Johnny Knoxville (news), star of the network's then-reigning hit series "Jackass," suddenly declared the series over after two seasons. Knoxville later signed a new deal with MTV that paved the way for a hit theatrical version of "Jackass." Reuters/Hollywood Reporter ______ This is just great. I saw the first episode of this series and really liked it. Now I see that the series is ending. Thoughts?

12-16-2003, 12:39 AM	#2
-Leah- Back for More Forum Fanatic Join Date: Jan 15, 2003 Posts: 10,563	I agree. I really liked this show, but I think Ashton is making a good descision to end it early, because I hate when they play good shows so long that people end up hating them.
	__________________ i'm obsessive when just one thought of you comes up i'm aggressive just one thought of closing up you got me stressing, incessantly pressing the issue cause every moment gone you know I miss you :::::::::::::::::::::::::: this time please someone come and rescue me cause you on my mind it's got me losing it

12-16-2003, 09:28 PM	#5
David mcphee. Forum Superstar Join Date: Jan 30, 2003 Location: jacksonville, FL. Posts: 28,115	awwww Punkd is cancelleD!?!?! thats like the best MTV show right now! Argh.
	__________________ v. 39 - katharine and chris elliott, you rock.

12-18-2003, 06:41 PM	#7
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	That sucks, I like that show. I never watch MTV, if I do it's only that or the Osbournes. Oh well...I guess it is a good idea.
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

12-20-2003, 04:32 PM	#8
EricIdlefan USA 250th! Forum Addict Join Date: Oct 12, 2003 Location: East TN Posts: 68,236	Better to go out on top than the bottom like Seinfeld and MASH!!
	__________________ JUSA 250th Anniversary!

12-16-2003, 12:45 AM	#3
Brian Member Forum Celebrity Join Date: Jun 23, 2001 Posts: 20,451	I do agree in that respect with ending it early but I wouldn't mind if it had one more season.

12-16-2003, 11:12 PM	#6
MaydayMalonesGirl ACID! POLICEHHHH! Forum Star Join Date: Apr 24, 2003 Location: in a van down by the river. Posts: 18,393	I liked the first season, but I got kinda bored with the second. I think it was a good choice on Ashton's part to pull the plug.

12-20-2003, 04:36 PM	#9
barwars .. Forum Star Join Date: May 04, 2002 Posts: 13,273	IMO, no episode could ever live up to the first episode of Punk'd and this season wasnt quite as good as the last. (except for the Halle Barry episode)

12-21-2003, 10:48 AM	#10
I Dream of Jeannie Undisputed.......... Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Location: Rebelling againist a group, defining a genre, and supporting Deidre -n- Drake and John and Marlena no matter what, and thanking Mr. Reilly for this magnificant storyline. Woohoo!! Life is good! Dee and Drake are bad. he he he Posts: 4,925	In the words of Drake, "It sucks." I loved Punk'D, this sux, but I guess it is best, as someone said the second season wasn't as good as the first. BUT I wanted Dee and Drake to get Punk'D.
	__________________ Die Hard J&M/DnD-er and Proud of It! "As she gets more desperate and frightened, he becomes her salvation, as she falls apart, he's right there. It's every child's fantasy and every woman's fantasy of a husband, where he is a knight in shining armor. And Drake is magnificent at it. It's clean and it's pure and it's right there in front of you." ~ Deidre Hall "John has always been her salvation. I'm not sure Marlena believes anyone can clear her, but if anyone can do it, it will be John." ~ Deidre Hall "Yes, it does look really bleak right now (for John and Marlena). I know that, but as in any good fairy tale there's a lot of pain to get through in order to reach the end of a good or happy ending." ~ Ken Corday Smile God Loves You www.geocities.com/hazel_n_blue_4ever/index

12-23-2003, 03:40 AM	#14
Dean Winchester Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Sep 28, 2003 Location: Louisville KY Posts: 14,803	I think it was smart for Ashton's sake. If he kept Punk'd on too long, it'd damage his credibility and make it that much harder for him to find work once That 70's Show ends. Plus, it is better to pull the plug on a show when people are still interested than wait until people are "that show's still on???"