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Melrose Place, Home Improvement to wrap this season
By Jenny Hontz HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Fox's sexy soap "Melrose Place" and ABC's family sitcom "Home Improvement" will officially exit the airwaves at the end of the season. "Melrose Place" is ending its run after seven seasons and 227 episodes. "Home Improvement" has run eight seasons and still ranks as one of ABC's top comedies. Generally a solid performer, "Melrose Place," which airs Mondays at 8 p.m., has been on the decline for the past year. This season, the show has averaged a 4.8 rating and 13 share in the key adults 18-49 demographic, down two shares from last season's 5.8/15. "'Melrose Place' is one of my all-time favorite shows," said executive producer Aaron Spelling, "and I will miss it and everyone involved very much." In the same statement, Fox said "Melrose Place" would be remembered "as a pop culture icon of the '90s." "Home Improvement's" departure has been expected for about a year, but there had been speculation that ABC would make a last-ditch effort to keep the show for another season. Recent waffling by ABC entertainment honchos added fuel to the fire, as did the show's continued winning performance in the new 8 p.m. time slot this season. The show's stars have made it clear, though, that this season would be it, and the network confirmed that notion Friday. "I want to devote my time to modeling my line of stainless steel thing underwear for men," star Tim Allen said in a statement. Fox has several big dramas in the works, including a "Party of Five" spinoff. ABC will have a tougher time replacing "Home Improvement" Tuesdays at 8 p.m., although rookie comedy "The Hughleys" is a likely contender. |
Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted. On the bright side, I'll finally get some sleep on Monday nights.