Malik Yusef: Blowing Money Fast
Something some hope wouldn't have happened eventually did: 'The Game' will not be returning to The CW's fall line-up.A roll-out of three year old network's new shows were unveiled May 21 at Madison Square Garden and the popular urban sitcom – created by 'Girlfriends' producer Mara Brock Akil -- didn't make the cut.
A groundswell of support via a grassroots Internet campaign didn't help the three-year old show, which revolved around the lives of professional football players and the women who loved them.
Starring Tia Mowry, Pooch Hall, Wendy Racquel Robinson, Kobe Bell, Hosea Chanchez and Brittany Daniel, 'The Game' originated as a spin-off of the Kelsey Grammer-produced 'Girlfriends' and served as a launching pad for the network, which is helmed by Dawn Ostroff.
Players of The Game'
The cast of 'The Game' include (clockwise from top) Tia Mowry, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Hosea Chanchez , Pooch Hall, Coby Bell and Brittany Daniel. (Photo: The CW)
As rookie football player Derwin Davis and medical school student Melanie Daniel, Pooch Hall and Tia Mowry have become a favorite couple in prime time television. (Photo: The CW)
Tia Mowry plays medical school student Melanie Barnett on The CW series 'The Game.' (Photo: The CW)
Pooch Hall plays Derwin Davis on the Mara Brock Akil-created series 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Hosea Chanchez plays bad boy quarterback Malik Wright on 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Wendy Raquel Robinson plays Tasha Mack, a fast-talking, no-holds-barred "momager" on 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Coby Bell plays chintzy team captain Jason Pitts on 'The Game.' (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Brittany Daniel (center) plays the bubbly athlete's wife Kelly Pitts on 'The Game.' (Photo: The CW)
Wendy Raquel Robinson and former NBA star Rick Fox chum it up on the set of 'The Game' on April 28, 2008. (Photo: RegginRazzi)
Maybe some viewers.
The other African American-targeted sitcom 'Everybody Hates Chris' won't be returning in the fall either.
The fifth broadcast television network will not program on Sunday nights and has cast aside all comedy in favor of scripted dramas with female appeal and 'America's Next Top Model.'
Mowry, one of the more recognizable stars of the show, was saddened by the news today and thanked her fans via her Facebook page. "Life is so funny. But what is in the dark ALWAYS come to light," she added after making mention of "pathological liars."
Chanchez commented on his: "I thank those of you who helped us to shine for three years. I'm sad but determined to continue to fly high and prosper."
Comments: (318)
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By: Sam on 11/19/2009 11:40PM
I love The Game, please bring it back! The show is very funny, well written, and talented cast!
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By: Erika on 11/11/2009 10:47PM
i really enjoyed the game and i feel as though it connected with alot of african american viewers. alot of the shows that are airing right now is only reality or dating shows. like yea, dont get me wrong those things are very humurous to see people make a fool of themselves. however had me excited to watch more and more. it was a great show that discussed real situations that people go through with school, single life, relationship and divorce. i really want The Game to come back for a season 4. i'm sure alot of us would. :)
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By: Mwilliams on 12/18/2009 8:27AM
It never fails when we have an inteligent show appear we lose it,why?
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By: Lauren on 12/23/2009 12:52PM
I fail to understand why our people cannot see what is going on when it comes to Black comedy sitcoms in Hollywood. Tyler Perry had a hard time himself trying to get his shows on as well. I loved 'The Game' and I saw it since its pilot episode from 'Girlfriends'. If Akil was piloting an hour long show instead of the '15 min too many commercials' show, then obviously there must have been quite a number of viewers. But like Ms. Tia Mowry said, "...what's in the dark will always come out in the light!" It will finally be recognized they way system treats people of color and those who agree with our struggle. As for the CW, they lost a viewer and gained a protestant against their station. Open your eyes people!
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By: ms sassy2 on 1/15/2010 7:48PM
I loved the game,however i don't understand how good black show's continue to be taken off the air, while show's like family guy,and south park remain's on.It is an mystery to me.I loved all of the characters on the game.I love to watch the marathon's.The game was an uppercrest depiction of afro american life, it surely will be missed.
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By: Linda on 2/03/2010 8:26PM
I only watched CW when The Game and Girlfriends were on. The powers that be cannot tolerate powerful, realistic Black shows, but praises white fantasy fluff, etc. I am ditching them altogether as a viewer, and I hope the new piece of white garbage they put on the air tanks the entire CW network and viewers totally desert that phony station.
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By: kei on 2/17/2010 10:22PM
i really cant believe there is not going to be another season this was my favorite show! It was one of the best shows on CW i guess i wont be watching that channel anymore!
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By: Bushwick Corwin on 2/28/2010 6:40PM
I believe most black shows get a raw deal just so the networks can say we tried and it did not work . Our only solace is that we all know , none of the shows will last forever , good or bad . When polls are done , who do they really ask ? I do not know anyone ever involved in a television related poll ! Digitally I'm sure they do not rely on polls much any more but the struggle continues .
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