The Arsenio Hall Show will not return for a second season this fall, CBS Television Distribution confirmed this afternoon.
“While there are many loyal fans of the show, the series did not grow its audience enough to continue,” said a CTD spokesperson in a statement. “Arsenio is a tremendous talent and we’d like to thank him for all the hard work and energy he put into the show. We’d also like to thank Tribune and all our station group partners for their support of the show.”
The rookie latenight talk show from CTD and Tribune had struggled in the ratings since debuting strong last September. Its weakening performance led to time slot downgrades, notably on Tribune’s WPIX New York, where it was shifted from 11 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
In the just-concluded May sweep, the show averaged a 0.8 household rating in 56 metered markets, down 20% from its time slots last year, according to Nielsen. It had a 0.4 adult 18-49 rating, flat, and a 0.4 adult 25-54 rating, down 20%.
“When I started this adventure with CTD and Tribune, we all knew it would be a challenge,” said Hall in a statement. “I’m gratified for the year we’ve had and proud of the show we created. I’d like to thank everyone on my staff for rallying around me and striving to make the best show possible every night.”
In February, former Tonight Show host Jay Leno appeared on Arsenio to announce that the show had been renewed. But ratings remained weak in most markets.
“Everyone had hopes that it would turn itself around,” says a syndication executive. “But, I think, when Tribune moved it in New York it meant they’re concerned about the show.”
Source TV News Check
