Showtime has canceled the comedy series "SMILF" after two seasons, and ABC studios, which produces the show, has suspended a development deal with its creator, star and executive producer Frankie Shaw.
The dual announcements Friday came after a December story in The Hollywood Reporter that detailed allegations of abusive on-set behavior and violations of industry rules by Shaw, who also directs some episodes of the show. Shaw denied the allegations, saying she worked to create a safe environment and it pained her to learn that any cast and crew were uncomfortable on her set.
Neither Showtime nor ABC gave a reason for their decisions.
"After weighing a variety of factors, Showtime has decided that 'SMILF' will not move forward for a third season," the cable channel's statement said. "We remain extremely proud of the two seasons of SMILF, and thank Frankie Shaw for her singular voice and unique creation."
Showtime will continue to air the second season through its March 31 finale.
Last summer, Shaw signed a two-year development deal with ABC Studios, which has been investigating the reports of on-set problems.
In a brief statement, the studio said, "Frankie Shaw's overall deal with ABC Studios has been suspended without pay while we review our options."
In her own statement, Shaw said, "I can't express how much I've loved making this show, how much I love the cast and crew and appreciate Showtime and ABC as creative partners."
"SMILF," which features Shaw as a down-on-her-luck single mom in Boston with a cast that includes Rosie O'Donnell and Connie Britton, was built on a short film Shaw showed at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
It premiered in 2017 to critical acclaim and got two Golden Globe nominations.
But allegations from cast and crew emerged in The Hollywood Reporter story, all denied by Shaw, including the mishandling of sex scenes that breached actors' contracts and separating writers by race.
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More