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Reaper may live on with new episodes in syndication
ABC Studios wants to produce new original episodes of Reaper, the hourlong supernatural dramedy, to syndicate to CW affiliates for Sunday nights, several sources confirmed to Broadcasting & Cable magazine.
That would effectively end-run The CW network, which may or may not renew Reaper for another season in its current Tuesday-night prime-time slot.
ABC Studios has pitched the idea to stations, who say they're interested in the show if the terms are right.
A spokesperson for The CW declined to comment on the talks, the presence of which would indicate the show would not be returning to the network's lineup.
Earlier this month, The CW said it was in advanced talks with key affiliates about returning Sunday nights from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. to stations.
The version of Reaper that stations would get would differ from The CW's prime-time version: The show's two creators and show runners, Michelle Fazekas and Tara Butters, have left ABC Studios and signed a new deal with 20th Century Fox, so the studio would need to bring on new executive producers.
One of the show's stars, Tyler Labine, has signed to star in Fox's Sons of Tucson this fall, although sources say he's in second position on that show, meaning he would have to return to Reaper if a syndication deal went forward, the trade magazine reported.
Reaper stars Bret Harrison as an average Joe who learns he must fight demons as part of a deal his mother made with the devil in order to conceive him. Labine plays his best friend and fellow demon fighter.
Reaper now airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
By mundxanth at 2:49 PM ON 05/14/09
There is an error in this article. Sam's father actually sold Sam's soul. This made it so that his father could not die.
By Love Reaper at 3:31 PM ON 05/14/09
This show was great. It was about as creative as Pushing Daisies when it comes to the effects. The sad thing is that it did not have any viewers. Maybe another time another place - even an alternate reality it might have been supportable.
- The description of the show in this article is tag line description that your TV guide provides. I
By keith at 4:59 PM ON 05/14/09
I caught the first season on dvd before season 2 started and my girlfriend and I have been faithful watchers all during this past season. Theres plot holes aplenty, but the characters and the comedy supercede any flaws. I'll be sad to see the show canceled or even see the line-up change.
By ezerawk at 5:22 PM ON 05/14/09
I second what mundxanth said. Harrison's character Sam doesn't need to learn to fight demons either, he's forced by Lucifer to capture escaped souls. This is the second time I've seen staff writers here not bothering to check their facts.
By Photoboy at 7:26 PM ON 05/14/09
I hope this is true, Reaper is one of the best things on at the moment. The loss of the exec producers is not helpful, but I'd like to see them try to keep the show going anyway. Plus they need to keep Jenny Wade as a main cast member next season.
By cathy at 11:15 PM ON 05/14/09
Reaper Fans! Write your CW affiliate and say there's a fanbase in your area and it would be a ratings boost for them on Sunday nights! Look up your CW affiliate at the CW website. Also write to ABC Studios (abcdotcom) encouraging them to keep promoting the syndication of Reaper! International viewers, write your affiliates/networks too. Draft emails and other ideas at reaperdmv. Come on, folks! This is our chance!
If you’re thinking that Tyler’s new show and Michele/Tara’s new contract at Fox mean the show isn’t coming back: Tyler says that Reaper has contractural priority, and Tara told us that she and Michele would still be consultants if Reaper gets a third season. So, write!
By Hellking at 12:16 AM ON 05/15/09
This show got so damned formulaic, I might as well have been watching "A-Team." It's no great loss if it's gone. The tragedy is that the smart version of this concept - "Brimstone" - was never renewed or revisited.
By shane at 1:47 AM ON 05/15/09
you sound like this douche on ign bashing reaper pretty bad...not calling you one.ur saying it more politely than he is. but a lot of shows are formulaic and this one is still pretty damn good imo.....again im not calling you a douche just that theres a dude in ign saying the same things as you but being a douche
By PJ at 7:43 AM ON 05/15/09
This is a fabulous idea and I think every Reaper fan needs to write to their local CW affiliate and tell them that this is programming you want to see. Urge them to purchase Reaper and air it in your market!
By Kalcean at 9:33 AM ON 05/15/09
for fans of the show like myself: Has Anyone else notice Sam already has a type of loophole with the devil's contract? He's been outed as the son of the devil, therefore not the som of the guy who raised him. This should be the loophole, how can your soul be promised if the guy he did so isn't even your father?
By Just A Person at 11:48 AM ON 05/15/09
This is an entertaining show. Much of TV these days has become a wasteland. Reaper is fun. You kick back, relax, laugh, and enjoy the story. Which strangely enough is why it is not doing so good ratings why. It is not a trendy show, just a good one. Far too many people have been poisoned on shows like American (Degrade me please) Idol, Gossip Girl and yes 90201. There should be room on television for everything, variety. But the sad reality is, it's not. The sad reality is shows like Reaper and Pushing Daisies get tossed aside because far too many TV executives have conditioned the television audience to be narrow minded followers. I hope Reaper manages to hang in there, it would be a refreshing change of pace. Worry about loopholes later. For now we all need to cross our fingers. A third season of Reaper might be the one to get it over the hump. Look at original Trek, three seasons and now, it's back on the big screen, better than ever.
By SA at 3:46 PM ON 05/15/09
I agree with Kalcean - that loophole has bugged me as being so obvious. Also, what happened to the idea that no one can give your soul away but you? I find the show really entertaining, but I wish they would answer those questions.
By fullmetalx at 9:46 PM ON 05/16/09
To Kalcean and SA -
It may be a loophole and it may not be. Remember that in season 1, Sam's dad ripped out a page of the contract and burned it. Obviously, there's more between the Devil and Sam that we know.
Also, I definitely need to write my CW affiliates because my friends and I absolutely love this show.
By Dramatica at 8:33 PM ON 09/15/09
I love this show!
Its one of the very very few good shows left on tv, and i'd hate to see it go!
Its filling the hole Angel and Buffy left.
I dont understand why none of the creative good shows stay on anymore.
Only boring vapic crap shows seem to stick around these days.
Visit mobile.syfy.com/wire on your mobile device.
Dramatica:
I love this show! Its one of the very very few good shows left on tv, and i'd hate to see it go! Its filling the ho...More »