January 29, 2002

Los Angeles: CBS has stopped production on "The Ellen Show".  The network made the announcement Monday.

CBS spokesperson Chris Ender denied failing ratings were the reason.  Ender said the decision was made as a way to keep CBS' finances in check.

He said that because the season started late as a result of 9-11 and with the Olympics about to start, the network decided the 18 episodes it already has can get it through the season.

Ender said there are 5 episodes which have been shot but have not yet aired.  A decision will be made in May whether to renew the series for a second year, Ender said.

Many in the business believe the series will not return.  Or, if it does, it will do so with a whole new look.

"The Ellen Show" was ranked 102nd out of a total 170 shows this season, with an average of 4.3 million viewers tuning in each week.

Part of the problem was viewers did not know when or where to find it.  It was originally put on the air at 8:00 pm on the worst night for CBS, Fridays.  It was then moved to 8, and then briefly to Mondays before being put back to Fridays.

CBS boss  Les Moonves has been publicly supportive of the show, although industry insiders say Ellen was to have been cancelled before DeGeneris' stellar performance hosting the Emmy Awards.  She may have won a reprieve, but sources say the show is now likely dead.

Despite saying the network will not make an announcement on the series' future until May, CBS has already renewed  ``The King of Queens,'' ``Yes, Dear,'' ``Everybody Loves Raymond'' , ``Becker'',  ``CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,'' ``JAG,'' ``Judging Amy'' and ``The District.''