Do you use to watch the “Bewitched series”? If yes, then you must know the show’s cancellation and wonder why it got canceled. Yes, today we will briefly discuss why the 90’s hit series “Bewitched” got canceled. In addition, we shall also dive into the surface of the show’s lead actress’s affair that influenced the show’s ending.
The American television series “Bewitched” was created by Sol Saks on ABC and originally telecasted eight seasons consisting of 254 episodes from 17 September 1964 to 25 March 1972 with the genre of Fantasy and Sitcom. This show revolves around a witch and a mortal man, the couple ties the knot as they vow that they’d lead a typical suburban life, and the couple faces many challenges and intervention from the witch’s family members throughout the show while trying to thrive their love.
The main characters of the series are featured by Dick York as Darrin Stephens, who was her husband from 1964 to 1969. The character was later replaced by Dick Sargent in the last three seasons from 1969 to 1972, and Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens, who plays the witch role. David White as Larry Tate, who plays the role of Samantha’s mother, and Agnes Moorehead as Endora.
Shooting back to our main concern for today’s topic, When and why was the series Bewitched canceled so if you are also looking for the same, then here’s everything we know.
Also Read: Why Did Dick York Leave Bewitched? Answered
Why Was Bewitched Canceled?
Regardless of Bewitched getting a low rating from the audience, it still had two years of contract with ABC for more seasons. The network was positive to honor the contract with a renewed one for the ninth season, But this time the rating was not the only problem and not even the controversial episode ” Sister’s at heart” of Bewitched.
Instead, the Sitcom television series Bewitched was canceled as the lead actress Elizabeth Montgomery who acted in the character of the amiable neighborhood witch, Samantha, seems to have grown tired and wanted out of the series. She wants to give other roles a try and live her life as a housewife to the best.
The show was renewed in seasons nine and ten after the lead actress had enough of the journey of the show and decided to leave. Simultaneously the cast of the series and Elizabeth’s marriage to William Asher, the director of the show, unraveled. Though the couple made the new power couple of Hollywood on paper, the road of their relationship was filled with hardships. Asher has had a lot of affairs in their 9- years of marriage, and Elizabeth had a fair share of affairs of her own.
Despite the unfaithfulness of the pair, only Elizabeth’s affair with Richard Michaels, a director, was pointed out by the public. It turns out that this time it was not just an affair like the many elites of Hollywood she had affairs with prior. Richard was madly in love with Elizabeth. Many men who had worked with the actress in Hollywood had claimed to have a sturdy feeling towards her. Even stars like Dick York, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley.
The castle of their marriage crumbled, impacting the hit sitcom show’s ending, but William and Elizabeth stayed connected after going through plenty of losses together. Their marriage ended in 1974, the same year Michael’s marriage fell apart, which permitted him to begin dating Elizabeth. Their relationship lasted for two and a half years before she married actor Robert Foxworth.
Talking about the achievements of the show, Bewitched attracted a large audience during the time of its debut and even ranked as the second-rated show in America. For the first three seasons, Bewitched was glued to the top ten and ranked eleventh in both the fourth and fifth seasons.
This show was praised with numerous awards and nominations that include three Emmy Awards wins. In 1996, the Outstanding Directing for a comedy series Primetime Emmy Award was won by William Asher.
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