After seeing CBS's Secret Talents of the Stars fail to generate any buzz and flop, ABC apparently felt viewers would also have no interest in seeing cedlebrities attempt circus-style performances.
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The network had landed Circus of the Stars in January -- when the Writers Guild of America strike was still going on-- after a "fierce bidding war with at least one other network," according to Variety.
Around the same time, NBC ordered at least six episodes of Celebrity Circus, a new Dancing with the Stars-like reality series that will follow celebrities as they compete alongside professional circus troupes.
While Variety reported ABC was pleased with the way Circus of the Stars was progressing creatively, the presence of NBC's almost identical format and the "glut of celebreality in the TV marketplace right now" made casting for the series difficult.
With the possibility of using a D-list cast, ABC scrapped Circus of the Stars -- which was set to be produced by Michael Dempsey and original Circus of the Stars executive producer Bunny Stivers -- earlier this month, Variety reported.
Meanwhile casting is currently underway for NBC's Celebrity Circus and it's still scheduled to premiere Wednesday, June 11 at 9PM ET/PT, according to Variety.
Secret Talents of the Stars, an America's Got Talent-esque reality competition series for celebrities, premiered earlier this month on CBS -- but averaged only 4.58 million total viewers and a 1.5/4 rating/share in the Adults 18-49 demographic.
CBS canceled the series only two days after its debut.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
