"Big Shots" downsized at ABC

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - In a surprising move as the Hollywood writers strike depletes networks' stocks of fresh programming, ABC has benched freshman comedy-drama "Big Shots," a low-rated male version of "Desperate Housewives."

The network has pulled the remaining three original episodes of the series starring Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott, Christopher Titus and Joshua Malina.

It will air repeats of the rookie medical drama "Private Practice," in the coveted Thursday 10 p.m. slot behind "Grey's Anatomy" for the rest of the year.

"Shots" was greeted with mixed reviews and cold reception by viewers. Still, given the dearth of original scripted programming as the strike drags into the new year, the networks have tended to prolong the lives of shows that under normal circumstances would have been canceled.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter