Sadly,I was right last week when I called you all out for not watching “Party Down“. STARZ has decided that its not interested in keeping their only redeemable program on the air and vetoed a third season for this near classic comedy series. Yesterday the executive veep of programming,Stephan Shelanski released a statement:
“After careful consideration,we’ve decided not to continue on with subsequent seasons of Party Down and Gravity. We’re grateful to everyone involved in the shows,and are proud to have had them on the channel. Starz remains committed to aggressively expanding our original programming lineup.”

And while this news isn’t shocking to anyone paying attention to ratings,it’s definitely sad for us programming junkies. “Party Down”was a rare gem in a very bloated television landscape and allowed a talented cast to shine each and every episode. Its truthfulness in what really happens when you try to ‘make it’in Hollywood was a breath of fresh air compared to the escapist and vacuous programs like “Entourage”and “The Hills“. But its real strength lied in the witty writing,the chemistry between the cast and the ability to execute smart physical comedy. As we now know,its not necessarily the best TV programs to rise in the ratings and it doesn’t help when you are on a network that’s broadcast into like all of 12 homes. And while some of “Party Down”alum have already made their move,like Jane Lynch with “Glee”and Adam Scott on “Parks and Recreation“,I hope that the rest of the talented cast find its foot somewhere else in the TV landscape. It’s just a shame that another quality program bites the dust when there is so much garbage still on TV. Well at least Rob Thomas can start working on that ‘Veronica Mars‘movie now,right?

So I beg you Network Executives,please please please give quality a chance. Look at “Mad Men”or “Southland”–these are shows that were either passed on or cancelled by major networks and have found their footing on other channels. It can happen and with “Party Down”the cast can rotate without effecting the overall structure,so even if some of the stars are getting deals of networks like NBC,they can still bang out a few episodes for a third season. And if no one will take a chance on this,please acknowledge that we have lost another classic series due to poor programming and ratings issues –not lack of quality. RIP “Party Down“. I’ll pour myself a glass of wine and get a bowl of soup in your honor tonight.