The Arsenio Hall Show Canceled by CBS—But Wait, Didn't Jay Leno Announce Its Renewal?!

Though CBS originally renewed the late night talk show for a second season, the network changed their mind, citing a decline in ratings; get Hall's reaction

By Tierney Bricker May 30, 2014 10:04 PMTags
Jay Leno, Arsenio HallCBS

Well, this is kind of awkward.

The Arsenio Hall Show has been canceled after just one season by CBS Television Distribution, E! News has confirmed. But wait, didn't Jay Leno make a surprise appearance on Arsenio Hall's talk show to announce its season two pick-up?! It looks like the network had a change of heart after a decline in ratings.

"Unfortunately, The Arsenio Hall Show will not return for a second season; while there are many loyal fans of the show, the series did not grow its audience enough to continue," a spokesperson for CBS Television Distribution said. "Arsenio is a tremendous talent and we'd like to thank him for all the hard work and energy he put into the show. We'd also like to thank Tribune and all our station group partners for their support of the show."

Hall is also speaking out on the cancellation news, saying he's "proud" of his brief return to late night TV.

"When I started this adventure with CTD and Tribune, we all knew it would be a challenge—I'm gratified for the year we've had and proud of the show we created," he said. "I'd like to thank everyone on my staff for rallying around me and striving to make the best show possible every night."

In February, CBS had Leno surprise Hall during one of his monologues with the renewal news. "Actually, in the second season, I'm going to be hosting," the former Tonight Show host joked. They didn't tell you that part!"

After the pickup, Hall issued a statement, saying, "Since 9/9/13, I've been waking up without an alarm clock. Producing and hosting my late-night talk show brings me great joy. I'm back where I belong!"