Update!

Sources: Daisies, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Canceled

ABC pulls plug on forensic fairy tale, wealthy folks soaper and legal dream team

By Kristin Dos Santos Nov 21, 2008 6:06 AMTags

Update, Friday, 10:54 a.m. PST: Press play above to see Kristin Chenoweth explain who and what should take the blame for the untimely death of Daisies.

ABC has canceled Pushing Daisies, executive producer Bryan Fuller has confirmed to me exclusively.

Jeff Vespa/Wireimage.com

"I just heard the news," star Kristin Chenoweth tells us in an exclusive interview tonight. "Obviously it's a bittersweet night." (Keep reading for much more from Bryan and Kristin.)

According to our inside sources, Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money also have been canceled. Reps for both shows have declined to comment. However, sources who work on Eli and DSM say they were informed today the shows would not continue.

So what happened? And is there any chance these characters will live on?

AP Photo/Nick Ut

Daisies' creator Bryan Fuller tells me he received a call from [ABC president] Steve McPherson this afternoon, and it's clear now the show won't go on.

According to Fuller, the facts are these: "It's very likely that Pushing Daisies will end after episode 13, which as you know, is a cliffhanger. But we are talking to DC Comics about doing comic books that will wrap up our storylines, and I already have a pitch for a [big-screen] movie ready to go."

ABC intends to air the remaining Daisies episodes that have been shot, either in the current Wednesday at 8 p.m. timeslot or in another spot.

"To be honest," Fuller tells me, "I'm really not feeling very boo-hoo about it. I am so proud of the show. We put together 22 really good episodes, and there is a lot to be proud of. I'm sure I'll be working with a lot of these people again, and I would love to do so."

(In the meantime, I'm told he likely will be lending his genius to NBC's Heroes, though nothing is official yet.)

As reported by the Hollywood Reporter and E! News earlier today, the ratings for last night's Daisies episode were the series' worst-ever numbers in the key 18-49 demographic. Tragic and surprising? You bet. But sadly, true.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

"I think the writers’ strike did it," Chenoweth (Daisies' Olive Snook) tells us tonight of the cancellation. "I think that the ratings for all the shows are poor this year, and it’s not what the networks were hoping for. I’m not sure why ABC decided to ax our show. I know they don’t own us, so I know that probably has something to do with it, but who knows?"

We caught up with Kristin at the premiere for her new movie Four Christmases, shortly after she was told Daisies was canceled.

“I just found out about an hour ago,” she said. “Pushing Daisies will probably forever be one of my most happiest times of my career. I loved being a part of that show, such quality, and I’m very sad."

As for all the storylines that will be left hanging, Kristin says, "We don’t really have a closure. It’s going to leave a lot of our friends wondering." So would she do a movie? "I hope [Bryan Fuller] does it, because there’s nothing like his mind. I often ask him if his brains hurt because there are so many ideas inside of his head. I would love to do a movie."

You heard the woman. Bryan, Warner Brothers, let's make it happen, OK?

Also, to you fans, please know that we are very much trying to get info for you on Eli and DSM as well, but so far have not been able to dig up any info beyond the confirmation from sources who work on the show that they were told it's over. We will update you as soon as we hear more.

If you want to reach out to ABC about these decisions, you can write the powers that be at: ABC, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521-4551

All three of these quality shows might have survived under different circumstances...How sorry are you to see them go? Sound off in the comments.

Update Friday: ABC has announced its new midseason lineup to launch in January: Private Practice will follow Grey's on Thursday nights, and Life on Mars will move into the 10 p.m. slot on Wednesdays after Lost.