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CBS Passes on ‘Nancy Drew’ Pilot Because Show Was ‘Too Female’

Sarah Shahi
Sarah Shahi

CBS decided to pass on proposed cop drama Drew this week. That alone is not news. Only a fraction of the shows ordered to pilot make it to series. What is making headlines is the reason CBS executives gave for passing on the series. According to Deadline‘s Nellie Andreeva, the network actually passed on the show because they thought too many women would watch it.

Per the article:

I hear the pilot tested well but skewed too female for CBS’ schedule.

(our emphasis)

Wow.

Drew stars Person of Interest star Sarah Shahi as former famed teenage sleuth Nancy Drew — now in her 30s and working as a detective for the NYPD. She uses her uncanny skills of observation to solve crimes that baffle other detectives and navigates the complexities of modern life.

#toofemale t-shirt - courtesy of Women You Should Know
#toofemale t-shirt – courtesy of Women You Should Know

The series also stars Anthony Edwards, Felix Solis and Rob McClure. Producers are currently shopping the pilot to other networks who may not have such an aversion to girl cooties.

CBS also dropped the female-led Supergirl from its schedule last week, but that quickly found a home at sister network the CW.

As the news spread across the Internet, feminist website Women You Should Know quickly made a hilarious “#toofemale” t-shirt that you can order from Society 6.

If CBS doesn’t want women to watch their network, they should be very careful. It looks like they may get their wish.

 

Supergirl Renewed — Moves to the CW for Season 2

Variety is reporting that freshman drama Supergirl starring Melissa Benoist has been renewed for a second season, but is moving from CBS to sister network the CW, which is already home to superhero shows The Flash, Arrow and Legends of Tomorrow.

Although it was the highest rated new drama for CBS this year and brought the network its youngest audience, Supergirl always seemed like an odd fit at CBS; and the network had better ratings last year with the comedy block Supergirl replaced.

The show had its highest ratings ever when the Flash, played by Grant Gustin, crossed over from his show on the CW, reaffirming that the audience was there for Supergirl — just perhaps not at CBS.