CBS’ ‘Newhart’ Series to End Eight-Year Run

“Newhart,” the longest-running comedy on CBS’ schedule, will cease production at the end of this season--but not because the network wants it to. Star Bob Newhart said Friday that CBS had asked him to return for a ninth season but that a deal could not be worked out between the network and the production company.

“Demands made by MTM, the British-owned television company which produces ‘Newhart,’ complicated the deal,” according to a statement released by Newhart’s representatives.

His spokeswoman declined to elaborate. But the series reportedly was a victim of increasing costs, which made continued production no longer profitable for MTM without what it felt was an appropriate increase in the license fee from CBS. The show already is in syndication, which is traditionally where production companies make their profits.

MTM officials were not available for comment.

CBS confirmed that discussions are under way between the network and Newhart for a new series.

“We would have liked to have had a ninth year of ‘Newhart,’ ” CBS vice president Susan Tick said. “Bob is a very important part of the CBS family. We look forward to being in business with him and having him back on our air.”

The final episode of the series, in which Newhart portrays a Vermont innkeeper and talk show host, will be filmed in April.

“Our series was the perfect example of how much fun episodic television can be,” Newhart said in a statement. “We’ve had a wonderful cast, great writers and the spirit of family which made coming to work a pleasure.”

“Newhart” ranks 43rd among the 97 prime-time series that have aired on the three major networks this season.