‘South of Sunset’ Canceled After One Low-Rated Airing

“South of Sunset,” which was to have been a comedic action/drama series starring former rock singer Glenn Frey as a detective, became a one-shot special.

CBS canceled the series after its debut Wednesday night when its ratings, like the title, went south. In what reportedly were the lowest premiere ratings on record for a series on one of the Big Three networks, the show attracted only 9% of the available audience and finished fourth in its 9-10 p.m. slot.

Officially, CBS said “South of Sunset” is “on hiatus,” suggesting it could come back later, but sources close to the network said the show is finished--although other episodes that have been completed could be aired later. Altogether six other episodes out of an order of eight have been shot.

The detective show had been promoted heavily during CBS’ telecast of the World Series this month, but the network may have had indications from advance research that its prospects were dim. “No one was terribly surprised at the low rating,” a network executive said.

Producers Stan Rogow and John Byrum declined comment through a Paramount spokeswoman.

Los Angeles viewers will have an opportunity to judge for themselves whether CBS made a rash judgment because the premiere episode was preempted here Wednesday by fire coverage and will be shown at 11:30 tonight on KCBS-TV Channel 2.

“South of Sunset” joins the dubious list of series dropped after one night: “Melba,” a CBS sitcom starring Melba Moore that aired in January, 1986; “Turn-On,” an ABC comedy/variety series that was designed as a second “Laugh-In” and was shown Feb. 5, 1969; and “You’re in the Picture,” starring Jackie Gleason, aired Jan. 20, 1961.

CBS said it will replace next Wednesday’s telecast of “South of Sunset” with “How’d They Do That?,” an informational series that has been shown sporadically. The network will rely on specials for the immediate future.