Earl is dead, Jim. Really dead.

When NBC axed the comedy “My Name is Earl” a couple weeks back, Atlanta-based TBS dangled a possible lifeline by saying they might be able to keep it alive.

But alas, those negotiations have fallen through, according to Broadcasting and Cable. The bottom line was TBS could not pay the fees that 20th Century Fox were demanding to air the show. Cable in general gets lower ad rates and revenues than broadcast so networks such as TBS generally spend less per show than the likes of ABC and NBC.

20th Century Fox, which owns the show, released this statement:

“While we had hoped to find a way to produce additional episodes for TBS, in the final analysis we simply could not make the economics work without seriously undermining the artistic integrity of the series,” said a studio statement. “As none of us, [show creator]
Greg [Garcia] included, want the show to go out on anything but a high note, we regret that we must put to rest any speculation that Earl will continue. We are grateful to everyone at TBS for their enthusiasm for the series and wish to offer our heartfelt thanks to the cast and crew of My Name is Earl for their incredible work.”

The show lasted four seasons, anchoring the Thursday night comedy block for NBC. at 8 p.m. But ratings fell progressively from season one (10.9 million viewers) to season four (6.1 million).

TBS now airs repeats of “Earl” on Monday nights at 10 p.m.