Atlanta-based ‘The Mo’Nique Show’ canceled
Mo'Nique has lost her talk show after two years. CREDIT: AP
Loading ...Earlier today, I heard that “The Mo’Nique Show” had been axed. I had sent an email out to various BET publicists to ask what was up. No word back.
At about 1:30 p.m., I called Rodney Perry, who was Mo’Nique’s sidekick on the show. He said he was running into a meeting and didn’t answer my question. While I was at lunch over at the mall court, at 1:40 p.m. EST, he texted me: “I was told indefinite hiatus.”
That’s a euphemism for canceled.
[UPDATE: At 3:40 p.m., I received an email from a spokesperson at BET which included a slightly milder euphemism: "The Mo'Nique Show will be on production hiatus beginning in the fall." ... Mo'Nique Hicks and The Mo'Nique Show are important to the BET Networks family and we look forward to continuing our relationship our with her."]
In an interview I did at 2:40 p.m., the stand-up comic said he enjoyed the experience working with Mo’Nique. “I’m selling out shows now,” he said. “That’s a win.” He heard the news from Mo’Nique’s husband but hasn’t spoken to the Oscar-winning actress yet. (He wouldn’t say when he knew about this, implying he has known for awhile.)
“We did some good work,” Perry said. “And I think the show is significant. There hasn’t been an outlet for people of color late night since Arsenio.”
The talk show, which Mo’Nique compared to a high-energy nightly party, lasted two seasons and had been taped in Turner Studios, which are now being used for BET’s show “Reed Between the Lines” through October. When I heard that earlier today, I wondered if that meant “Mo’Nique” was not coming back or had been moved to another studio. If her show were coming back, she would be taping by August. (Like many shows, it does not tape original episodes during the summer.)
This didn’t appear to be an issue of ratings. I didn’t have time to do an entire season’s check on ratings so I sampled four weeks in April, 2011 vs. April 2010. Ratings from April 5 to April 29, 2010 averaged 615,000 viewers a night. From April 4 to April 28, 2011, her show averaged 586,000. That’s only a five percent drop.
Mediatakeout, which broke the story, said there were conflicts between BET management and Mo’Nique. Was it creative and/or financial? The story does not say. It also doesn’t say if BET will seek another talk-show host or just drop the concept.
Perry isn’t sure why the show was cut but thinks it might have been a financial decision. “They haven’t had this type of investment ever,” he said. “We did 300 shows over two seasons. That’s a huge investment.”
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By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
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336 comments Add your comment
pmuckle
July 27th, 2011
4:26 pm
too loud and good bye!
Joe white
July 27th, 2011
4:26 pm
I love mo, but she is too loud and the show to me was boring, i watched martin reruins.
Ceez
July 27th, 2011
4:27 pm
@Rodney King, @Outkasted,@everyone (hate i have to go here) but I’m black and there was absolutely NOTHING wrong with Matt’s comment. I AGREE with him and those comments were not racist. Racist is when you think that your race is superior to any other and you cannot draw that he believes that based on that comment. What I hear is a person who is fed up with the double standard and realized that actually many blacks have become the new racists. You have to realize the framework and time in which BET was formed and even then they shouldn’t have named it BET. Martin Luther King dreamed that sons of former slaves and sons of former slave owners would sit down at the table of brotherhood, be completely integrated. Not become free and recreate for themselves (segregation)what had been dissolved. http://www.campaignofone.com- check it out. The network should re-brand and change the name. This is a new day and ask yourself what is “Black” Enterainment Television? Does that mean it is only for blacks? I have made the same argument as Matt time and time again b/c if there were a WET “White” Entertainment Television, most blacks would go running and screaming to the NAACP and and whoever else that you feel represents you. See BET, in its’ entirety does not represent the views, lifestyle, culture and perception of all blacks. So, please strongly reconsider referring to it or percieving it as “our station.” (especially for the guy who mentioned 1 out of 300) I do not have any shares (or majority share) in BET anymore than I do FOX, therefore they are not “my” stations. There’s no “white stations” or “black stations. They are stations that have a target audience, regardless of color.
big7mama
July 27th, 2011
4:28 pm
Thank God the girl was too LOUD, but some of her shows were good. Maybe she can find another Precious gig. Will not be missed.
1baddman
July 27th, 2011
4:30 pm
Hell at least Mo Nique gave it a tried the last few yrs;and got a lot of actors and or singers/vocal groups on her show you wouldn’t see on the white counterparts late show unless their a crossover artists, what other african- americans tried beside Arsenio Hall which was 20 yrs ago; Keenan Ivory Wayans tried he was gone less then a year,Vibe tried it with Chris Spencer he failed;went with Sinbad he did great; but it was too late, Magic Johnson Show, hell that was gone within 6 months like i said who’s next?
Georged
July 27th, 2011
4:30 pm
I recorded every episode and like many black shows, we’ll miss it now that it’s gone. But, FYI, if we(black people) do not own the program, then we cannot be too upset when they (station owners) don’t pay us what we think we deserve (think TP)
CMomma
July 27th, 2011
4:32 pm
I liked Mo’Nique’s show. Most of the time she had some interesting guests. Yes, her interview skills needed some polishing, but then so do a lot of the late night hosts. So, I hate to see her leave the air. But best of luck Mo’Nique. Thanks for your comments Quake and Jay — right on target.
Jeannie
July 27th, 2011
4:33 pm
I personally have never liked Mo’Nique, it did not matter if she had a late night show. It still didn’t make her a nicer person. She lost my respect when she was in comedy. Im just as open minded as the next but when you constantly here the same insults over and over and over- first impressions seem to have a hard time leaving anothers mind. If she was a nice person her profession %#@&*! that up. I’m sorry she dosen’t have her show if it was a financal need for her and her family(which I’m not seeing that with my own eyes.) God forgive me but it’s not a lost that she’s off the air. I hope she goes some where and retire from tv I don’t think she will be missed.
A Fan
July 27th, 2011
4:33 pm
I tried to watch her, I really did. But all that Loud, Hey…Hey…got on my last nerve. Uhh!! I like her in comedies & movies (colored girls) but Late Night…couldn’t do it. And after she won that oscar, boy she got snooty. Although, Oprah & Tyler Perry produced colored girls; I think she fell out with Oprah she had problems with her interviewing her parents & brother which molested her when she was young…. Oh, Well I’m sure Monique has other ventures up her sleeve.
bigboy
July 27th, 2011
4:34 pm
i’se liken her alots on that show. she be my faborite. pass the callard greens and chitlins to the left. me’s hungry.
Ceez
July 27th, 2011
4:35 pm
Stop throwing around that word “racist” so loosely. It seems as though anytime someone has an opposing view of the opposite race, they must be racist, racist…racist. Not true. Let’s elevate. Go to the next level.
Leigh
July 27th, 2011
4:37 pm
We attended a taping of the Monique show and found her to be quite social and a wonderful host. I am not a fan of the show and did not watch the Monique on a regular basis. In fact, I forbid my daughter to watch the show after hearing some of Monique’s comments. She is an Oscar winner and comic. Monique will continue to soar in the entertainment industry.
Rob
July 27th, 2011
4:39 pm
Ceez, please stop. Whites don’t have to name anything White entertainment “anymore”. There used to be a White sign for everything from drinking water to restaurants to restrooms. There are some places in this country that still do that. Tell me that Conan, Letterman or Leno are trying to reach a Black audience and they’ll tell you no. But just like BET if they reach an audience of a different race, they’ll be cool with it too. BET was NOT born from a whim. It was relevent when it was created and it is still relevent. Stop having so much contempt for your own kind.
Danno
July 27th, 2011
4:39 pm
Bring back “The Party Machine with Nia Peeples”
faithful31us
July 27th, 2011
4:39 pm
I really enjoyed Mo’nique’s show it was awesome. Yes she might have yelled but from what I noticed in most of her work she kinda yelled or had some form of sassines. I took that as normal for her. She really exposed us to people who nobody else would have mentioned anything about. I think its sad that her show is not coming back. Mo’nique maybe somebody else might pick you up some place else.
Jay
July 27th, 2011
4:43 pm
y’all betta axe sumbuddy
Smooches
July 27th, 2011
4:45 pm
Loved the concept, but could not take the yelling. She was just too loud!!!
E
July 27th, 2011
4:46 pm
Although I never watched the show on television, I’ve attended four tapings. I think it’s a lost for the city, and I’m not happy for the great people behind the scenes who will be out of work. The show has given steady employment to local talented writers, producers, etc.
WhitleyGilbert
July 27th, 2011
4:50 pm
Although I wasn’t a fan, this is horrible news for the many local musicians, producers, writers, hair/make-up people, etc. who worked on this show. It’s also a bad hit for the local economy (like hotels and restaurants) that benefited from the show’s featured guests, audience members from out-of-town, etc.
Geno
July 27th, 2011
4:50 pm
She stepped out on faith and tried something new. Good job Mo’Nique. It’s so sad that race plays a role in every event or situations in America (President Obama, even the Mo’Nique show). It would have been smart to just let Trailerpark or MattGrant Park have his opinion without firing back. Maybe not so nice of me, (sorry) but we are better people than we act. Let’s learn to give our hearts and souls to each other. It’s so much easier to love & smile. Loud or whatever, Mo’Nique show brought great entertainment and she was a working American earning an honest living. Again, great job Mo’Nique and remember failures makes us better and you had the will to step out on faith.
Tia
July 27th, 2011
4:53 pm
I also thought she was loud, I love her but couldn’t get into the show. I believe she should just stick to her comedy tours and movies.
Shay
July 27th, 2011
4:54 pm
Great! Too much yelling, screaming, and loud laughing!
Captain Midnight
July 27th, 2011
4:55 pm
Right kids, if you disagree with Mr President Barack Obama on anything, well that can ONLY mean one thing…..wait for it….Racism.
E
July 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
Also, I saw it coming. It went from being broadcasted Mondays through Fridays, then to Mondays through Thursdays and finally Tuesdays through Thursdays.
Yolanda
July 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
I always felt that post Oscar, Monique should’ve done away with the talk show. Who wins an Oscar and then goes on to host a late nite show on BET? No one!
taxpayer
July 27th, 2011
4:59 pm
I guess BET couldn’t afford to keep paying her $52,000 an episode like Kim Kardasian $45.000 an episode from “Keeping up with the Kardasians”. That’s nothing if you in show Business.
Monique’s Net Worth is only $13,000,000 Million and Kim K. is $5.000.000 Million
outkasted
July 27th, 2011
5:02 pm
@ceez what are u talking about? to me its funny that a station that is geared toward one race is having complaints by some1 who wishes there was a staion was geared toward him yet there are plenty of stations that are geared toward his race (pick one)….also i could care less if your are black..like that will validate your opinion…. kick rocks shorty!
Racism says...
July 27th, 2011
5:04 pm
Blacks are the most racist people on the planet. They think racism only applies to whites.
Nat Turner
July 27th, 2011
5:06 pm
Thank you, Outkasted. Ceez, save that speech and send it to the CW.
Nat Turner
July 27th, 2011
5:08 pm
Also Ceez, I love the diversity in Atlanta. V103, Q100, Alpharetta, College Park, Southwest Atlanta, Cumming, Kennesaw. Aw, so many races living together and mixing harmoniously while listening to the same radio stations. It is just as MLK wanted.
beaui
July 27th, 2011
5:10 pm
finally !!! She was so fake… now WENDY next, Tyra was so annoying shes gone too.
If it doesn't fit...
July 27th, 2011
5:14 pm
You must acquit.
Monique, you were way too loud. All of that yelling was too much. I’m thinking either you suffer from hearing loss, or your production crew couldn’t find any microphones. I hope none of the audience suffered hearing damage!
dee
July 27th, 2011
5:14 pm
You know when things like this happen, GOD got something else he got for you to do. Just like Tyler Perry said, Hollywood wanted him to do his dream their way, and that didn’t work for him too long so he bought his own outfit and is doing things the way he wants to do them. Monique is too real for most people and instead of people honoring the person she is, they want to put her in a negative light. Well, guess what? She got enough talent and talented friends to go and run her own S—-! Don’t even sweat it Monique or Rodney, because I believe in my heart that they sought you guys out, you didn’t go getting at them with your tongues hanging out, begging for nothing. Go get your money, because they can’t even afford the talent that both of you have.
beaui
July 27th, 2011
5:17 pm
I agree with Yolanda.. who wins an oscar and have a talk show..Cher was ask once if she would do dancing with the stars..she said NO i have an oscar.. She thought black folks wanted her to act stupid and loud..
alphadog71
July 27th, 2011
5:18 pm
Temeka @ 3:36 “… but you never did say what the question the show was axed was.”
Took me a minute to get it but that was hilarious!.
There's no need to SHOUT on stage!
July 27th, 2011
5:18 pm
The microphone is a great tool.
Atlien in Cali
July 27th, 2011
5:19 pm
i thought cancelled was with 2 L’s
Media Outrage » Blog Archive » Mo’Nique Gets That Gawd Awful Talk Show Cancelled!
July 27th, 2011
5:21 pm
[...] Peep game [...]
Check Webster's...
July 27th, 2011
5:21 pm
Can be spelled with one L or two. Your choice.
Atlien in Cali
July 27th, 2011
5:22 pm
maybe it’s not, as it looks funny that way, but I hate to see canceled & Monique in the same sentence. She was actively trying to make a difference and bring the ol school family dynamic to the show which no one does any more. Monique’s heart was in the right place, guess her rating werent.
She should talk to Oxygen or another subsidiary who will pick her up as there is a market for her product as her concept is viable.
Badnewz
July 27th, 2011
5:23 pm
What’s up Rodney? Let’s be frank, Mo’nique got fired by BET Executives for her big mouth, arrogance and demand for a new contract, despite a large viewership and a thirst for late night entertainment. In fact, Mo’nique’s show was brutal for the eyes and ears, and lacked creativity, leading to many dissatified viewers. As a BET Cable Subscriber, I was turned off too. Mo’nique was not the answer, and BET Executives knew it too. As a comedian, Mo’nique should have done a 1-hour BET/HBO Comedy Special and call it the day. Nice try, but a change was dearly needed for the best interest of all parties, including the viewers.
Kimy
July 27th, 2011
5:26 pm
Monique did an excellent job.Wherever or whatever she decides to make the next chapter in her life I can assure you that it will be a success too. Seasons change it might be time for Monique to move on.I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO ALL OF THE NEGATIVE NANCY’S AND NED’S GET A REAL LIFE. YOU WOULD HAVE NOT LAST A DAY IN MONIQUE’S SHOES.
goodlooking
July 27th, 2011
5:34 pm
She was too grown for all that noise… Loud mouth! Hopefully, the next time someone gives her a platform she’ll turned down the noise. Stop acting like she’s 20 plus…. Someone should have shared that tidbit with her. No way, could that show last with all that caffine..
Ivan Cohen
July 27th, 2011
5:38 pm
Some very comments have been inferred here like “stay in your place”. The more things change the more they remain the same. Now there is no alternative to Jimmy Kimmel, Jay Leno or David Letterman. Television’s loss!
Ricky Town Photography
July 27th, 2011
5:42 pm
I would have supported the show til the end but for one reason. I prayed that she would not not come out screaming every night. It was so unnecessary. She had the opportunity to be something great with her show and she took it another level. There is no way her people could not hear the same complaints over and over again.; She is too loud. This is late night. It’s time to get quiet not a lot of screaming. I for one am glad to see it go and I stopped watching after the second or third show..
Ivan Cohen
July 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
There is already WET on the air, CMT, AMC, Showtime, etc. so it’s not like a White Entertainment Television Network has to be created.
GEICO
July 27th, 2011
5:43 pm
RE: “SHOULD MO’NIQUE’S SHOW HAVE BEEN CANCELLED?”
Did BOO Get Shot?
SAY WHAAT! BET CANCELS THE MONIQUE SHOW! *UPDATED & CONFIRMED* |
July 27th, 2011
5:45 pm
[...] 5:30PM: It’s official, the Atlanta Constitution Journal has confirmed that The Monique Show has been canceled. Monique’s co-host Rodney Perry [...]
'The Mo'Nique Show' Cancelled? |
July 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
[...] to Rodney Ho over at The Atlanta Journal Constitution, BET’s “The Mo’Nique Show” has been cancelled. Sounds like it’s a [...]
Julia Sugarbaker
July 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
She was just vile! Big mouthed, pompous, snotty. Someone gave me a tape of her shows once as a gag gift. Well, it certainly made me gag!