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.”
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
336 comments Add your comment
Ceez
July 28th, 2011
5:08 pm
@Rob @Outkasted @Nat Turner-
Rob- I’m aware of what used to be in this country and still is in “some” parts. However, we have to forgive the past and let it go. Our ancestors paid too great of a price/sacrifice for me/us to do anything otherwise. I was not implying that BET was born on a whim nor that it was irrelevant then or now. I said it should have never been named BET. BET is known “primarily” for what? music videos? Music videos/content that contains primarily what? Sex, drugs, and money. I’m sorry that does not represent me or an entire race therefore it should not be “Black” Entertainment Television. It is still a media outlet that is resourceful to black people, but should be re-branded. Sir, I have no contempt for my own kind. I just have no problem giving an honest criticism… “for my own kind.”
@outkasted- He did not say there aren’t any shows geared toward him/his race. He was implying that the name BET is obviously inflammatory/offensive to some whites and I can see how. Regardless of how many colored water fountains there used to be, regardless of how much land and culture was taken, how much wealthier they are, you must forgive and let go. It’s a new day and you are the catalyst for realizing your own dreams. I can’t worry about the past man. Also, being black does validate my opinion, but not b/c i need to “prove” anything to you, but to let people (black/white/asian/hispanic..) know what other blacks of a different opinion have to say on the issue. (let’s discuss, all that kick rocks stuff is not necessary… lets keep it simple)
@Nat Turner- I love the diversity here too. Love it here period…all my life. I feel we’re getting there especially with the new generation coming. I just don’t want my generation and the one after to be stuck on emphasizing the message of civil right and highlighting disproportions. That was the previous generation’s assignment. Our assignment is different, we have to take action in a different way. Go out and achieve, acquire and attain what it is that the previous generation paid for (with their lives) for us to have. If there are not enough media outlets for blacks, go out and create some! Accumulate wealth through buying land, houses. Build productive families.. Teach the next generation!
Ceez
July 28th, 2011
5:17 pm
I hope Monique and everyone who helped produce her show continue to have a successful career.
JustSaying
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
So when are they going to cancel the dude whose show comes on after hers.
Atlanta-based ‘The Mo’Nique Show’ canceled |
July 28th, 2011
6:15 pm
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2011/07/27/atlanta-based-the-monique-show-canceled/?cxntlid=thbz_... [...]
Anon
July 28th, 2011
6:29 pm
I loved the Mo’Nique show, I can’t believe BET is cancelling it. This was probably their best show besides their Gospel progamming. The BET network, honestly, sucks.
Mo’Nique was the only reason I ever tuned in to BET… they’ve definitely lost a viewer.
LL
July 28th, 2011
7:19 pm
Monique Is very good at her job.She asked question that she would want others to ask her about her personal life .It’s all respecting her peers.,Remember she have worked with alot of people and some are her friends that she respect.If you put your peers or best bud on the spot she or he may go off on you.So get off Monique and pray. Everyone hear needs prayer cause this isn’t judement day just another black show gone down the drain like Girlfriends .Why is there so many haters in this world? I guess cause the haters make motivaters.People we all in the same ship and it’s sinking fast.I know a lot of you have something better to do than gossip about Monique life.If you don’t get a life.
BET Cancels The Mo'Nique Show | NoirGossip | Black Celebrity Gossip
July 28th, 2011
8:05 pm
[...] [read more] [...]
bea pierce
July 28th, 2011
9:20 pm
BET: “Black Entertainment Television”, right? Why is it then you cancel all shows that your supposedly demographic enjoys?? Example: Tavis Smiley, Ed Gordon to name a couple.. I will cancel all subscriptions to BET, boycott any advertiser on BET and encourage others to do the same, as is already happening. I first heard about this today on Michael Baisden’s Radio Show, and I was deeply upset and apalled!!! Bring Mo’Nigue back!!! “We” haven’t had a talk show to identify with since “The Arsenio Hall Show” and we want Mo’Nique back now!! Thank you, Bea n TX
bea pierce
July 28th, 2011
9:30 pm
Is it true that BET got ‘rid’ of Mo’Nique to bring in ‘Reed between the Lines??? Well, I hope not, as it will never replace Mo’Nique!! I love Malcolm Jamal Warner and I like Tracey Ross, but Mo’Nique is a better viewing experience. The new show looks like a ‘wannabe Huxtables” and it will not fly, I promise. Keep Tracey on ‘Girlfriends
and give Malcolm a good drama or an original comedy series. But, at any rate bring back Mo’Nique!!!!!
Fan of show
July 28th, 2011
9:39 pm
I love the show. My daughter and I watched the show every night. We will miss you Mo and Ronny.
Laquandrashanekra
July 28th, 2011
10:22 pm
They just couldn’t keep enough food in the green room without breakin the budget.
Rodney Ho
July 28th, 2011
10:31 pm
@bea pierce BET is using the Turner studio space for “Reed Between the Lines” that used to be for “The Mo’Nique show.” I don’t think it was a one-for-one replacement.
Need2know
July 28th, 2011
10:58 pm
There is only one thing I have noticed that is correct so far that is posted here; Mo was too loud. That was the reason I stopped watching it in the beginning. For some odd reason I never did take it off my DVR to stop recording. I ended up watching a few episodes and I was amazed at some of the guess she had on the show. Granted she was a bit hyper. Mo brought guess on her show that we had fallen in love with so long ago that other shows dare not have the on. I still remember sitting watching Anita baker and Betty Wright. She gave the unknown artist a chance for the world to see the. I also saw a lot of hip hop artist get a chance to tell their story. Monique as far as I can tell fro the saw is a kind hearted and considerate human being. She had black and also white guess on her show. By the way to the one the calls themselves “A FAN” Mo did not play in the movie for colored girls. So are you really a fan or are you here just to complain.
Need2know
July 28th, 2011
11:04 pm
Also for those that ask why would an Oscar winner have a talk show like that. She was already doing the talk show when she won the Oscar. If you all were true fans you would know that.
mr03escalade
July 28th, 2011
11:41 pm
I am not or ever was a fan of Mo’Nique until the movie “Precious”..she came across to me like Vivica Foxx, a wanna-be, round the way girl who was NOT & it just was rubbing me the wrong way..I’m a brotha from Bedstuy, Brooklyn, so I can decipher a true ghetto-fabolous, round the way girl and a sista who is “over-acting” trying to be one..and all that “baby this, baby that” & that annoying “sugar this, sugar that” was really & truly annoying..howeva, I do wish her the best
Sad in Michigan
July 29th, 2011
12:01 am
Sorry to see the Monique’s show cancelled because I enjoyed seeing all of the black talent (old and new) that you would see in the other late night shows. BET is losing my viewership, but I’m sure that Monique will bounce back in other areas of her life. Good luck and many blessings to Monique and her staff.
mr03escalade
July 29th, 2011
12:04 am
**continued** by the way, I’m not hating on the lady bcuz I even rooted for her to win the Academy which I thought she was superb in her role (Precious)..I attempted once again after she won to watch her talk show, but just couldnt get past the 1st couple of minutes of her introduction..she was just way TOOO damn loud, brash, over the top & all that hooping & hollering came off as obnoxious..even when she had DaBrat on, I had to turn away during her attempt to interview..”girl this, girl that”..uhhh, really Mo? I finally did catch Brat rapping tho I missed the beginning bcuz I refuse to leave my tv on BET (except for New York Undercover)..BET lossed my viewing after Justin Timberlake was nominated for R&B (no disrespect to him or Justin Bieber)..but again MoNique, jus bring it down a few (actually alot) of notches & focus on drama type films..that seems to be your niche’!! God Bless…
BrooklynBill
(aka mr03escalade)
angela flakes
July 29th, 2011
1:21 am
To all of the negtive comments I have attended her show a couple of times and she was great with great people on there. Weather you like her or not its not nice to dog anyone at anytime because she don’t fit your style well while you dogging her you not doing nothing but sending her to the next level in her life witch will be a better place and trust if she to loud for you then turn down the volume on your (TV) and no she was not loud in the studio. This is a prime example of why our children of today act the way they do because of all the negative input that they get from the adults that act like they are teens. At some point we should just pray for her and stop judgeing her thats not your job its (GOD) I LOVE YOU MO’NIQUE KEEP YOUR HEAD UP………….There are bigger and better things coming your way and i will pray for that haters!!!!!
Clevo
July 29th, 2011
2:26 am
Black TV operates under the gist of MSNBC, lies, lies and bigots. S’okay someone told me blacks can’t be racist because of their experience with racism however living in the ATL seeing the killins every night with the broturas, the jackins cars, the hold ups, and killings, I understand some blacks are no better than the Klan, NO intelligence , NO class, bigots and like the great Redd Foxx said a bunch of big dummys. .
Rick
July 29th, 2011
3:12 am
Mo’s show was the best late nite talk show on the air. She brought on the folks that you knew but didn’t know. She did not recycle the same old folks that Jay and David have been doing for years. I looked forward to her show each night and will never forget her concerts with Lenny Willams and just recetley with the Hines brothers and the new Huffers. You won’t see this type of entertainment on the major networks so if she is gone so is the best entertainment on late night TV. Ps: Remember Bootsy and Rev Al that is classic TV!! Say no more……….
lady of leisure
July 29th, 2011
4:52 am
TO ALL YOU STUPID AZZ HATERS…Mo’Nique had one of the BEST late night talk/party shows that has never, yes I said NEVER been on the tube before. When she would come out of the elevator every night she told your stupid ass this was not a late night talk show it was a late night party. Who you know that’s quiet at a party? She brought people to her show that otherwise would never have gotten the exposure, from all walks of life. She is not racist, she doesn’t need interview skills to have a party, you simply talk and ask questions to and about you guest. I never missed a night of watching her show and I loved every episode, was terribly upset when she stopped coming on five night a week to three nights. Weather you liked the show or not, you try dealing with 3 year old twins, a husband, a six year old and a twenty year old….dam how good your interview skills are. She still let the kid in her come out and play/party every night. If you never took the time to watch the show SHUT THE F**k UP!!!! and you try getting your OWN Talk Show. Oprah had one for 25 years when she finally left, because she really stayed to long and ran out of black and white. Talked about TWO subjects she never has any experience in – Marriage & Children, and with all the experts in this & that left the stage the same fat she was when she came on it. I Love You Mo’Nique and I am so proud of Your weight loss your persona your make it known affection. every body needs a hug every now and then, the kid in you and most of all, of all the talk host you’re the only one with a GOLD MAN along with Sidney MR. OSCAR (lol)*** OPRAH AIN’T GOT THAT (hahahaha) You go girl keep on doing what you’re doing!!!! MUCH LOVE TO THE HATERS!!!!!!!!!!!
slowens
July 29th, 2011
5:10 am
Had some great guests, however, didn’t care much about Monique. The loudness was too much.
rod
July 29th, 2011
6:25 am
should have shaved her legs
“The Mo’nique Show” Half-Way Canceled…But Why? « theJASMINE.BRAND
July 29th, 2011
7:12 am
[...] real question is…if the show is being canceled–why? AJC’s Rodney Ho shared that he received a text message from Monique’s side-kick (Rodney Perry) stating, I was [...]
RodHo's outdated hat
July 29th, 2011
8:57 am
Folks….please quit using the non-word “haters”. It just makes you look uneducated.
mike scott
July 29th, 2011
9:33 am
lady of leisure = welfare queen
People too busy
July 29th, 2011
9:39 am
@ Eldridge
You hit the head on the nail. The show was broadcast at a very late time slot and people were not watching the show. 615,000 viewers is not huge for a network like BET. I am going to keep it real. As a guy, I never watched the show more than 5 minutes. Nevertheless, the women, who were probably the core audience and who have most of the jobs in Atlanta are probably too busy and exhausted to watch the Monique Show. After, taking care of children, their man, community service activities, ect. the Monique Show is probably the last thing on their mind.
Sarah
July 29th, 2011
9:44 am
Unleash the HONKEYS, they always seem to find their way on black web sites, sprewing their negativity. Cowards…first it was behind white sheets…now its behind the computer. Folks they are insignificant, jealous, rude, mean, and just plain stupid people. Ignore them
gm
July 29th, 2011
10:08 am
For all you people that hate the Mo show, (Especially Blacks) tell me what show would have the 5 heartbeats reunion telling their story? I’ m waiting”
OK, name me another black talk show host like Jay, David Lettermen? I’m waiting, so for all you black self hate for yourself stop puting her down, ask your self why has there not been any late night show on main street media for blacks like Jay, David?
Now for the whites thats writing in we know your problem, you still have not recoverd from Obama””””
mike scott
July 29th, 2011
10:24 am
honkeys? you are too funny. fight bigotry with bigotry. sounds like a plan
People... please put down the crack pipe
July 29th, 2011
10:35 am
So, all blacks are beating down the door for a 5 Heartbeats Reunion?
Please, put down the crack pipe.
LCWalk
July 29th, 2011
10:46 am
I don’t think anything is wrong with The Monique Show appealing to Black audience. If she doesn’t who will. As a Black women, I long for shows like Monique because other talented people are given a chance to showcase their talents/gifts; otherwise, they may never be known on other mainstream media. Many, many talk shows lack racial diversity. Somebody has to stand up and be bold enough to embrace Black. Monique started out being loud, but she toned it down a bit. Some people say that she wasn’t a good interviewer, well in my eyes she was. Why have a talk show or radio show if you can’t be yourself? Why try to imitate some other talk show host? I believe in being an orginal instead of trying to copy someone else. Ok, I get it. Some people don’t know how to acclimate to something different – that’s what a closed mind will do for you – knock what you are not used to. Some people say that she should stay with comedy and acting. Well, I say she is multitalented and should keep doing talk shows, as well. Monique interviewed guests that others ignored and didn’t care to interview. Blacks are big time consumers. We spend just like any other race. I pray that somewhere someone will pick up the Monique Show. I want to see a Black talk show host on TV at night. Quit downing the woman. It takes time to grow into your craft, but many of you who are belittling her, wouldn’t know how to interviewer a guest, because it is not as easy as it may seem. Monique than a great job!! I for one is going to miss seeing the show. I always looked forward to seeing the show.
newyorker4eva
July 29th, 2011
10:56 am
There was nothing wrong with Monique catering to a black audience. Can’t we cater to ourselves and it be alright? She had white guest on her show so stop complaining because she wanted to be BLACK and PROUD!!
newyorker4eva
July 29th, 2011
11:00 am
She used “sugar” and “baby” as words of endearment to let her guest know she was down like 4flats. I love you Monique and all the A..holes that don’t, I don’t think she will lose much sleep over you guys!!
JustSaying
July 29th, 2011
11:37 am
But really, when are they going to cancel the dude (Wendall Williams) whose show comes on after Monique’s? I am not a Monique fan; however I do applaud her success. But that dude, who comes on after Monique is the worst. BET = Busted Entertainment Television
Marcella
July 29th, 2011
11:43 am
I enjoyed watching MoNique’s talk show and hope to see her return. Always a fan.
LCWalk
July 29th, 2011
11:52 am
One of the many things I detest is when some idiots always refer to the Black woman as being loud and/or angry. Why do you suppose Black women are loud and/or angry? Bare in mind that women of other races exudes some of those negative attributes that you generalized to all Black women. When you refuse to educate yourself on the beauty and accomplishments of Black women, it is easy to see the negative.
mike scott
July 29th, 2011
11:54 am
this country may never recover from obama
Inita Mc Morris
July 29th, 2011
11:56 am
Thank you Monique, your honesty and genuine love for people will over ride negative energy.
God bless you.
ChicagoJoe
July 29th, 2011
12:07 pm
You guys should try living outside of Atlanta. Not every issue breaks down into some form of racial argument. It’s quite pleasant, actually!
Be Quiet in Movie Theaters.
July 29th, 2011
12:41 pm
LCWalk,
None of us would want to pay over $10 to sit next to someone like Mo’Nique in a movie theater and have our movie enjoyment ruined by her… “noise.”
By the way, Mo’Nique Fanz, the characters on the movie screen CANNOT hear you.
Unfortunately, the rest of us CAN.
Tina
July 29th, 2011
12:56 pm
I agree with Persona. Her interviewing skills were lacking. She treated all her guest the same. Everyone was fabulous,and our queens and kings.
I beleive in positivity and uplifting but it was too much! I love Monique she is funny and a talented actress but this was not her thing.
Monique On the Chopping Block? « liberette
July 29th, 2011
3:29 pm
[...] seasons on air. Rodney Perry, Mo’Nique’s sometimes co-host but more lovingly side-kick, told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the show was put on [...]
JustSaying
July 29th, 2011
5:03 pm
Mike Scott – I know what you mean, because this country is still trying to recover from George W. Bush. What a joke he was.
JustSaying
July 29th, 2011
5:06 pm
ps. President Barack Obama will have my vote again.
Roach
July 29th, 2011
8:14 pm
Love her as a comdedian and actress, but she is not a talk show host for all the reasons listed above. . Hopefully she will get another great movie roll that allows her to shine. Wishing her the best!!
Big mike
July 29th, 2011
9:41 pm
I tried watching the show, maybe once or twice, just to see how it was – since I usually like her movies. She came across as too annoying to listen to and I always thought she needed to work on how to properly interview people for the entertainment factor. All the best, Mo’Nique!
p.s. All the racist comments in this blog are so 1800’s!!! It’s 2011 – grow up!!!
Jasmine
July 30th, 2011
12:59 am
I absolutely loved this show. I don’t think she was a bad interviewer or asked the wrong questions at all…she was a class act and she kept things positive. Wendy Williams and her trash of a show is the show that should be taken off the air. This is horrible…and BET has just gotten worse and worse. I will still watch The Game but anything else will NOT be watched by me. They won’t get my ratings with their stupidity.
ATLANTA GA
July 30th, 2011
6:24 am
First of all, you all bad mouthing her and saying she did or did not do well. Come on people you all are doing exactly what the white man wants to hear. I do not care what White people do weather is good or bad, they always stick by each other no matter what. Mo’Nique you were a BLESSING to us all, there was a time when Black people were not allowed to be on TV. I am so proud of her for breaking down the barriers that most of us as an Black people face on daily basis. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU MO. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!
U. Green
July 30th, 2011
6:32 am
To: All u negative people out there saying that Monique was loud and and the show was not up to par stop talking negative about that lady and support anything that tells the story of black acheivement. Thank you Ms. Monique for having the guts to showcase our black talent.