USA is shrinking its already small comedy stable. The cable network has canceled sitcom Benched — ready your puns — after just one season, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Benched had an uphill battle for a renewal from the star. USA has been focusing its efforts on drama in the wake of longstanding hits such as Burn Notice and Psych going off the air, and the half-hour show never made much of an impact in ratings. It premiered to 870,000 viewers in October. And while it held steady for much of its 12-episode run, its showing remained modest.
Producers ABC Studios are said to be looking for another home for the Michaela Watkins and Damon Jones-created comedy.
USA is devoting the majority of the network's development resources on drama — though there are some exceptions in its current lineup. The cable network's short-lived comedy push, which includes Sirens and recently renewed Playing House, followed USA's pricey acquisition of Modern Family repeats. (The network also has an unscripted series in Chrisley Knows Best.)
