How Are Our Shows Affected? The Sexual Allegations Dumpster Fire Unfortunately Continues to Kindle


Written Grateful at Karma's Vicious, Vengeful Sword by Bridger Cunningham



Updated November 29, 2017: Add Today Reporter Matt Lauer and Chicago PD Star Jason Beghe to this infamous roster.  And roll a Yahtee with the firings of Lauer, Charlie Rose and Arrowverse Showrunner Andrew Kreisberg.

For those following this ongoing article, it has gotten around TV Ratings Guide's in as many maneuvers since November 10 as several offenders' hands have behaved inappropriately.  Now with 13 infamous mentions, this article must distinguish between allegations and CONFIRMED 
accusations.  Mentions in green have LOW impact on shows or are tenuous/long-distant accusations affecting shows.  Yellow mentions are LOW TO MODERATE as their impacts escalate to the next level and affect a prolific level of shows.  Orange mentions are MODERATE damage to shows have resulted in interruptions of programming and/or removal of stars.  And Red mentions are EXTREME effects, impacting an iconic presence and several shows to boot.

The greatest irony is this article's acronym by title is inadvertently SADFCK.  Time to buy a vowel.

Prior to October 5, 2017, the speculations and urban legends of sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry remained a well-known,  loosely regulated scandal known by the masses.  Before that date, President Donald Trump, 80's NBC icon Bill Cosby, wholesome 7th Heaven Alum Stephen Collins and a slew of cable newscasters remained the only recent media figures shackled down to confirmed notoriety due to past behaviors of confirmed sexual harassment and assault.  Few spoke of the matter in the industry.  And if they spoke up, it was via passive-aggressive humor, similar to Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane's jabs via dialogue in 2013 episodes.  Or 30 Rock's coy dialogue with one of its characters stating "I'm not afraid of anyone in show business, I turned down intercourse with Harvey Weinstein on no less than three occasions, out of five." (1)

Image result for courtney love 2017The boldest action taken prior to 2017 derived from volatile actress/Hole lead singer Courtney Love's 2005 statement advising new actresses, "If Harvey Weinstein invites you to a private party in the Four Seasons, don't go."  Equally aggressive in calling out the underbelly of the industry was 80's teen star Corey Feldman, who bravely shined a light on pedophilia running rampant for decades.  Then, NY Times Journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey released a report detailing Harvey Weinstein issuing 8 females settlements over three decades traversed during his tenures at Mirimax and The Weinstein Company. (1)   The dumpster fire kindled after NBC News reporter Ronan Farrow (son of Peyton Place alum Mia Farrow) reported in The New Yorker of his own investigation, shining light on 13 victims of sexual harassment and 3 rape victims.  Farrow eluded to NBC receiving pressure to kill the segment when he investigated months earlier (denied by the network).  The sordid development ignited into a media firestorm in preceding weeks, leading to several revelations of misconduct against others.  And it has left several shows suspended, speculating survival or potentially quashed.  

And the Sexual Allegations Dumpster fire burned like a scrub bush beneath the Hollywood sign, ignited by a cigarette flick of the industry's reckless and vile.  The scandal smoldered after years of allegations lying in plain site, spreading and burning everything in its path late in 2017 including viewers' favorite television shows.  Here are shows linked to this rash of reveals, and the effects on scheduling.

13.  Matt Lauer (November 29, 2017)


Show Affected -- Today Show.

Allegations - 21-year veteran newsanchor Matt Lauer was fired amidst reports of inappropriate sexual behaviors.  One anonymous accuser stated Lauer of "giving a sex toy gift with a note on how he would like to use it, of exposing himself, and loving to play the game 'f*ck, marry or kill,' in which he would identify the female TV news co-hosts he’d most like to shag."  (25) Further reports from former co-anchor Katie Couric accused Lauer of inappropriate pinching in a 2012 interview which she was a guest on her former reporting grounds.

Extent of Affects -- Extreme.  Lauer is a revered household name in reporting, having been a (somewhat) celebrated presence on Today for 21 years after replacing heralded host Bryant Gumbel.  Today reclaimed 1st Place over Good Morning America in 1995, remaining in the dominant lead until early 2012.  Lauer and Katie Couric's 1997-2006 run remained one of history's landmark pairings in Morning Newscasts.  Despite format and co-anchor shakeups, Today has edged closely to ABC's Good Morning America primarily due to Lauer's presence.  Losing his presence may harm or help the show's ratings and stance with the effects playing out in the upcoming months.


Shows' Statuses -- Lauer is gone, with his last telecast being November 28, 2017.  A replacement has yet to be announced on Today.

12. Jason Beghe (November 22, 2017)


Show Potentially Affected -- Chicago PD


Jason Beghe Picture
Allegations -- Beghe is under investigation for anger issues and sexual misconduct by NBC after reports emerged of "toxic" behaviors on set.  Speculation has run rampant as to Beghe's behavior in relation to costar Sophia Bush' exit earlier this year, and Beghe has conceded to issues with anger which he is receiving treatment. (24)

Extent of Affects -- Moderate.  Beghe is the leading star of Chicago PD's ensemble, and his exit would impact stories if he were removed.  However, this is an ensemble show which could easily recuperate in the event of losing one character.


Show's Status -- No changes to scheduling or production have occurred, and this revelation has not smoldered or erupted with further developments.  Beghe remains employed with NBC, and fans may continue to watch the series at their own discretion should they separate art from artist.


11. Charlie Rose (November 20, 2017)

Shows Affected -- CBS This Morning, Charlie Rose (PBS), 60 Minutes.


Allegations - CONFIRMED.  8 Women aged between 21-37 have come forth and reported to the Washington Post and stated Rose grabbed them in inappropriate places between the late 1990's through 2011.  Rose conceded to the allegations and issued the following apology (all too late):
“In my 45 years in journalism, I have prided myself on being an advocate for the careers of the women with whom I have worked. Nevertheless, in the past few days, claims have been made about my behavior toward some former female colleagues.
“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken.
“I have learned a great deal as a result of these events, and I hope others will too. All of us, including me, are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past, and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives.” (23)
Extent of Affects -- Extreme.  Rose had a career spanning over 5 decades, and his presence was an invigorating force to revitalize the CBS News franchise.  His self-titled show also was a longstanding staple on PBS since 1991, and Rose was an esteemed presence in the news world.  Rose's exit from the news realm is as much of a blow as Dan Rather's disgraced exit from CBS News in 2005.

Shows' Statuses -- CBS, Bloomberg and PBS have all effectively suspended Rose from their networks on November 20.  He was fired from all franchises on November 21.


10. Ryan Seacrest (November 17, 2017)


Shows Affected -- American Idol, Live With Kelly and Ryan, Plus Various Programming.

Allegations -- An anonymous stylist is alleging the popular television host behaved inappropriately more than a decade earlier while the two interacted on E!  The network is launching a precautionary investigation. (21)   Please note TVRG takes a firm stance of "Innocent Until Stated Otherwise" and will not discuss the details until confirmed by statement or investigation. 

Extent of Affects -- Low to Moderate.  Though the alleged incident occurred years earlier and may be motivated by greed, Seacrest' name is tied to several productions.  Any such scandal can change the way the public looks at a figure.  On the plus side for ABC, perhaps the controversy will prompt folks to tune in to the already-panned revival in March.


Shows' Statuses -- No scheduling changes are known as production has not been halted in lieu of these developments.

9. Murray Miller (November 17, 2017)


Show Affected -- Girls

Allegations -- A former actress on the long-running series has accused the showrunner of sexual misconduct. (20)  Please note TVRG takes a firm stance of "Innocent Until Stated Otherwise" and will not discuss the details until confirmed by statement or investigation. 

Extent of The Affects -- Low.  Though Girls concluded its 6-season run earlier this year, former co-showrunners Jenni Konner and star Lena Dunham have raced to the forefront and are adamantly defending Miller.

Show's Status -- Girls concluded its run earlier this year, and repeats have yet to be interrupted or pulled from HBO.

8. Mark Schwahn (November 15, 2017)


Shows Potentially Affected -- The Royals

Allegations -- On November 14, 18 female One Tree Hill former cast and crew, including actresses Daphne Zuniga, Sophia Bush, Hilarie Burton, Bethany Joy Lenz and Danneel Harris signed a collective statement regarding harassment and intimidation they endured while appearing on OTH.  Former male cast members Chad Michael Murray, Lee Norris, James Lafferty, Robert Buckley and Austin Nichols made statements supporting and backing the 18 females involved in the accusation. (18)  Only one day after the suspension announcement, 25 cast and crew members from the Royals executed a similar statement of allegations similar in nature, bringing 43 accusations of inappropriate conduct. (19) Either that is damning, or that is 43 plotting people who have it out for someone.  Please note TVRG takes a firm stance of "Innocent Until Stated Otherwise" and will not discuss the details until confirmed by statement or investigation.

Extent of Affects -- Moderate.  Although One Tree Hill ended over 5 seasons ago, the collective actresses of the ladies in question foreshadows problems for Schwahn.  Individual claims leave many questions and speculation, but a collective statement holds greater creed. E! has taken a precautionary investigation and suspended him from the network.  And now that 25 individuals from the current Royals production spoke up, this could gravely affect the production of any upcoming material produced beyond November 2017.  

Shows' Statuses -- The Royals, the E! network's first scripted drama, is slated to return for Season 4 early in 2018, bringing the episode order up to 40.  No effects on the production schedule are visible as S4 is concluded.  However, if this matter continues to loom, it could also affect chances of renewal.  S4 ranged in the 18-49 adult demographic between 0.17-0.31, a stark difference from S1's performances between 0.50-0.60.  Although this controversy does not help the show's renewal odds, the ratings trajectory is ticking downward for E!'s first scripted series.

7. George Takei (November 10, 2017)

Show Affected -- Fresh Off The Boat

Allegations -- A former model has accused Star Trek alum George Takei of Sexual Miscounduct stemming from an incident in 1981. (17)  Please note TVRG takes a firm stance of "Innocent Until Stated Otherwise" and will not discuss the details until confirmed by statement or investigation.

Extent of The Affects -- Low.  Takei's incident occurred decades earlier and no further incidents have been brought to light.

Show's Status -- Takei was a marketed guest star.  This standalone cameo should affect little with the ABC franchise, save for advertisement issues.

6. Andrew Kreisberg (November 10, 2017)


Image result for andrew kreisberg cw
Shows Affected -- The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, Arrow and Supergirl.

Allegations -- 15 women and 4 men have declared allegations of misconduct, leading to Kreisberg's suspension pending CW's cautionary investigation. (15)  Following the investigation, Kreisberg was fired on November 29.  Please note TVRG takes a firm stance of "Innocent Until Stated Otherwise" and will not discuss the details until confirmed by statement or investigation. 

Extent of Affects -- Low to Moderate.   Kreisberg leaving CW as the four-post showrunner, changes in tone may affect CW's higher-rated franchises.  A replacement has yet to be announced for Kreisberg.

Shows' Statuses -- No scheduling changes are known as production has not been halted in lieu of these developments.

5. Louis CK (November 9, 2017)

Shows Affected -- Better Things, Baskets, One Mississippi, The Cops, 2017, Night of Too Many Stars and Upcoming Standup Specials on Netflix and HBO.
Image result for tig notaro
Tig Notaro, Louis CK

Allegations -- CONFIRMED.Following accusing Louis CK of plagiarism in April 2017, Tig Notaro, star of CK's series One Mississippi, stated in August she would be distancing herself from the comedic powerhouse due to incidents involving multiple women, as well as an unspecified incident involving herself.  The troubling headlines ignited in flames on November 9, 2017 when five women made statements CK pressured them to watch or listen to him self pleasure himself.  The following day, CK conceded to the accusations and issued an apology statement. (13)

Pamela Adlon, Louis CK.
Extent of Affects -- Extreme.  6-time Emmy winner CK had many irons in the fire, affecting not only his personal stake, but also those associated with him.  Better Things star Pamela Adlon has a lengthy work relationship and friendship with CK and made this statement on November 10, 2017:

“My family and I are devastated and in shock after the admission of abhorrent behavior by my friend and partner, Louis C.K. I feel deep sorrow and empathy for the women who have come forward. I am asking for privacy at this time for myself and my family. I am processing and grieving and hope to say more as soon as I am able.” (11)

CK's woes affect multiple networks, platforms and actors involved in active productions.  The Orchard pulled the release of upcoming film "I Love You, Daddy," a film they acquired at the purchase of $5M.  Multiple active shows may also mar the audience's view of the series due to the association, demonstrating how one person's poor decisions affected thousands involved in multiple productions and millions of viewers who previously adored the franchises.

Shows' Statuses -- FX has severed its relationship with CK and his production company, Pig Newton and will not offer compensation or employment relating to Better Things, Baskets, The Cops and One Mississippi.  Shows featuring CK proliferate and affect a broad range.

1. Better Things concludes its 2nd season on Thursday, November 17 and is renewed by FX for an upcoming 3rd season.
2. Baskets concluded its 2nd season on Thursday, March 23, 2017 and is renewed by FX for an upcoming 3rd season. 
3. One Mississippi released its 2nd 6-episode season on September 8, 2017.  Amazon has yet to announce if the show will be renewed for a 3rd season. (8)
4. Production has been suspended by TBS on the upcoming animated comedy The Cops which CK was slated to voice the role of Lou.  It appears imminent the role will be recast as CK's relationship with the show is severed. (10)
5. HBO has scrapped CK's contribution to its upcoming Autism documentary Night of Too Many Stars on Saturday, November 18. (10)
6. HBO pulled all of CK's comedy standup material from their On Demand Menu. (10)
7. Though Netflix has scrapped production on CK's upcoming standup comedy sketch, his previous releases, 2017 and 2015 Live at the Comedy Store will remain available to stream. (9)

4. Jeffrey Tambor (November 8, 2017)


Image result for transparent jeffrey tambor
Jeffrey Tambor as Maura Pfefferman in Amazon's Transparent
Shows Potentially Affected -- Transparent and Arrested Development

Allegations -- On November 8, a transgender actress launched allegations of improper behavior, which Tambor rebuffed as baseless.  Transparent's distributor, Amazon, has launched a cautionary investigation to investigate the claims.(6)  Please note TVRG takes a firm stance of "Innocent Until Stated Otherwise" and will not discuss the details until confirmed by statement or investigation. 

Extent of Affects -- Moderate.  Tambor's image has suffered, mainly due to his promontory status as a straight gentleman portraying a transgender lady in the hit series. (5)  Even if nothing comes to fruition from the investigation, the allegations hold potential for the audience to view Tambor in a less sensitive light.  Thus why investigations are necessary to not only look into the matter for potential issues, but also avoid defamation or misrepresentation.  Tambor resigned from Transparent on November 19. (22)

Shows' Statuses -- Transparent and Arrested Development are both renewed for 5th seasons, slated to air in 2018. (7) Tambor, however has walked away from Transparent and it appears the series will continue with the remaining cast intact.

3. Ed Westwick (November 7, 2017)

Image result for ed westwick wicked cityShow Affected -- White Gold

Allegations -- November 7-8, 2017, two women accused Westwick of sexual assault in 2014. An addtional woman came forth on Novewmber 15.(16) 

Extent of Affects -- Moderate.  Westwick's career not only spans current franchises; it also traversed CW's former Gossip Girl.  The accusations are heavier than the actor placing his hands where the don't belong.  

Show's Status -- BBC is halting Westwick's series 2 appearance in White Gold pending an investigation.  The show is also simulcast on Netflix internationally.  BBC issued the following statement:

“These are serious allegations which Ed Westwick has strenuously denied. The BBC is not making any judgement but until these matters are resolved we will not include Ordeal by Innocence in the schedules. The independent production company making White Gold has informed us that Ed Westwick has paused from filming while he deals with these allegations.” 



2. Jeremy Piven  (October 30, 2017)
Jeremy Piven's 11/9/2017 Twitter Post rebutting the allegations.

Show Potentially Affected - Wisdom of the Crowd

Allegations -- The same day Spacey dealt with scandalous headlines, Piven received similar accusations improper behavior from an actress dating stemming to his 2004-11 run on Entourage.  Piven has aggressively rebuffed the statements.  CBS has launched an investigation into the matter.  No confirmations have been issued, though three actresses have come forth in similar nature. (4)  Please note TVRG takes a firm stance of "Innocent Until Stated Otherwise" and will not discuss the details until confirmed by statement or investigation. (4)

Extent of Affects - Low.  Piven's woes are merely headlines and occurred years prior.  Wisdom of the Crowd is a first-season drama on CBS Sundays and does not possess the same exposure as House of Cards.  Piven's matter is also under investigation, and no visible effects to the 11/5/2017 broadcast, which experienced an uptick to a 1.1 18-49 Adult Demo rating.

Show's Status -- CBS has capped the series' order effective November 28 at 13 episodes, ultimately foreshadowing cancellation.

1. Kevin Spacey (October 30, 2017)

Show Affected -- House of Cards.

Allegations -- CONFIRMEDOn October 30, Star Trek alum Anthony Rapp came forth and revealed Spacey sexually harassed him when he was 14 in 1986. (2)  Spacey issued an apology to Rapp, as well as came out of the closet.  Since the reveal, others have stated allegations of similar behaviors, including parties associated with production of HOC.
Image result for House of Cards
Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey, House of Cards.
Wright's likeness is now used when viewers access episodes of HOC on Netflix.

Extent of Affects - Extreme.  Spacey was not a C-lister enjoying mild success in his 50's; he was a name which drew attention and acclaim.  Spacey's likeness prior to October 30 was prominently used to advertise Netflix and T-Mobile's joint venture.  Following the developments, Robin Wright's image and likeness replaced Spacey for  House of Cards.  Spacey is a multiple Academy Award, SAG Award and Golden Globe winner, harming any of his productions' prior acclaim.  The actor is also seeking treatment in lieu of these recent developments.

Show's Status -- Uncertain.  Production was indefinitely halted on October 31 after completion of two episodes of the 6th season.(3)  The previous day, Netflix declared Season 6 would be the series' final season, bringing the episode count to 78.  On November 3, Netflix stated they would not produce new episodes featuring Spacey.  Discussions of Robin Wright being the central focus of the last season, as well as a post-HOC spinoff.  Production is slated to resume minus spacey on December 9.  For fans of HOC, the only silver lining is the series' first 5 seasons remain on display on Netflix to enjoy at their own risk and ability to separate art from artist.

The Continued Effects and Unspeakable Aftermath
Image result for daryl hannah kill bill quentin
It appears the unyielding reveals and scandals have yet to slow their path of destruction, with several more reveals speculated into the unforeseeable future.  The saddening fact is it was not one offender in the incident, but hundreds to thousands who abetted the behavior or enabled such vicious, violent acts.  Judd Apatow sadly publicized an incident which Kill Bill actress Daryl Hannah bravely fought off a nefarious attack from Harvey Weinstein during a press tour for the films.  After barricading herself in a dressing room with a dresser, Weinstein charged the door, and Hannah made multiple distressed calls to production folks for help.  The resolve?  SHE was removed.  Hannah deserves a standing ovation for thwarting such unwanted actions, the worst appears yet to be disclosed.  

Multiple television and streaming shows are affected, and TVRG will keep readers updated for changes relating to the shows.  This site will not comment on speculations and accusations not confirmed.  But rather will only report confirmed stories and how they affect the shows people love.

Number of Shows Affected So Far -- 27


State Route 27 marker
Sources:

(1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Weinstein_sexual_abuse_allegations

(2) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Spacey
(3) http://www.tvratingsguide.com/2017/10/house-of-card-spinoff-in-works.html
(4) http://www.tvguide.com/news/jeremy-piven-sexual-harassment-statement/
(5) http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/sc-fam-jeffrey-tambor-sexual-assault-20171109-story.html
(6) http://deadline.com/2017/11/jeffrey-tambor-sexual-harassment-claims-amazon-1202204220/
(7) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transparent_(TV_series)
(8) http://deadline.com/2017/11/fx-cuts-ties-louis-c-k-ends-pig-newton-1202206037/
(9) http://deadline.com/2017/11/netflix-louis-c-k-standup-special-dead-sexual-misconduct-allegations-1202205702/
(10) http://deadline.com/2017/11/louis-ck-tbs-suspends-production-animated-cop-comedy-series-albert-brooks-1202205246/
(11) http://deadline.com/2017/11/pamela-adlon-louis-c-k-devastated-and-in-shock-after-his-admission-of-misconduct-1202206147/
(12) https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/08/tig-notaro-louis-ck-one-mississippi
(13) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_C.K.
(14) http://deadline.com/2017/11/judd-apatow-harvey-weinstein-sex-scandal-reforms-commentary-breaking-news-1202204254/
(15) http://deadline.com/2017/11/andrew-kreisberg-suspended-sexual-harassment-allegations-1202206230/
(16) http://deadline.com/2017/11/ed-westwick-bbc-ordeal-by-innocence-white-gold-1202205604/
(17) http://deadline.com/2017/11/george-takei-reponse-sexual-assault-allegation-twitter-1202206322/
(18) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Schwahn
(19) http://deadline.com/2017/11/the-royals-female-cast-crew-members-statement-mark-schwahn-sexual-harassment-1202209877/
(20) http://deadline.com/2017/11/girls-producer-sexual-assault-murray-miller-aurora-perrineau-1202211274/
(21) http://deadline.com/2017/11/ryan-seacrest-harassment-claims-stylist-e-entertainment-1202211382/
(22) http://deadline.com/2017/11/jeffrey-tambor-leaving-transparent-sexual-harassment-allegations-amazon-jill-soloway-1202211711/
(23) http://deadline.com/2017/11/charlie-rose-unwanted-sexual-advances-report-1202212678/
(24) http://people.com/tv/jason-beghe-investigated-inappropriate-behavior-chicago-pd/
(25) http://deadline.com/2017/11/matt-lauer-sexual-harassment-fired-report-1202216448/

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