Controversial Cross-Dressing ABC Show 'Work It' Canceled
After only two episodes, ABC has pulled the contentious cross-dressing comedy “Work It” from its network.
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation protested the series they felt made a mockery of the transgender community. Over 50 protesters rallied before ABC TV’s New York offices when the show first aired on Jan. 3.
“While many of ABC's positive and groundbreaking portrayals of LGBT people have been critical and popular successes, the public had little interest in this outdated show,” said Herndon Graddick, Senior Director of Programs and Communications at GLAAD, in a statement. “As a result of this campaign, an important dialogue has been started in Hollywood and mainstream media about the real discrimination faced by transgender people today.”
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“Work It” features two men who dress up as women in an effort to gain employment after they learn that a pharmaceuticals company is only hiring female sales reps.
The prime time show was canned after ratings slipped below 3 million viewers, down from its Jan. 3 debut of 6 million viewers.
Critics despised the show, labeling it “outdated” and “low of laughs,” according to Mail Online.
Paul Lee, ABC chief, told the press he had no qualms with the canceled show, but the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community (LGBT) were content with its cancellation.
"I thought there was room personally for a very, very, very, very silly show," Lee said.
