By Jason Apuzzo. According to The Hollywood Reporter, 24 creator Joel Surnow’s 8-part miniseries The Kennedys has apparently been cancelled by The History Channel after the show “was not considered historically accurate enough for the network’s rigorous standards.” The series stars Greg Kinnear, Katie Holmes and Tom Wilkinson.
I’m laughing at this, because just the other day while channel surfing I happened to notice that The History Channel is still running its rigorously accurate series Ancient Aliens, featuring theories on extraterrestrial visitations to our planet – theories explained by such noted, credible scholars as Erich von Däniken.
What a farce this decision is.
For the record, Govindini and I know Joel and are certain that he and his team have put together a show that more than merits a showing on a network that currently includes on its schedule such scrupulously accurate series as MonsterQuest, The Bible Code: Predicting Armageddon, Nostradamus Effect, The Real Face of Jesus?, Stan Lee’s Superhumans and UFO Hunters.
We’ve embedded the trailer for Joel’s series above, and frankly it looks great. It also appears to be pointed and opinionated on the subject of the Kennedys – but nothing out of bounds, from what I’ve thus far seen.
After all, don’t we already know that image and reality were often quite different with respect to the Kennedys? God forbid that discrepancy would actually be dramatized in a television series.
As a side note, The History Channel has just guaranteed a few more ratings points for this series when it eventually airs on another network (possibly Showtime, according to reports) – which it inevitably will.
[UPDATE: Thanks to Michelle Malkin’s Hot Air for linking to this post. Welcome to our Hot Air readers.]
[UPDATE #2: It now appears that The History Channel pulled the show due to lobbying on behalf of Caroline Kennedy, and also Maria Shriver according to The Hollywood Reporter. As the story goes, the History Channel is co-owned by Disney – and Kennedy herself has a book deal with Disney – and she was planning to appear on (Disney’s) ABC network to do some exclusive promotion of the book. So it seems that Disney received an ‘either/or’ choice from the Kennedys, and ultimately decided to drop the show – and concoct this ludicrous story about the show ‘not being up to network standards.’ And so the farce goes on.]
Posted on January 8th, 2011 at 5:15pm.
Funny how the media left can dish it out, but can’ t take it.I just hope this series gets on DVD soon because I will buy it sight unseen now.
I hear you! Btw, I’m surprised how good Katie Holmes looks as Jackie.
I seem to remember a movie about, oh who was it BUSH that went ahead inspite of strong objections for all the usual blathering about moral courage etc etc
Yes, well, we know how consistent these folks are – don’t we? I certainly remember no such concerns about historical accuracy when W came out.
I just endured Oliver Stone’s “historical” version of George Bush’s life and presidency in “W” on History. How can you call that history? Was that not vindictive?
I never watched W – I can’t be bothered. I did like Wall Street 2, however.
I agree…the trailer makes me want to see this series. It looks great. I hope the History Channel rethinks their decision.
They won’t, but don’t worry – I’m sure another network will pick this up.
From the short trailer, one can see that the main objection might be to the tone of the series, which appears to emphasize the marriage of money and ambition, and not just between Jack & Jackie. The Kennedy men were a lustful bunch-for wine and women…but they cherished power above all and would let nothing stop them from obtaining, using or abusing it.
Looking forward to the series wherever it lands, if nothing else, to see Greg Kinnear display his very fine and prodigious acting talent. Katie Holmes also looks far better as Jackie, then in her real life role as Mrs. Tom Cruise.
I agree on all points.
I’m terribly, terribly disappointed to hear this, but I’m making a promise to myself – if Showtime picks up this series I’ll drop my HBO and pick up Showtime.
I love the resolve here, MotionView. That’s the spirit.
My goodness, this looks so worth seeing. Whatever is the matter with the History Channel? They hardly ever show anything historical now anyway. This surely should fit into any shred of historical material they still deem relevant to show.
This looked intriguing enough to actually watch. I also think the facts are out there about the Kennedy’s…warts and all. Just exactly what more could be brought out about them that’s not well known and could possibly tarnish and/or burnish their image any more than it has already? What exactly is going to happen to this project now that it’s completed? Does it just go into a can in a salt mine? Looks like a lot of money and time was spent on this project.
Sorry distracted reader here! I just noticed that your article basically answers all my questions from my original comment
No worries. Incidentally, it’s amazing to me that History was willing to throw away the (likely) $20 mil this cost for such a sorry set of reasons. They’re looking like fools here – after all, didn’t they read the script?
I also would purchase this on DVD as soon as it’s available. The trailer sparks my interest enough to continue to follow the 8 part mini series progression to the people. Soon hopefully.
It does look entertaining – no doubt.
With Disney involved, hopefully this won’t share the same fate as PATH TO 9/11 and air only *once* (!!) and not be available on video.
I doubt this one’s going to be kept in the dark.