HLN has canceled its appointment with “Dr. Drew.”
The current-affairs show, hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky (“Celebrity Rehab,” radio’s “Loveline”), has been axed after 5½ years. It will be replaced — at least for the time being — with reruns of “Forensic Files” and CNN originals (documentaries, etc.).
Pinsky’s show premiered in April 2011, but viewership remained low throughout its run. In March, HLN — a sister network of CNN — moved the show from 9 p.m. to 7 p.m.
“Dr. Drew and his team have delivered more than five years of creative shows, and I want to thank them for their hard work and distinctive programming,” CNN executive vice president Ken Jautz said in a statement.
“Their audience-driven shows, in particular, were innovative and memorable TV. And Dr. Drew has been an authoritative voice on addiction and on many other topical issues facing America today.”
“Dr. Drew” was particularly vulnerable with HLN’s recent move toward a more “newsy” lineup, including the hiring of Erica Hill, Michaela Pereira and Ashleigh Banfield.
The network’s biggest star, Nancy Grace, announced in late June that her eponymous nightly show — which focused on true crime for 11 years — will end in mid-October when her contract expires.
“Dr. Drew” will air new episodes through Sept. 22.
“It has been a privilege working at HLN,” Pinsky said in a statement. “My executive producer, Burt Dubrow, and our outstanding staff and contributors were consistently exceptional.
“I am very excited to stay within the CNN Worldwide family as a contributor.”