This comes from [i:2b0fe70074] Variety[/i:2b0fe70074] via
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[b:2b0fe70074] TNT Chops 'Witchblade' Despite Strong Ratings[/b:2b0fe70074]
Wed Sep 4, 3:06 AM ET
By Melissa Grego
HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - "Witchblade" has been cut.
The signature TNT drama series -- which went on temporary hiatus this year while series star Yancy Butler underwent alcohol rehab -- did not snag a renewal, the cable network confirmed Tuesday.
The show, in which Butler plays a New York City detective who solves crimes with the titular weapon, wrapped its second season last month.
"Witchblade" has been considered a success on many levels, including in the ratings, so the cancellation is likely to raise a few eyebrows in TV land.
The series consistently drew at least a 2.0 cable rating in TNT's universe during both its first and second seasons. The performance certainly is considered a healthy one, although some summer cable series, such as USA's "Monk," have been turning in even higher cable ratings.
What's more, "Witchblade" fits with TNT's branding "We know drama." It got the full promotional push from TNT, and the network often touted the fact that there's nothing like the series on broadcast television.
Steve Koonin, TNT's exec VP-general manager, said the decision was made in the hopes of going out with a bang.
"It's a very tough decision," Koonin told Daily Variety. "Our criteria for this show were really four-fold."
The four hopes for the show were that it be: advertiser- and cable operator-friendly, a show that differentiated the network from its competitors, a ratings builder, and a show that laid groundwork for the network to be in the summer series business.
"'Witchblade' did all of that great for two years," Koonin said. "We just felt to stretch it to a third year could hurt some of those areas."
However, insiders said the production stumbles related to Butler's health during the most recent season may have played a part. Warner Bros. Television, which produces the show with Top Cow Prods. and Halsted Pictures, declined to comment. Butler's manager also was mum.
TNT has had a tricky time launching scripted series in recent years, most notably "Breaking News," which the network wrote off before airing any episodes, and "Bull," which was canceled early in its run.
Still, Koonin said the network will continue to be in the series business. It likely will continue to use the same model it did with "Witchblade," which premiered first as a two-hour movie.
"We'll be evolving our identity as a leader in drama and looking for other shows," Koonin said.
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. I haven't had too much fun with food, though I could tell you...or not tell you...some stories involving cherries and citron.
The more diverse the better! I love to talk about it, cook, eat, shop for it, gaze at it and dream about it! Food is fascinating! It's fun! American, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Mediterranean, Grilling, BBQ, Fast Food, Seafood, Dessert (Oh Yum), fruits, veggies, snacks, salads, coffee, tea, pastry! Yum, yum, yum! 
Enjoy your food today! 
They taste sort of like slimy beans.
