Comedy Central Cancels 'Jeff Dunham Show'

Network still expected to work with comedian on future specials

By Alex Weprin -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/29/2009 4:28:59 PM

Despite launching with the most-watched series premiere in network history, Comedy Central has decided not to renew The Jeff Dunham Show, the network confirms.

Dunham's show debuted in October, drawing 5.3 million total viewers. It would drop in subsequent weeks, leveling out at around 2.3 million viewers.  It aired at 9 p.m. on Thursday nights, a time period that the network had traditionally not programmed new episodes of originals.

The show was the centerpiece of an all-encompassing deal the network inked with Dunham in March, 2009.  That deal also included stand-up specials, DVDs and a live tour.  Comedy is still expected to work with Dunham on future projects, with a network spokesperson saying "we will continue to be in business with Jeff Dunham in a big way."

Comedy blog The Comic's Comic first broke the news of the show's cancellation Dec. 23.