HBO Confirms ‘Joe Buck Live' Canceled

Show discontinued after three episodes

By David Tanklefsky -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/29/2010 3:58:56 PM

HBO has canceled sports talk show Joe Buck Live after only three episodes, HBO Sports president Ross Greenburg confirmed to B&C in an emailed statement Monday afternoon.

"Joe Buck is one of the premier broadcasters in our industry," Greenburg said.  "We have made the decision not to continue his talk show and wish him all the best and continued success with his wide array of responsibilities at Fox Sports."  Greenburg also thanked Buck for his work on the show.  "It was a privilege to work with him at HBO.  Joe worked tirelessly on the three shows, and we appreciate his professionalism and immense talent."

Joe Buck Live debuted last June in front of a live studio audience that got more than it bargained for when comedian Artie Lange, speaking as part of a panel discussion, launched a number of crude jokes and traded barbs with Buck.  The show effectively replaced sports talk show Costas Now after longtime HBO host Bob Costas left to join MLB Network.

Rumors of the show's cancellation began circulating late last week after Buck told a St. Louis sports talk station that he didn't expect HBO to continue the show.  The third episode of Joe Buck Live delivered a 1.2 rating.