G4 Cancels 'Attack of the Show,' 'X-Play'

Gaming series to end at end of 2012 as network prepares rebrand

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 10/26/2012 2:32:58 PM

Two of G4's long-running series, Attack of the Show! and X-Play will end production at the end of 2012 as the gaming network preps for a rebrand in early 2013.

The NBCUniversal-owned cable network is planning two-month farewells for the defining series, which produced 1,700 and 1,300 episodes, respectively, and will continue to air original episodes through the end of the year.

Attack of the Show and X-Play will look back at memorable moments with a rotating lineup of guest co-hosts like John Barrowman, Michael Ian Black, Josh Myers, Paul Scheer, Rob Huebel and Horatio Sanz joining AOTS hosts Candace Bailey and Sara Underwood and X-Play hosts Morgan Webb and Blair Herter.

"Attack of the Show! and X-Play have been important for G4, and we want to acknowledge the creative people who have helped inspire and showcase the phenomenon of gamer culture," said G4 Media general manager Adam Stotsky. "With more than 3,000 episodes aired between them, we have more than enough great material to honor these innovators and their amazing contributions as we bring both shows to a close."

The news comes as G4 is reportedly planning a makeover in 2013 that could see it move beyond its gaming roots to a more upscale male target audience.