Gary Unemployed
I got fired today. many of you know what this feels like and I know most of the country has gone through something like this lately. it doesn’t take the sting out of it though. My television show, GARY UNMARRIED was, “Not picked up” by the network. it “wasn’t renewed”. These are fancy, network ways of saying, “You’re fired.” If you are reading this, chances are you enjoyed Gary Unmarried and rarely missed an episode. Thank you. I never missed one either.
I am pretty numb about the entire firing because it came after everyone involved did their jobs well. We didn’t loaf, we weren’t late, we didn’t bomb in the ratings. We just, “Didn’t get renewed.” I haven’t had this happen since MOHR SPORTS was dropped by ESPN. That move wasn’t particularly shocking. MOHR SPORTS was an incredibly ambitious project to begin with. We all knew ACTION was going away a few episodes in and the ratings showed we were watched by about as many people as Cricket in New Jersey.
What makes Gary Unmarried sting so bad is that everything seemed to be going so damn smoothly. The ratings weren’t great but they were pretty good. The people that watched the show liked it. it was on a very difficult night of comedy. OLD ADVENTURES OF NEW CHRISTINE then GARY UNMARRIED then CRIMINAL MINDS. Lets set the scorecard here. Girl comedy, guy comedy, serial killers. Strange grouping of programs no doubt. I would have loved to see how Gary would have done in a regular monday night slot. I would have loved to see what happened if Wednesday night was turned into a comedy night and gary got to stay. it didn’t. I’m fired. Unemployed.
In my perfect fantasy of my television world, I get dropped onto Criminal Minds as a profiler. Or maybe Garcia’s new boyfriend. I’m just sayin.
jj
Jay, I’m so sorry! You and your wife have entertained me so much over the years, I just want the best for you. Certainly, I didn’t want this. I feel gutted for you both.
It seems, at least from reading your books, that you’re fighter, and you will fight your way back to TV, or movies. At the very least, you’re not a quitter. I think you’ll be back on TV, the sooner the better.
Finally, let me congratulate you prematurely on your wife’s pregnancy. I know, you’re saying you’re having trouble conceiving, your wife isn’t pregnant yet. Trust me on this; I’ve had five friends fired from work. They’re now all pregnant. I don’t know if it’s that they have more time for sex, or that babies come along at the worst times, but unemployment has to be the best fertility treatment I’ve seen yet.
Looking forward to seeing you on TV SOON. And until then, I’ll see you in Ohio when you do your stand-up there! Good luck to you both!
Very sorry to hear that! You are by far, one of the funniest mother f-ers I have seen! My wife and I have seen you in Brea and Ontario 4 other times, bought your CD, and will be there at the 10pm show tonight. At least you have a good enough following to get by for a while just doing the stand-up until your next adventure presents itself! We both love and support all your inviolvements in film, tv, radio, and will continue to support you every time you come to town!!! I love listening to you with Rome or with Kevin & Bean… you kill everywhere, every time! Lookin forward to the show. Much love my man! Lets get some drinks after! I’ll buy since you ain’t got no job! Good luck!
Casey
I’m sorry to hear about this. But in the CBS canceled list you are with good company, on the bright side. I have a question for you and your fan’s reading your blog, does anyone else think its funny that Ghost Whisperer also got canned after they replaced Jay’s awesome role as Prof. Payne, with Jamie “I have no acting talent” Kennedy? Hmmm, CBS, you could have saved one or both of these shows if only they had kept Jay’s talented acting style on Ghost Whisperer. (Sorry needed to vent that)
See you in Cleveland in July JJ !
Jay, Sorry to hear about the show getting axed. Another project will present itself. I was a pretty loyal follower as I am of most all of your work. Damn I miss Mohr Sports! I am unemployed as well, since February. Given the abundant free-time that I suddenly had, I took a step towards the dream and got my first stand-up gig out of the way. I also started a blog with a buddy of mine. I’ve been getting laughs on the open-mic circuit (thankfully) and the blog is starting to get more hits each week. My copy of Gasping for Airtime is never really out of view. Thanks bro and all the best for you and the family. See you in Boston.
oh, so close jayjay. Better luck next time.
cubbie04 from stucknut
I discovered Gary Unmarried when I moved to Qatar a year ago and have just finished watching the season finale. I really enjoyed watching the show and am sad to hear that it didn’t get renewed. I think you and the rest of the cast did a great job, so I will be keeping my fingers crossed that I see you in something again soon.
Shit JJ, now you will have plenty of time to slam clones…Speaking of which, you should host a radio show or at the very least do a podcast….I would listen to that daily….
bad times
Sad news, also devastated about GW
Chels x
Hey Jay!
Just got home from your show tonight in Pittsburgh. Great, great job. Totally hilarious – kinda like Gary Unmarried. Super bummed it hasn’t been renewed…. Yet!
Amazing reason why you like giraffes! Just keep sticking your neck out. It’ll be worth it!
See ya soon,
Laura
I too was disappointed about GARY UNMARRIED and was thrilled when I knew you were going to be in Pittsburgh. I just saw your show last night & loved it. Luckily since my girlfriend’s camera died on her, she motioned me inside to take pictures of her & her fiance with my camera because initially I was too nervous to approach you. I get that way around crowds and ESPECIALLY since you’re a celebrity, but once I counted 1,2,3 sweatyballs and saw how you reacted to my comment, I felt more comfortable. So I was lucky enough to have my picture taken with you too………twice.
Thanks for being so down to earth. I wish you & your family the best and I just know you’ll do great touring with your comedy routines until another tv show comes along. In the meantime, I also look forward to seeing you in Clint Eastwood’s movie.
Take care,
Donna