She TV

She TV received mixed reviews. Variety panned it as "[failing] to score on any level".^[1] The Chicago Tribune argued the show was "fenced in" by the standards of network television, and that its unwillingness to be overtly feminist made it feel "muted" and unappealing.^[5] A Time review, however, called the show a "breakthrough" and one of the best "in years," bemoaning the fact that it failed to find an audience.^[6]

Several explanations were offered for the show's failure beyond its quality. Comedy shows were uncommon to see as the last show in a network's primetime lineup, and audiences may have preferred dramas at that time.^[3]

The show may have also been too ambiguous in its mission, failing to either reach a broad audience or deliver fully on its women-centered premise. Critics speculated that the show's focus on a majority-women cast may have "scared off" male viewers.^[6] Comedian Jane Lynch joked about that possibility in her memoir, describing the show as "an all-female comedy teeming with fresh, new girl talent and writers—and so of course, it failed almost immediately."^[7]

Despite having a majority-women cast, other critics noted that it was only a slight majority (five of eight main cast members) and the show had numerous male writers. Wary of alienating male viewers, the show's producers may have failed to embrace a stronger and more provocative point of view. As one critic noted, She TV "wimps out" on its premise and is "just too nice."^[8][9]

After its cancellation, fans campaigned unsuccessfully to revive the show, arguing it was canceled due to misogynistic beliefs of network executives.^[10]

Conservative talk-radio host Rush Limbaugh denounced She TV after the show aired a sketch mocking him as a racist. Limbaugh demanded an apology and retraction from ABC, which he did not receive, and also threatened a boycott of the network.^[11]

• She TV at IMDb