A massive hurricane is currently tearing up the ocean just off the coast of Mexico, and the surf here in Southern California is huge. Waves between fifteen and twenty feet have been common, and on Wednesday, Anne and I went down to the beach to see them for ourselves, and take a long walk along the sand.
School has just started, so there weren’t many people down there. Parking was easy, and after a quick walk across the hot sand, we got to the edge of the water. We stood there for a few minutes and watched enormous waves explode into foam, before the ocean seemed to completely flatten out into deceptively serene beauty between sets.
We walked about four miles down the sand, and another four miles back. We shared a meatball sub for lunch, and a little after 2pm, we got in the car to head home.
We were about a quarter mile from our house when my cell phone rang. I vaguely recognized the number, so I picked it.
“I have [Syfy Network Executive] for you,” a disinterested assistant said.
“Okay,” I said. The line fell silent, and I knew that my work with Syfy was over.
“How are you?” He asked me.
“I’m fine,” I said, honestly. “I just got back from a nice long walk with my wife, and it’s been a pretty great day.”
“Well, I’m about to make your day less great,” he said. Then, he told me that Syfy will not be ordering more episodes of The Wil Wheaton Project.
He assured me that it wasn’t the quality of the show. He told me again and again how much he loved it, how funny he thought it was, how much he liked me, how much he wanted to find other things to do together.
Ultimately, he told me, the executives in New York just didn’t think we had enough viewers to justify more episodes. I didn’t say anything about the total lack of promotion off the network, or point out that our ratings were on par with The Soup, or that ratings are always lower in summer than the fall. I didn’t bother saying any of that, because I know he knows that. I was reasonably confident that he made those arguments with New York when he was trying to get the show renewed. I presume he fought hard for us, but ultimately couldn’t sway executives in New York who never seemed — in my opinion — to really understand what kind of show we were doing, who I was and why I was hosting it, and how to engage with and promote to the audience who would like it.
I thanked him for the call, thanked him for the opportunity to do a show that Syfy had never tried before, and sincerely thanked him for all his creative support. He’s a good guy in an industry full of bad guys, and I genuinely enjoyed working with him. I know that he’s trying really hard to put the sci-fi back into Syfy, and if anyone can do it there (which is going to be incredibly difficult, I think), he’s the guy who can make it happen.
I hung up the phone, and told Anne that we weren’t being renewed.
“How do you feel about that?” She asked me.
“I’m really okay with it,” I said. “I’m super sad that I won’t get to work with my writers and producers, and I’m sad that we don’t get to keep writing jokes, but I did everything I could to help the show succeed. I promoted it the best way I could, I worked hard to write stuff that was funny, and I tried so, so, so hard to get the network executives in New York to understand how they could help the show succeed.
“I can only do so much, and we didn’t get a lot of promotional support. I did everything I could, and I’m proud of the work we put on the screen. On the one hand, it’s a shame that they stopped us right when the show was hitting its stride, but on the other hand, we went out with some great episodes.”
I’m disappointed that I won’t get to keep working with people I really like and respect. I’m sad that we won’t get to do more silly segments like How Will They Bite It? and Skeletor Reads Angry Tweets. I’ll miss the scarecrow most of all.
I’m grateful, though, to the people at Syfy who believed in us and gave us a chance to succeed. I’m grateful for the creative support we got, and I’m grateful that I got to spend my summer working with wonderful, talented, funny people. I grew a lot of levels in comedy writing over the last 18 weeks or so, and I owe it all to the amazing people I got to work with.
I had made a decision the day we wrapped the show, that I was going to be okay whether Syfy picked us up, or not. I can honestly say that I am really okay with where I am today. I’m looking forward to doing Tabletop and our upcoming RPG show. I’m looking forward to writing more stories, getting excited, and making more things.
Thank you to everyone who watched our show. Thank you for your kind words, and for being part of a pretty great summer.
Until next time: Play more games!
Oh, and let me just stop this before it starts: we nerds have a penchant for letter-writing campaigns and stuff to try and save shows we like. Please don’t do that here. It’s not going to happen, and we should instead put that energy into something else, like getting #butts to trend.
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Hi Wil,
Sorry Syfy isn’t continuing the show.:( Have you considered Kickstarter to raise funds and continue on? Even if it’s at first posted on YouTube. I am sure the Geekverse will support the heck out of it in funding like they did for Star Trek: Anaxar and its prequel.
Hiy Wil,
I’m a television show binge-watcher. I’ll wait for a whole season to come out then d/l it “on Netflix”. There are a few exceptions where I’l watch a show in real time. Not only did I very much enjoy your show, but because I enjoyed watching it, I didn’t want you to spoil anything for me on the Sci-Fi/Fantasy shows I watch. This led me to watch more shows in real time, stupid-annoying commercials and all. Commercial-free Netflix is a reality, commercial-free, unauthorized downloading is a reality, product placement can be awkward (you’ll never see a bikini-clad girl drinking a Moosehead beer on Game of Thrones). I think that the the shows you espouse, promote, and even lampoon and lambaste, should be giving you a small cut for your promoting them, and encouraging (however subtly) to watch them in real time.
Remove the pressure from your life, and try a 15-minute tWWP webshow, YouTube ads and all. Crowdsource some material/jokes/mashups/Skeletor tweets, add in your entertaining flavour (yup, I’m Canadian) and timing. I’d watch it, and it would push me to watch my shows with ads.
“New York”, despite being known for some bad decisions, isn’t as stupid as we nerds often make them out to be. They respond to bottom lines, so once they understand that a show like yours is driving people to skip the commercial skipping options, they might stop making such myopic choices.
I like to think I understand your call for no-action. Maybe the next time they want to pitch “the Big W” for a show I’ll enjoy, they might think twice about what it will mean to other shows, the non-Wheaton ones.
Jeff
PS Thank you for the laughs and the extras I don’t get when watching shows on Netflix. I award you and your team many Nerd points.
PPS For not-Wil: Anyone who hasn’t read “Just a Geek” is missing something wonderful and touching.
It was wonderful to watch and I’d love to see more but I know you’ll keep making more things that I can enjoy. Thank you for what you do for nerds and geeks. Or is that supposed to be geeks and nerds? I’m never sure if it’s supposed to be in alphabetical order.
I’m glad you are ok with it, but I’m not!!! I truly enjoyed your show and was looking forward to more.
Bummer! I’m glad you’re feeling at peace with things tho. You all did a great job I’m proud of you.
Part of the problem with the timing, is it was summer, and most of the shows with the content you would want to talk about/make fun of, etc, are not starting/starting back up until fall.
Well, phooey.
Okay, Al. That’s really funny because I read this post in my email and decided I should come to the site and just leave the comment, “Well, phooey.” (Which I haven’t heard anybody say in years.) I come here and the first thing I see is Al Everett taking the words right out of my keyboard literally seconds before I typed them.
So indeed: Well, phooey.
I’m sad to hear they made the decision they did. It’s a bummer the execs in New York didn’t get it. I am glad to hear that you are okay with it. I’m looking forward to seeing the next season of Tabletop!
Is is feasible that you could take the WWP (or something similar to, but legally distinct from) to Youtube?
Things to be sad about:
1) Your show did not get renewed.
Things to be happy about:
1) More time and energy to devote to Tabletop!
2) More time and energy to devote to your RPG show (about which both my wife and I are supremely excited!)
3) No schools of sharks were picked up by waterspouts, resulting in a cataclysmic “sharknado” that could only be stopped by Tara Reid. The whole world is grateful for that one!
4) Even as you excel at playing a jerk on TV, you also excel at working as a sort of conscience of the internet, encouraging geeks everywhere to listen to the better angels of their natures and take a stand against misogyny, racism, homophobia, and general bigotry.
5) Related to 4, because you have been so open, honest, and thoughtful in your writing about dealing with your own personal struggles with depression and anxiety, you’ve been able to serve as a role-model to many people such as myself and my wife who have struggled with those issues.
Hear hear!
I’m glad you’re taking it well, but this sucks! A lot of us signed a petition to get it renewed. Its not like Syfy has a lot in that timeslot anyway. It made me tune in. I even started watching some of their show before your show (the Heroes of Cosplay, which im not a fan of… the show, not cosplay, i love cosplay, but i think the show was more of the SyFy same).
More of an example of how SyFy is going down the tubes. Im glad I got to see your show, and look forward to more Tabletop and the RPG show.
enjoy the beautiful scenery and have a good labor day.
What are the chances of adding a few Skeletor gags to to the credits of Tabletop season 3?
Sorry to hear that. And they really didn’t promote the show. The only reason I knew about it was by finding clips after watching stuff on Geek & Sundry.
On that note, I think what you folks are doing on Geek & Sundry is awesome. I love Table Top and have bought many of the games to play with my kids. On YouTube you’re able to take more risks than a corporate creature like SyFy, and it shows. In fact, Geek & Sundry is one of the reasons I started my own YouTube channel (not plugging it here, though). It really is the New Thing.
And if you’re in the Santa Clarita area, let me know. We can play X-Wing with my kids and see who throws the first tantrum. 🙂
I’m really sorry to see that the show hasn’t been picked up. I made a point of watching every single episode. The show was a good one, and it made me laugh. It connected with me in a way that The Soup and other clip shows don’t. On a geek level. On a gut level. I tuned in every week not only because I liked the show, but because I like you. You really seem to be a genuine person, and I was hoping for your success. From seeing you on social media, on your Tabletop show, on the Doctor Who special, on Big Bang… I know you will continue to thrive. Thanks for not being a dick.
I think you should try to continue on Youtube. Skeletor and How will they bite it will play well. I know you have licensing issues, but it’s out there.
Epic Rap Battles of History have some episodes with 60 million views. The opportunity for quality is there online.
Ok, I know you know that because of Tabletop, but I’m just saying…
Such a shame. I liked the idea of a 30-minute show where I could sit, eat dinner and find out about all the sci fi stuff I didn’t have time to follow… which is pretty much everything at this point. The network actually tried doing a show like that when it first came on the air, but it lacked Skeletor reading nasty tweets so, naturally, it was a non-starter.
I like reading your post, it illistrates the type of man you are. One that has a great deal of character and strength to face what life deals out. You have a tremendous amount of talent to offer. Opertunity’s door is wide open now, run your ass off though it as fast as you can and we’ll watch for you on the other side.
I’m pretty bummed. Butt (see what I did there?), I’m glad to see you are already hitting the ground running. I’m looking forward to see what bubbles up in the Wheaton tub next. Stay strong. ~Dave
Sorry to hear it, but you can be proud of what you’ve achieved
I’m sorry to hear. If only us Canadians were able to give ratings too.
Wil, I think that you are a great example of how we can handle defeat (I won’t say failure because nothing failed in this). It was a defeat because the effort just didn’t connect with the execs. I won’t say they are bad people or that the network needs to change anything.
I just want you to know that my son and I enjoyed sitting together, laughing, cringing (he is 12 and some things were little beyond his age), and remembering the funnies. He loves # bring back ….
Thanks for the work on this. Now we will focus on waiting for Tabletop to start again.
Adness coplete adness! What is it with network execs? Looking forward to more Tabletop though.
DAMMIT.
Well, there goes the only reason to watch the Sci-fi… I’m sorry, “SyFy” network.
Disclaimer: I watch all your Tabletop episodes, convention interviews, and am a general “Wheaton-supporter.” That said, I could not really get into The Wil Wheaton Project. The bits were really creative and the writing was good. The presentation seemed very…labored to me. Unnatural. Over-emphasized. The funny conversational tone you usually have in Tabletop or answering regular-old-questions during interviews just disappeared, and was replaced by someone that was over-selling, over-smiling–maybe just cramming–jokes down my face. I wasn’t sure who the host really was–some alter-ego of W.W.? The material wasn’t left to just sell itself, which was a shame, because the material was pretty funny. I just didn’t need someone half-shouting how awesome and funny the material was, with an ever-present grin and relentless exuberance. This is all probably the result of over-thinking (I really want people to like this and I am really going to show them how much I want them to like this by being as enthusiastic as possible!). I don’t know if this is similar to any direction received on The Big Bang set, but don’t over-think your material/lines, because the stuff is funny on its own. Just be yourself. Just be some guy, you know? Looking forward to seeing what you do with Season 3 of Tabletop and your new RPG show. Best of luck and thanks for doing cool things.
The presentation seemed very…labored to me. Unnatural. Over-emphasized. The funny conversational tone you usually have in Tabletop or answering regular-old-questions during interviews just disappeared, and was replaced by someone that was over-selling, over-smiling–maybe just cramming–jokes down my face. I wasn’t sure who the host really was–some alter-ego of W.W.?
Yes. This is what I would’ve said earlier in my own comment, had I been able to phrase it this way. I’ve seen you talk, I’ve seen you act, and you’re generally a good guy. The host of The Wil Wheaton Project, oddly enough, didn’t feel like Wil Wheaton to me!
I’m so glad you did this, and even though it’s not being renewed, may I say I’m super proud. 🙂 Well done, Wil. Now let’s go make something else. 😉
Really sad to hear this, my husband and I looked forward to the show every week and giggled like little kids at Skeletor reading angry tweets days after the show. #bringbackshailabouf is a thing. Best of Luck with your next Project, looking forward to more TableTop.
I’m sorry to hear about the Wil Wheaton Project not continuing, but your reaction to the news is inspiring. You know you had a good show and you were happy with the creative output. In life, as in poker, you can play your hand to the best of your abilities and still lose.
Here’s to good things for the future!
Well poop.
Sorry to hear the news – I really enjoyed the show and liked all the segments (and the big-name guest stars). As others have mentioned, maybe it can find new life on the ever-giving Internet? Glad we’ll still see you on your ongoing projects!
#butts
Wil,
One of the things I hate about Hollywood (or NY) is that they seem to make stupid mistakes like this far too often.
On the flip side, one of the things I love about Hollywood (or NY), is that all those great writers, makeup artists, sound engineers, etc. always seem to land on their feet and work on the next cool thing.
I’m sorry that you won’t be working with the exact same team again, but how awesome will it be for you to work on your next project (or your next, or your next) and run into that writer you loved, or that second AD who was so good?
Together, you all created something that you’ll carry with yourselves forever, and you can be very proud of that.
Best!
I’m so sorry. And so sad 🙁
I’m very sorry you didn’t get renewed. As someone who was in the audience (an awful lot), I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed my hours there. Roger leading us in reactions, Josh (oh Josh) making us laugh even when we were tired and bored, Mark showing us the Oprah Bees Gif because you’d mentioned it and of course you.
I was told, when I was moving out here, that I should be careful about meeting the people I look up to and whose work I love because they may not be as wonderful in everyday life as they seemed to me. With you, I won the pools. I have literally been watching you all my life (I was born when ST:TNG was in season 2 and since my mom is a huge nerd too, she’d watch it while holding me) and I admire the hell out of you. I met you in Portland when you were filming the Christmas episode of Leverage (you did a local TV news show and I was in Pioneer Square afterwards). We talked about writing and acting and I floated on my way home. Then I got to see you almost every week and you continued to be funny, kind, charming, and just…genuine. I was never worried you’d be less awesome in person than you are online. I knew I was right.
Thank you for never forgetting to be awesome. 🙂
It’s ok, Wil. At least we will always have Tabletop
I hope How Will They Bite It? shows up in another format, perhaps on Geek and Sundry.
I’m sad to see this end as well. I’ll console myself with your writing, your audiobook work (I can’t imagine Ready Player One narrated by anyone else, and I’m just waiting for work to be over so I can listen to Lock In), Tabletop, and re-watching episodes of Leverage and BBT for now.
Thanks for continuing to try new things and for spreading the awesome!
My family and I are super sorry to hear this, but glad that your feeling Ok about it. Your’s was one of two shows we’d make a point to watch together (Doctor Who is other). We’ll miss it a lot! Just want you to know that we love it, and thought you’re hilarious. My son has said several times “Wil Wheaton is really smart isn’t he?” after I’ve read to him some of the brilliant things you’ve written. You helped him know that geeks and nerds are awesome and funny!
A very admiral attitude.
Sorry the show didn’t get picked up for season two. I was hoping a second season would spur a Canadian channel to grab it, so we could actually, y’know, SEE it up here. On to bigger and better things, Wil!
I truly hope that you are indeed okay with it. You should be proud of what you did. I really enjoyed it and made sure I told everyone that I thought would enjoy it as well. I guess it was not enough. However since I have not agreed with the last several years of SyFy’s renew vs. continue strategy, I should not be surprised.
Will you have a healthy attitude towards it, but just make sure that you feel that way inside too.
I recently quit my job because I knew I could not work with certain people. I knew I did my best, and I know in other circumstances I would have thrived. But this is the way life happens.
So yeah, I know what you mean when you feel you had done your best. When your best is not good enough for people take your best elsewhere.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to see any of it as I live in Australia.
I was really looking forward to seeing this show (we don’t get it in Canada). I would say that I’m sorry it’s not continuing, but you seem to be in a really good place with all that’s happened and so what I WILL say is that it is heartening to see you take this cancellation with such grace. I am sure we’ll see more of you with other projects, and I look forward to seeing them. 🙂
Wil, I enjoyed the show. I even got my husband to watch and he enjoyed it too. I will miss “How Will They Bite It” and “Skelator Reads Angry Tweets”. They were very funny. Funny story, my seven year old walked in once while I was watching the Wil Wheaton Project and said, “hey, that looks like the guy from TableTop!” We love to watch TableTop as a family and we have tried several of the games played. My 13 year old daughter is looking forward to the RPG episodes. I hope more projects come your way that allow you to share your humor and geekiness with us. We love it.
Hi Wil,
I’m sorry that your show got cancelled. I could tell by your writing how much you loved this show and that it was in a way like your baby. I got the sense that you were proud of it and really happy and excited to do it. I hope that it was seen by enough of the “right” people to open up future opportunities to you. I’m also sorry that we in Canada will not get to see it now. I’m glad that you are handling it so well! Take care.
Dawn
Um, why not do that exact show on G&S? Call it something slightly different. Just keep doing what you want to do. People will fund it. Just ask. We Will Watch Wil.
Wil, I am sorry to hear that this happened, This is a program that my geekette daughter and I would sit down and watch each week. I was already gearing up to start writing people, but I will respect your call on it.
Thanks,
Matt
Damn it Wesley! Thanks for doing the show. I am really looking forward to the new episodes of TT. Thanks for doing what you do, and keep being the geek/nerd you are. :).
Darn. I enjoyed the show, it got me watching some other things outside my usual comfort zone and I enjoyed some of them, too. Some of them not so much but that was okay.
It was fun watching you have so much fun. I sincerely hope that another great project will come along soon so that you can laugh that goofy laugh and make those derp faces on screen again.
Thanks for having a great time on behalf of the geeks in my house.
sob I shall miss you. Tuesdays are an empty wasteland. Thank God for Tabletop!
Kickstarter! Your show was great, I’d love to see more from you and those writers (even if it was lower-budget and less frequent.