At the moment in the States, television networks are trying to decide what new shows to pick up for the new season, and which ones they’re going to take a pass on.
There could be a myriad of reasons as to why a pilot might not be picked up by a network, but this latest one is pretty insulting.
Actress Sarah Shahi was starring in a pilot called Drew, which would be a reboot of the teen detective series Nancy Drew with the detective now in her 30s.
It tested well with audiences but the network decided it was ‘too female’ for them to pick up.
Sorry, what?
Some thing’s are just not meant to be, but nice to know it tested well… pic.twitter.com/HcmiolYbl9
— Sarah Shahi (@onlysarahshahi) May 15, 2016
After Shahi’s tweet, there were thousands of replies tweeting about the ridiculousness of a show being ‘too female’. Women are over 50% of the population, so it’s more than a little ridiculous and embarrassing for the network.
I just have a hard time with a world where a tv show can be #toofemale but a movie can’t be too made by a child molester.
— Jenny Jaffe (@jennyjaffe) May 15, 2016
girls: *exist*
cbs: pic.twitter.com/GFaDpUeMvx— nush (@inherwanderings) May 15, 2016
How many women need to lead hit shows before Hollywood has faith we will watch? #toofemale #NancyDrew pic.twitter.com/mMiuQgYa55
— Scott Wooledge (@Clarknt67) May 15, 2016
#TooFemale for network success, eh @CBS? pic.twitter.com/UyaptjTmwp
— Angie Manfredi (@misskubelik) May 15, 2016
Oh sure CBS, you’re right, no one would watch ever a detective show with a woman as leading character! #toofemale pic.twitter.com/4e2bh5AL27
— Complex Doodler (@ComplexDoodler) May 15, 2016
Shahi was overhwhelmed by the response:
Wow! The outpour of love from women AND MEN is incredible. But all good! Something amazing is around the corner. #toofemale
— Sarah Shahi (@onlysarahshahi) May 15, 2016
Hopefully the show will be picked up by another less idiotic network.