After only one season on the air, Canada’s Got Talent won’t be back next year.
Citytv has confirmed that the reality talent competition isn’t returning for the 2012-13 season.
The Rogers-owned TV network cited the “current economic climate” in a release.
The show launched on March 4 and featured a star-studded judging panel, including Hamilton-raised funnyman Martin Short, Grammy-nominated soprano Measha Brueggergosman and songwriter Stephan Moccio.
Manitoba dance troupe Sagkeeng’s Finest was crowned as the show’s inaugural winner on May 4, earning a prize package that included $100,000.
But the show, the latest instalment of the British Got Talent franchise, never gained a foothold in the ratings during its two-month run.
“After careful consideration of all factors, including the current economic climate, Citytv has refocused its programming strategy and will not be producing ‘Canada’s Got Talent’ for the 2012-13 season,” Scott Moore, Rogers Media’s president of broadcast, said in a statement.
“Citytv remains extremely proud of Canada’s Got Talent and the national platform it provided to showcase our diverse and eclectic homegrown talent from across the country.”
For the first season, Citytv landed major sponsors Tim Hortons, Nissan and Blackberry.
Citytv has worked hard over the last few years to carve a place for itself among the big three broadcasters by offering audiences a healthy mix of popular American comedies and drama. But Citytv has also set its sights on homegrown content with Canada’s Got Talent and The Bachelor Canada (which is slated for fall).
At the Rogers upfront in May, Moore said Rogers has become “a substantial player” in the Canadian production scene. As part of its mid-season lineup, the network will launch two original comedies: Seed and Package Deal.
