Q: Will "2 Broke Girls" return in the fall?
A: No. CBS chose not to continue the series after six seasons. There was talk about a shortened, seventh season to wrap up the series, but no deal could be worked out. CBS did not own the series (getting the rights from Warner Bros.) and these days networks lean more toward shows they own. But Deadline.com reported that CBS' head of scheduling, Kelly Kahl, said the network had bought two new shows from Warner Bros. and the "Broke" decision was "a creative decision more than anything else."
"Our comedy development this year was very good and whenever your comedy development is really good, it puts a lot of pressure on some of your older shows," he said. "We felt creatively it was time and we had to create some space on the schedule to get some new product on."
Spencer's early years
Q: Did Octavia Spencer ever make a guest appearance on "The Big Bang Theory"?
A: Spencer did indeed appear on the CBS sitcom in a 2008 episode about Sheldon learning to drive. She was still a few years away from winning an Academy Award as best supporting actress for "The Help." But the Oscar has not kept her away from TV; she often goes between roles on TV and the big screen.
Is it code red for 'Code Black'?
Q: One of my favorite shows is "Code Black." Are the rumors true? Has it been canceled?
A: The show is still with us. CBS recently announced a third season of the medical drama. It is not on the network's schedule for the fall but is expected sometime during the 2017-18 season.
Big changes at ESPN
Q: Got any idea why ESPN jettisoned "The Sports Reporters"?
A: Longtime panelist Bob Ryan told NPR that "the only reason we were given is that 'we're going in another direction.' "As a viewer for many of the show's 28 years, I felt it had gotten stale and had stopped watching regularly.
But there has also been a larger sea change at ESPN, including about 100 people getting laid off, as it battles regional and national competitors, rising costs and changes in how people watch TV. In a memo posted online, ESPN President John Skipper said: "Our content strategy still needs to go further, faster. As a result, we have been engaged in the challenging process of determining the talent — anchors, analysts, reporters, writers and those who handle play-by-play — necessary to meet those demands."
Searching for 'Bold and Brave'
Q: I have been trying to locate a copy of the World War II movie "The Bold and the Brave."
A: The 1956 movie, starring Mickey Rooney, received two Oscar nominations. I have not found an authorized DVD release of the film, but did find it available for streaming and download, as a rental or a purchase on Amazon.com and iTunes.
E-mail brenfels@gmail.com.
