The show must go on – at least that’s what ABC executive Paul Lee says in wake of the controversial sitcom Work It.
At the annual Television Critics Tour in Pasadena, Lee said he did not understand why the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) had such a problem with the show. LGBT activists had previously urged Lee and other ABC execs to axe the show since its premise would likely harm transgender men and women in the workplace.
“I didn’t really get it,” Lee said. “I loved Tootsie. I still love Tootsie. I didn’t get it. But that’s probably me.”
He added: “We thought there was room for a very, very, very silly show.”
Originally the show’s title was supposed to include the word ‘bitch,’ although the entire title was not released. On why the network decided to ditch the dirty word, Lee explained, “We think it reflected the irreverence of the show, but we can’t use [bitch] in broadcast titles. What I’m hoping for is that it piques people’s interest. I would love people to go, there’s something edgy here.”
Work It has received a lukewarm response on television with less-than-ideal ratings, posting a 1.6 rating/4 share in the adults 18-49 demographic, a 20 percent drop from its series premiere last week, and 5 million total viewers according to the Chicago Tribune. Lee declined to state whether or not the show would continue come March.
