The unlikely but hugely successful pairing of Nickelodeon’s Sam & Cat is no more. While the show starring Ariana Grande and Jennette McCurdy was a hit in the ratings, off-camera problems seem to have doomed it.
"Nickelodeon will not be producing more episodes of Sam & Cat," a network spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter over the weekend. "We are very proud of the show and its very talented cast and we wish them all the best."
But how did this all happen? How did a popular show — featuring two rising stars from previous Nick hits iCarly and Victorious — get canceled after just one season? Well, drama. And not the kind you want on screen.
A lot can be gleaned from Grande’s long Facebook and Twitter post on the cancellation:
(Facebook)
Note that while Grande thanks Nickelodeon, show creator Dan Schneider, the cast and crew, and her fans, there is no direct mention of her co-star, McCurdy.
Rumors of a feud between the two have been swirling for months. The trouble started in March when nude photos of McCurdy were leaked online. Then, the actress didn’t show up to the network's Kids’ Choice Awards, despite the fact that Schneider was being honored with a Lifetime Achievement award.
Sources told TMZ that McCurdy was angry that she made less money than Grande. (Grande refuted that.)
At the same time, Grande's singing career was taking off with a No. 1 album and a huge hit single, "Problem," with Iggy Azalea. Sam & Cat’s heavy shooting schedule (Nick had ordered 40 episodes in the first season) likely started to conflict.
Even so, Grande's heartfelt note indicates she’ll miss a role that helped launch her into superstardom. "I know a lot of people will think this is a lot for some 'dumb' kids show character... but to me [Cat] is actually a lot smarter, stronger and braver than all the rest of us," she wrote.
As for McCurdy — silence. The actress has yet to comment publicly.
- Television
- Arts & Entertainment
- Ariana Grande
- Jennette McCurdy
- Nickelodeon
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