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Transphobic US Sitcom Cancelled
Work It, a controversial US TV show labelled “transphobic” by LGBT groups, has been cancelled after just two episodes.
The premise of the show, which has been widely panned by critics and trans advocates since its debut ealier this month, centred around two straight male characters who, after being fired from their jobs decide to pose as women to land careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
Last month the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) and Human Rights Campaign (HRC) launched a media campaign - which included a full page ad in Variety magazine - in an effort to stop the show, which they said mocked transgender struggles in the workplace.
"By encouraging the audience to laugh at the characters' attempts at womanhood, the show gives license to similar treatment of transgender women," read the ad.
"Since ABC has a record of positive portrayals of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, they should know how offensive this show is, and that it even has the potential to jeopardise the safety of many transgender Americans in the process."
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new show managed to bring in 6.1 million viewers when it premiered on January 3, but ratings dropped to 5.1 million for the second episode, which many believe was the real reason for the cancellation.