The ugly truth:
'Betty' is finished
The fourth-year ABC show will end this season
By Louisa Ada Seltzer
Jan 28, 2010
After posting increasingly unattractive ratings, ABC's "Ugly Betty" is done.
The network confirmed yesterday that the fourth-year series will end this year, after losing more than half its audience among adults 18-49 since it debuted as a surprise hit in 2006.
"Betty's" future had been in doubt since last year, when the network sent the show about a smart but ugly fashion magazine secretary on an extended hiatus during the spring.
In May, ABC said "Betty" would return for a fourth year but moved the show from its Thursday 8 p.m. timeslot to Fridays at 9.
Not surprisingly, "Betty's" already-fading numbers slumped. The show averaged a mere 1.3 rating this season, and it barely improved after moving into the Wednesday 10 p.m. timeslot three weeks ago, prompting ABC's move.
Storyline-wise, "Betty's" demise makes sense. She has been blossoming into a more attractive, confident person over the past season, and she even got a promotion at work.
The big question now is whether "Betty," based on the Colombian telenovela that has been adapted in dozens of other countries as well, will hold true to the original by pairing up Betty and her womanizing former boss at the high-fashion magazine Mode, Daniel, in the end.
With eight more episodes to wrap up "Betty's" run, producers have said they will consider that till-now taboo pairing.
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