‘Army Wives’ Creator Fired
Most writers aren’t framing the news quite as bluntly as the title, but that’s what it all boils down to: Army Wives creator and executive producer Katherine Fugate has been fired.
I actually thought this was a big deal, until I read the report at Entertainment Weekly. Apparently, the top spots at Lifetime’s massive hit show have been like an ongoing game of musical chairs for a while now.
EW states Army Wives has changed showrunner three times in the series’ two-year history, which makes me marvel that it has managed to become such a success. The specific reason given for Fugate’s departure is rumored tension between her and both Lifetime and ABC Studios, the show’s corporate backers.
If you’re a Fugate fan or simply dislike unnecessary drama, you’ll appreciate her measured formal goodbye:
Army Wives is a fantastic tribute to the real life heroes serving in our armed forces and I’m so happy to have been a part of it. With the show such an established hit, now seems like a logical time for me to step away and focus on developing new projects.
In response, ABC Studios said in a statement: Katherine is incredibly talented and we’re grateful for her work in creating Army Wives. We are very happy to have had the opportunity to work with her.
Don’t you just love how both sides make it seem like Fugate left willingly and on her own schedule? The better to avoid lawsuits and all that other nasty litigious stuff, I assume.
Never worry, though, because Fugate’s departure reportedly won’t have any immediate negative impact on Army Wives. The series will continue as normal under the guidance of Nick Thiel, who’s been overseeing the program successfully (everyone claims, but what do we know?) since the spring.
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2 opinions for ‘Army Wives’ Creator Fired
Victoria
Aug 15, 2008 at 12:44 am
I am COMPLETELY and totally shocked. In fact, I’m really, really upset about this.
I recently interviewed Katherine and it’s such a popular show….
She only has better projects in her future, I’m certain. But, she will be missed.
Chandra
Aug 17, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Apologies for the delay responding, Victoria. I just received the email notice.
I was shocked myself, but the reports made it seem like this was a long time in the making. It must feel even weirder for you since you had the chance to speak with Katherine recently.
I’m sure she won’t be out of the picture for long, though — not after creating a great show like Army Wives.
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