MSN TV Blog - Reality TV

Discovery cancels 'American Guns'

Network says move not in response to recent events, sparks online debate

By Kenny Herzog Dec 18, 2012 9:20AM
Major networks have often delayed or outright canceled content in the wake of national tragedy that might be deemed insensitive or inappropriate. So it was no surprise that, following the shootings in Newtown last Friday, ABC briefly pulled the violent "Scandal" finale from its website, FOX pushed back episodes of "Family Guy" and "American Dad" that featured either violence or religious satire, and Showtime aired a special disclaimer prior to this past Sunday's explosive "Homeland." However strategic their motivations, these were all the right and respectful decisions.


And now, FOX News is reporting that Discovery has opted not to renew reality series "American Guns" -- which depicts the overlapping business and family lives of former Alma, Colo., police chief-turned-gun-sho​p owner Richard Wyatt, his wife Renne and her teenage children, Kurt and Paige -- for a third season, despite growing ratings. 

Discovery denies any direct connection to the shootings in Newtown and only confirmed to FOX News that production has indeed ceased and no more episodes have been ordered. It's hard to blame the network reps remaining apolitical about the move, but even more difficult to ignore the PR nightmare that would have shadowed the series' return. 
 
 
Even if Discovery's neutral stance reflects the truth, and "American Guns" was nixed before the tragedy in Newtown, the network will likely absorb some collateral criticism from this divisive topic. Since the cancellation was announced, viewers have besieged the "Guns" Facebook page. One user, F Houston Smith, sounded off: "You folks at the Discovery Channel are spineless for caving in to political correctness. Shame on You!" Mark Angel, another Facebook user, posted: "Discovery I will no longer watch any of your shows due to your political agenda."

Do you think Discovery canceled "American Guns" as a result of public sentiment following the tragic events in Newtown, and if so, do you agree with the decision? Let us know (and please be respectful of those directly impacted by the shootings) in the comments below.
 
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71Comments
araxas
Dec 19, 2012 8:01AM
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Of course Discovey Channel caved in to political correctness based on fallacy, misinformation, and propaganda about everything to do with firearms in this nation.  Now they can replace it with another boring "shark tagging" show.  Another channel off my entertainment list.  Censorship enhances the perpetuation of ignorance, and I will NOT support censorship of any kind.
proud_mother
Dec 19, 2012 7:33AM
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The people who are watching (were watching) this show ARE NOT the ones who need education on responsible gun ownership and use.  The stats on gun deaths in America are sobering and need to be part of the discussion.  So should mental health and it's associated stigma.  I think Discovery is trying to be sensitive to the shock of recent events and I appreciate them for that.  I am sure something else will come along soon to satisfy your interest in firearms.  
smart american179
Dec 19, 2012 6:09AM
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I used to like Discovery Channel but after this stupid decision i will never watch Discovery Channel again,

American Guns is a great show that showed the right way to handle fireams

The people that is doing these terrible acts are the problem not the guns, and making a ban on guns will not do anything but keep them out of the hands of responsible people that can use them to protect their family and themselves and also maybe even protect one of the stupid people out there that thinks guns are bad.

If guns were banned it isnt going to keep criminals from having them it will make the crimes worse because they criminals will know that they are the only one with guns, and the black market will rise higher and higher.

I can not believe that people are so stupid to think banning guns or taking great shows like American guns off the air will do anything to stop the crimes.

If the government really cared about these crimes they will look at how all these shooters are on mental drugs and have been in a mental hospital, maybe they should look at the drug companies for making those drugs, but i believe anyway that the Government has put on all these shootings just so they can get their gun control, its funny that a mental person decides to go on a shooting but instead of just going anywhere, they end up somewhere that they dont allow guns, ( Schools, Malls etc) a trully mental person would not have the thought of going to a place that didnt allow guns they would go to the first place they came to, i believe these so called mental people were put in these places by the Government to get their gun control and killed at the end to keep them quiet, because what one be the one thing that would make people go along with gun control, kids being hurt.

I know i got away from the subject a little and i'm sorry but this stuff really tears me up.

I sorry American Guns, you were great and i hope another network that is smarter than Decovery Channel picks up your show so you can keep informing people about firearms and gun safety.

Discovery Channel, You need a history lesson, maybe you should watch the History Channel

Jay Pratt
Dec 19, 2012 6:08AM
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Yes, we don't need people on tv teaching responsible gun handling and safety. (sarcasm) This is the typical reaction to a horrific tragedy caused, not by guns, or a responsible gun owner,(which most are), but by a mentally deranged individual who would have found a way to carry out his sensless rampage in another way had he not had access to guns. I am as sickened as anyone by this heinous act of cowardice, but taking guns from licensed, responsible, sane people, will leave guns in the hands of criminals intent on doing harm to others.  While the loss of even one child is too much, had even one teacher, janitor, or anyone in this school had, and been trained in the use of a gun many may have been saved. No amount of sorrow can convince me otherwise
A.J.2
Dec 19, 2012 5:54AM
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American Guns: Reality show... Reality is often slanted/twisted for the sake of t.v. ratings, most programs are. The blame is never shouldered with *the buck stops here* but placed squarely upon the back of someone else is the problem.  Perhaps we need to get back to basics before we take five more steps on the path to liberalism, Grandpa got up, went to work, came home tired, and raised good americans.  Hollywood can not bear the sole responsibility of every miscreant that does harm to others, but then Society must take the blame as a whole by allowing those who need mental health to continue on their downward spiral.  I, feel sorrow for what has happened to the innocent, yet feel that this knee jerk reaction is wrong in the fact that those who will push for stricter gun control that will only restrict those who will obey the new commandments from on high, have been waiting for moments of sheer horror to push their buried agenda.
Rando765
Dec 19, 2012 4:49AM
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Discovery is (WAS!!!) one of my favorite channels. I will no longer watch or support Discovery and I'm sure millions feel the same way. Sorry American Guns and the rest of the shows on Discovery because your ratings will most likely also decline because of this. To all the supporters of this, remember this... "If guns kill people, then pencils misspell words, cars make people drive drunk, and spoons make you fat".

Joseph Dzencelowcz
Dec 19, 2012 2:54AM
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I think it's wrong to cancel a show that could educate people on the importance of gun safety. Ignorance is the true evil here,  ignorance of that troubled boy's mental health, ignorance of how vulnerable that school was, the list goes on. Ignorance is not bliss, it's man's undoing.
chris -------
Dec 18, 2012 9:21PM
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I think it is a shame, all these anti-gun people  are using tragic events to push there actions against the law.Meaning attacks on the 2nd amendment, might as well get rid of the 1st amendment or all of them if they are that thoughtless.These were put into place for a reason and were all built as one. To stop such a respectable show and a family that educates firearms is just stupid.To act against the 2nd shows disrespect to the victims of tragic events.Clearly American Guns states responsibility , respect , safety , protection , fun , positive thinking , family values , law and our second amendment.DONT BE PREJUDICE! Think about it....
Sparky21
Dec 18, 2012 7:53PM
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Feel horrible for the families of this tragedy. But, what's next?  We should ban automobiles also since they kill people.  Maybe cancel all shows with cars in them.  Sorry American Guns.

 

gunfan
Dec 18, 2012 6:05PM
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I think the Discovery people are morons.  Discovery is showing that they are true liberal bureaucrats for pulling this show. What happen was a great tragedy and I feel for the families of those hurt or lost I can't imagine what they must be going through.  But to stop guns shows is just stupid.  when 911 happened did they boycott airplane shows. 
CANTSAVEAPROPERNAME
Dec 18, 2012 1:01PM
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Probably a knee-jerk reaction to be PC, but I stopped Discovery a while ago since all the shows became non-reality "reality" garbage.  There's nothing "discovery" except the finding that most of Americans are idiots who cannot think for themselves and are spoon feed these garbage shows.
SickOfItAll2875
Dec 18, 2012 12:06PM
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This is America!.  If you can't take the heat, move the f*ck out!
no more liberal trash
Dec 18, 2012 12:06PM
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i am so disgusted with the liberal no-morals war they are waging, and for some reason people (networks ect.) are buying this crap!!!!!!!! what are they going to do when the people that have WORKED and have money have been bled dry by the government to fund the people with their hands out   now where is the money going to come from?   MS-Aljazeera the liberal propaganda machine has crafted this horrible event to their own agenda ...........GUN CONTROL  how about we restore the funding that was stripped from MENTAL HEALTH ORGANIZATIONS......  OPPS.... that's too logical  ....................​.... go ahead let the liberal stupidity begin ............ lets attack this post because you know your the only right way........     spend spend spend    somebody will pay for it
Someone
Dec 18, 2012 11:56AM
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Undoubtedly a hotbed of controversy. I've seen the show and part of me enjoyed it but on a larger scale, do we need public media to glorify weapons?????

The argument always seems to be constitutional rights as the defining justification for guns and gun ownership. The anti-gun side vehemently states that guns kill, while the gun-fans insist it is the sick-oh's doing the killing.

Maybe someone needs to weigh "I'm allowed" versus "I should". There can hardly be an argument against more killings being the result of easy-to-access and more available fire arms. All people are unfortunately not always rational and then the question arises: what take precedence - individual rights or society's rights? Is society free because "I" am free or am "I" free because society is free?

Not an easy subject. I will however, add that numerous modern "western" countries control fire arms of all descriptions in order to protect society, without prohibiting ownership. It is simply tightly controlled. For the common good of everyone, it would seem that as American gun violence is increasing, the time has come to seriously reevaluate gun ownership/usage in this country.

Removing a popular show that certainly is anything but radical but unquestionably celebrates the gun culture may "harm" some but is likely to benefit a far greater number.

Jb929
Dec 18, 2012 11:34AM
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Sorry American Guns. This is terrible. Shame on Discovery Channel!

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