MTV is canceling freshman reality TV show "Buckwild" in the wake of the death of the show's star, Shain Gandee.
Although the network has made no official announcement yet, a source told TMZ that "MTV didn't give the cast and crew any specific reason for the cancellation. An official announcement is expected Wednesday morning."
Upon initial news of Gandee's death, MTV halted production of the show, of which 4 episodes of Season 2 had already been shot. The episodes will no longer be aired, though a special taped 2 months ago is still expected to broadcast, according to TMZ.
The Hollywood Reporter explains MTV's decision to cancel:
After several days spent weighing the implications of moving forward with the reality show, MTV brass ultimately decided it would be imprudent to do so. The move -- a bid to avoid any potential controversy as well as a recognition that Gandee was the show's breakout star -- comes after a heavily hyped and ultimately successful first season. In fact, the hope on the part of MTV executives was that "Buckwild" could fill a void left by one-time juggernaut "Jersey Shore."
Gandee, 21, was found dead April 1 on a road in rural West Virgina, along with his uncle and a friend, after an off-roading trip. Officials indicate his death was a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
UPDATE: TVLine has confirmed the cancelation:
“We love the cast and the show and this was not an easy decision, but given Shain’s tragic passing and essential presence on the show, we felt it was not appropriate to continue without him,” MTV noted in a statement.
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