Just over a week after Buckwild star Shain Gandee’s death, and production on season 2 shut down as a result, MTV has officially announced that the popular reality series has been cancelled.
Buckwild Star Shain Gandee Found Dead >>>
“After careful consideration, MTV will not be moving forward with season 2 of Buckwild in West Virginia. We love the cast and the show and this was not an easy decision,” MTV said in a statement. “But given Shain’s tragic passing and essential presence on the show, we felt it was not appropriate to continue without him. Instead, we are working on a meaningful way to pay tribute to his memory on our air and privately.”
Shain’s mother Loretta added, “Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time for our family. We have truly felt all the love and know that Shain is resting peacefully. Shain was an incredible, outgoing and positive person who was loved by whoever he met. We are honored that we were able to let the world see what a wonderful son we had.”
Shain’s body along with the bodies of his uncle David Gandee and a family friend were found inside a vehicle on the morning of April 1, after they were reported missing for 31 hours. The results of an initial autopsy report found that all three died of carbon monoxide poisoning after toxic exhaust fumes entered the vehicle. No foul play was involved, and their deaths were determined to be accidental.
There’s one person, though, who isn’t happy about the decision to cancel the series. J.P. Williams, a producer on Buckwild who also manages some of the cast members, called out MTV as hypocritical, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “This is the network that has shows about teen pregnancy. They’ll stick by a show that allows you to abandon a child, but a kid dies by accident doing what we does for a living [mudding] and they cancel the show? There’s something that smells of s*** here on every level.”
Williams was initially told last Friday that production would continue, with four more episodes left to film for season 2, along with a special about Shain. That changed on Tuesday when MTV informed him and the other producers that the show was cancelled. “There was no explanation,” he added. “My job is to protect these kids. This will get ugly.”
He’s not going to heed the announcement from the network. Instead, Williams is planning on picking right back up with filming and is interested in a Buckwild film that he would most likely self-finance himself if he doesn’t receive the financial backing he will need. It’s unclear how he can continue with these plans, but maybe he plans on shopping the series around to other networks.
In the meantime, MTV plans on airing a Buckwild season 1 marathon on Sunday, April 14, followed by a special called Buckwild: WV to the NYC at 8pm, dedicated to Shain Gandee.
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(Image courtesy of MTV)
Staff Writer, BuddyTV
Jeff Dodge, a graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena.
