Source: CBS Pondering a 'Men' Without Charlie Sheen

By Rob Shuter Posted Feb 23rd 2011 02:50PM

Has CBS finally had enough of Charlie Sheen's wildman ways? You bet they have, and now sources tell me the network is having internal discussions to ponder if his mega-hit show 'Two and a Half Men' can possibly survive without him.

"CBS stock has been taking a beating during Charlie's recent meltdown," a TV insider tells me. "Charlie has become too big a risk to not have a backup plan in case he has another incident and forces production to be shut down."

Every time Charlie ends up in the hospital (or in home rehab), the network takes a hit because production of the show is impacted. According to media buyers, a 30-second spot on 'Men' goes for around $200,000 and generates more than $3 million per episode. That's money CBS doesn't want to lose because of one actor.

Of course, we're not talking about just any actor. This is the star of the show and the most well-payed actor in all of television.

"The big question is can the show survive without Charlie," an insider tells me. "Would the show take a big hit? Yes, but if they found the right person to replace him it would survive and maybe even grow."

CBS declined to comment for this story.

What do you think? Would you watch the show without Charlie? Could it still be No. 1? With Chuck Lorre at the helm, I wouldn't bet against it.

While 'Men' and CBS may not always be there for Charlie, we learned today that his famous father and brother will never waver with their support. In an interview with Sky News, acting legend Martin Sheen and his other son, Emilio Estevez, opened up about how Charlie's struggles have affected their lives and how they're hoping to help him through.

Martin said, "He's an extraordinary man. If he had cancer, how would we treat him? The disease of addiction is a form of cancer, and you have to have an equal measure of concern and love and lift them up, so that's what we do for him."

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Tags: Charlie Sheen, Two and Half Men

Comments

(704)

Wednesday 23 February

By Leslie

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Get rid of Charlie and have him leave the house to Jake.

Thursday 24 February

By scott

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Without charlie we wouldnt watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By aaengr76vt

First you must learn how to use spell-checker.....scenario

By Sherry

I'd watch it without Charlie. The supporting characters are strong and talented. Jake is my favorite character - we need more Jake.

By j ward

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Are you kidding? That show wouldn't survive a month without Charlie. Simply put, that show is Charlie!

By george

Every sponsor I see on that show gets a letter from my organization telling them we are boycotting their product. Say what you want, we are taking action against this actor and what he is portraying to our children.

By Heymickr

Get rid of "Charlie" as a visable character. Just make "Charlie" a voice like in "Charlie's Angels."

By carm

theres no show without charlie. he makes the show.
and martin Sheen is right, if he had cancer would we treat him the same? addiction is a desease. he needs help. perhaps being locked up with lindsey for a year or 2. they need to be saved. they are good people who have fallen down the wrong road.

By tOM HOLLEMAN

charlie is not going to quit drinking and using and has not quit... 2 years in jail might do it... maybe not...

By bond

if CBS takes charley sheen out of the program well say good bye to two in a half men then you would call it one non guy with teenager

By Doris m. Koch

Just can the show......I agree, all the sexual stuff should not
be on at prime time when the kids are watching.

By Charlie fan

For me no Charlie no show.I find it so sad in my opinion that it feels like not many people care about Charlie anymore in my opinion.He can't help it he is doing the best he can.

Charlie Fan

By cheercurlz

You know, I think John Cryer, The actress who portrays the housekeeper, the young man who plays "Jake" and Holland Taylor ( Charlie & Allan's mom ) carry the show. They are an absolute hoot. The show can absolutely continue without Charlie Sheen. Also, I just saw Matt Dillon on "Modern Family" and he was hilarious. If the writers of "Two and a Half Men" need to pull in another actor who can portray an amoral lush who is still likeable and attractive, Matt Dillon would be perfect.

By valeskas

The remark from Martin Sheen about, that his son has something like a cancer patient is a total disgrace for every cancer patient in this world. Charlie chooses to do drugs, people with cancer cannot choose, they have to fight for their life, which Charlie and his father Martin do not seem to understand. Martin needs to apologize to all cancer patients in the world, for making a stupid remark like that. I think the whole Sheen- Estevez clan need to think of what they let out of their mouth

By Nielsen

I am so proud of CBS. I hope they continue to consider the fact that Charlie Sheen like veryone else is replaceable. He is headed down a dark road and chooses to continue in his destructive ways. Two and 1/2 men can proceed without him and add a character that is just as funny and entertaining. Plus they can save a few bucks in the transition. THERE are great actors out there...just look hard.

By Mariellen Duerr

I'm so tired of these producers screwing up a good show. Who cares what he does on his own time. I've already quit watching
criminal minds because they got rid of one of the main characters, and I hear thier getting rid of another one. Too bad, it was a great show.

By chibear

I agree, NO Charlie, NO show. He's the reason I watch. Plus all the babes he parades through!

By Melissa

I Think Charlie deserves Another Chance,He is Really a Great Actor,The Show Would not be the Same without Him.Rest of The Cast is Great Also.But in The meantime Get Charlie married off and a Baby on the way...lol..maybe a little Charlie Born,Then if Charlie doesnt straighten up His Act Then Get Rid of Him,And in the process We till have A litle Charlie,To Carry on TWO AND HALF MEN.

By AAARRRGGGHHH

My GOD, Melissa. Your spelling and grammar are as painful as Charlie Sheen's acting. Proofread, sweetie. Damn.

Just a thought.....Cancel the show and Charlie will actually learn his biggest lesson in life. You reap what you sow.

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