Comic furious at execs

John Cleese's new US sitcom has been axed after just two episodes.

The comic is furious at the decision, and branded network bosses 'scared' of the ratings war.

Ironically, Cleese, 62, plays Australian TV network owner Red in the sitcom Wednesday 9:30 (8:30 Central) - named after its transmission time.

He told The Daily Telegraph: "At the old BBC, they made decisions on gut instinct.

"Nowadays, executives have no idea. They're all scared. They know the axe is going to fall, so the only way not to get axed is for them to try to not make a decision - or just speak at the same time as everybody else.

"I know I sound like all old farts. But I just don't think it's as good. It's not just that I'm a curmudgeon.

"It's a marketing world run by people who think they know what they are doing. But those of us in the creative community don't think they have any idea."

Published: 9 Apr 2002