Dave yanks season 5 from its schedule

Dave has yanked the fifth season of Parks & Recreation from its schedule at the last minute.

The series was set to start on Monday with a double-bill after the season four finale aired last night. However those episodes have now been replaced by a rerun of QI.

A spokesman for Dave said the series will now air next year after an unspecified 'rejig' of the schedules.

The opening episode of the show's fifth season aired in the States in 2012 – and was notable for featuring a guest appearance by Senator John McCain, the former Republican presidential hopeful

The plot involved Pawnee city councillors Leslie (Amy Poehler) and her assistant Andy (Chris Pratt) heading to Washington DC, where she met her political idols.

Parks and Rec has not been a stellar ratings performer for Dave, failing to make the top 50 shows from non public service broadcasters despite its primetime slot. QI is currently the station's second most popular programme after Dave Gorman's Modern Life Is Goodish.

Dave bought the rights to series 4 to 7 in June. Seasons 6 and 7 will air next year, as well as the rescheduled series 5.

The broadcaster's general manager, Steve North,has said: 'Parks and Recreation feels like it was written for Dave; the wit and humour fits perfectly on the channel.'

Earlier seasons of the acclaimed show were aired on BBC Four.

Published: 6 Oct 2015