'The Rundown With Robin Thede': A Eulogy In 3 Clips
"The Rundown With Robin Thede" boasted a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, a predominantly Black writers room and late-night television's first Black female head writer in the host's chair. But none of these accomplishments saved the news satire show from cancellation after one season. Thede confirmed the news via Twitter yesterday (July 25):
? News: @TheRundownBET won’t be returning to @BET. Classic “High critical praise/low ratings.” Thanks to my staff/crew for being so dedicated, funny & brilliant. I’m so proud of what we made. And thanks for watching! We did it for all of YOU. Except Ben Carson. *body roll* pic.twitter.com/rLFQLEey9X
— Robin Thede (@robinthede) July 25, 2018
Thank you all for your kind words about my show getting canceled but it’s not as big of a deal as getting the current president canceled, I’ll be fine BUT THE COUNTRY WON’T
— Robin Thede (@robinthede) July 26, 2018
“At this time, BET Networks has decided not to renew ‘The Rundown With Robin Thede,’" station officials told press, per Shadow and Act. "We have so much love and respect for our unicorn and look forward to finding ways to continue in partnership with Robin."
"The Rundown" debuted and finished as the only late-night comedy program of its time with a Black woman host. Thede used her platform to explore arrest quotas, historical erasure and other racist things with a unique comic sensibility.
These three segments illustrate what Thede's fans will miss about the show:
"Vincent Van Gone"
Thede calls "time's up" on Vincent Cirrincione and any other man who exploits his power to sexually harass or assault Black women.
"Pain and Prejudice: Understanding Black Pain"
The host dons her correspondent hat for this segment about how the medical system misdiagnoses and dismisses Black patients' pain.
"You're Welcome, America! Sincerely, Black Women"
Thede and a cohort of strategically placed dancers celebrate Black Alabama women's key role in keeping Roy Moore out of the United States Senate.