‘Sparks’ Fly Over UPN’s Scaling Back Sitcom Order

Angry sparks have been ignited at “Sparks,” the UPN comedy about a family-run urban law firm.

The creator and the star of the series are upset that UPN has cut four episodes off the 22 shows that were planned for production this season. Although “Sparks” is still officially on the UPN schedule, those on the show say the cutback is a clear sign to them that the series, now in its second season, has been unceremoniously canceled.

Series creator Ed. Weinberger said network officials notified him the week before Christmas that the number of shows ordered was being reduced due to “financial problems. They told us they needed the money for future development and for specials.”

The uncertainty about the show’s future has demoralized the cast and crew as they prepare to tape what may be the final two shows of the series, he said. “The situation is very confusing since we’re treating this as a cancellation and UPN is not,” Weinberger said.

Miguel Nunez Jr., the star of the series, said he felt the cutback is indicative of UPN’s intention to reduce the number of comedies featuring African Americans. Newly seated network president Dean Valentine has said he wants to expand the appeal of the network beyond a core black audience, although he added that he does not want to alienate or drive away black viewers.

“It’s not what you say, it’s what you do,” Nunez said. “It upsets me that this seems to be more about race than about quality. I think it’s about black shows vs. white shows, not about good shows vs. bad shows. I don’t believe ‘Sparks’ is a bad enough show to be canceled.”

James Betata, UPN’s executive vice president of current programming, said that “Sparks,” which also stars Robin Givens and James Avery, has not been canceled, and that a decision has not been made about next season.

But he added that the network, along with the show’s producer, 20th Century Fox Television, agreed to reduce the number of episodes because of finances. “It’s just something we had to do,” Betata said. “We did it regrettably, but we just felt it would help the network grow. We’re trying to acquire expensive programming, and we are concerned about our resources.”

He declined to say how much the network would save by cutting the order for “Sparks” episodes.

As for concerns about UPN’s position about black shows, Betata noted that the only shows canceled since Valentine took the reins last September have been series starring white performers: “Hitz,” with Andrew “Dice” Clay, and “Head Over Heels,” with Peter Dobson.

Valentine has expressed support for “Good News,” a religious-themed African American comedy that is also produced by Weinberger.