Melbourne based Simpson Le Mesurier has been told by the Ten Network that their new comedy show Merle is no longer under consideration at the network.
Ten is bringing in a US show Ask Harriette which they say is very similar to Merle so they can’t air both. So of course the local show cops it in the neck and the US import will get the air time sometime next year.
Simpson Le Mesurier has already filmed the pilot episode of Merle which stars Brian Meegan, Tiriel Mora, Jane Hall and Marge Downey. They are hoping that one of the other networks will take up the idea.
As you all know, I’m very much in favour of local sitcom productions but I guess the networks still will not give the local guys a chance. As a very famous US cartoonist used to say - “there ought to be a law!”
