"The New Normal" banned by Utah TV station

"The New Normal" premieres Sept. 11, 2012 at 9:30p.m. EST on NBC.

/ AP/NBC

(CBS News) NBC Utah affiliate KSL-TV has pulled the upcoming Ryan Murphy sitcom "The New Normal" from its fall lineup, calling the series as "inappropriate on several dimensions."

Pictures: Fall TV preview 2012

The show, which follows a mother who serves as a surrogate for a Los Angeles-based gay couple, stars Justin Bartha, Ellen Barkin and Georgia King. It's set to debut on Sept. 11 on NBC at 9:30 p.m. ET. But Utah's KSL-TV doesn't want anything to do with it during "family viewing-time."

"From time to time we may struggle with content that crosses the line in one area or another," Jeff Simpson, CEO of the station's parent company Bonneville International, told The Salt Lake Tribune. "The dialogue might be excessively rude and crude. The scenes may be too explicit or the characterizations might seem offensive."

Barkin, who portrays grandmother "Jane" on the series, reacted to the news on Twitter:

Shame on u @kslcom not airing @nbcthenewnormal So L&O SVU (rape & child murder) is ok? But loving gay couple having a baby is inappropriate?

-- Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) August 25, 2012

Who does Jeff Simpson CEO of Bonneville (parent co. @ksl5tv )find"offensive"..my Christian conservative,gay couple,or the unfertilized egg?

-- Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) August 26, 2012

GLAAD President Herndon Graddick released a statement criticizing the decision, saying, "Same-sex families are a beloved part of American television thanks to shows like 'Modern Family,' 'Glee' and 'Grey's Anatomy.' While audiences, critics and advertisers have all supported LGBT stories, KSL is demonstrating how deeply out of touch it is with the rest of the country."

This isn't the first time KSL has opted out of programming. Last year, it wouldn't broadcast NBC's "The Playboy Club." That series ended up getting canceled after three episodes because of sluggish ratings.

KSL-TV is part of Bonneville International, which is owned by Deseret Management Corporation, the for-profit operating company of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Tell us: What do you think about KSL-TV's decision?

21 Photos

Fall TV preview 2012

[jdizzle11689]

So hi. Yeah. I live in Utah. I am Mormon. First of all, I think that everyone should do their research before you guys go judging and making fun of other people's religions that would be great thank you. Secondly, I have seen the show and personally, while it is funny, I think it is inappropriate. Not the homosexual aspects, but the racial slurs, the other comments made. And if you read the article you will read that it says they don't find it appropriate for their brand on several levels. Also not everyone out here is Mormon, they know that. They show all the same shows on TV as everywhere else. This show is just one they chose not to show. If the two main characters were not gay everyone wouldn't have a freak out and say the president is going to ruin the world and Mormons suck. Calm down.

[ColoradoLynn]

To me the most important point and the saddest part of it is the CENSORSHIP.

This could be just the first step in what our country could suffer in the next election.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take the initiative to research the Mormon church and their practices before you vote.

[ColoradoLynn]

http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/peopleandpower/2012/04/201244114433199395.html

This video is an excellent summary. Pay special attention to 12:25 (Control), 14:00 (Racism), 14:54 (Women's rights), 15:00 (Change of attitude given situation), 18:30 (Mormonisn lose-lose in campain), 19:00 (Christian's take on Mormonism).

[happylada]

Do you think before you write? This has nothing to do with censorship. It has everything to do with ratings. They spend a fortune on market research; they know what their audience will and will not watch. Its pretty hard to find sponsors for a show watched by 6 people.

Now, there was NO audience support for the program.

Can you make a rational argument for censorship, and not just simply smart marketing by a for-profit business?

Or are you just lying to support the sodomite market?

[ibjackiej]

I support the actions of KSL, it is their business. Had it not been for the media making this a newsworthy item I would never have known that a TV station in Utah has chosen to censor a program and not air it. So what if KSL is a respecter of the values of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, so what? Some things are better left in the closet. Before all the Gays had a coming out party, it was much quieter and less visual than it is today. Personally, I wish they would go back in their closets and lock the door. They are poor role models for the rest of us. You have my sympathy for your lifestyle.

[ibjackiej]

I support the actions of KSL, it is their business. Had it not been for the media making this a newsworthy item I would never have known that a TV station in Utah has chosen to censor a program and not air it. So what if KSL is a respecter of the values of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, so what? Some things are better left in the closet. Before all the Gays had a coming out party, it was much quieter and less visual than it is today. Personally, I wish they would go back in their closets and lock the door. They are poor role models for the rest of us. You have my sympathy for your lifestyle.

[Kenhudson]

Just one more example of why we should not allow a Mormon ( or should I say moron ) to run our country!

[kantink]

Has anyone from the station actually seen the show, or are they just jumping on their fear of the premise? They're absolutely within their right to not run something on their station, but you can bet your bottom dollar that this will create untold interest in the show (are they a secret sponsor?). Let the show speak for itself. If it's not any good it will fade quickly. I remember the same sort of turmoil and petitions, etc. when "Love, Sydney" came on the air in the early 80s. It was a sweet show, and "Sydney's" sexuality simply was -- it wasn't what the show was really about.

[mediaplankton]

When homosexual writers pitch homosexual shows to homosexual actors and homosexual producers, then it is backed by even more homosexuals and then it lands in your tv. To not gush about how great an idea this is brands you an intolerant hater. We are not homophobes. We are not afraid of you. Nor do we hate you. We hate the idea of homosexuality

[Repubs_R_Fiscal_Liberals]

"-phobe" doesn't mean fear in that case - it refers to dislike or hate. Look up the suffix.

[lindsncal]

Hah...so...the writers, actors, producers, backers are all homosexuals? You have proof of this, I suppose. Sorry, but you're wrong. The people behind it are actully mostly heterosexuals who have evolved past you. You just don't like the fact that a big segment of the population is gay...and your god created them. Do you also hate your god? Why not? No..you hate what he has created and refuse to admit he did. Until you realize everyone is a natural human being, you'll live in hate and ignorance. By the way, Utah is the state that purchases the most pornography in the country. That doesn't seem to bother you or even register with you what it means. You are wrong about you not being a homophobe. You simply are.

[Ulgnud]

Good! At least someone stands up against this perverted lifestyle choice as normal. What will they push next? Pedophilia, Incest, or worse.

[David_Tampa]

Abnormal behavior is registering as a Republican. What an affront to Jesus...wow

[tafhdyd]

Just wondering if people in Utah are able to watch the full programming of Fox or just their right wing political commentary shows?

[David_Tampa]

That is all people without cable are able to watch. Of course cable, cell service and Internet for everyone would be socialistic...... like Jesus