G4 makes staff and schedule cuts to X-Play, Attack of the Show

by Alexander Sliwinski { Feb 17th 2009 at 7:20PM }

G4's X-Play and Attack of the Show have been hit by cuts and layoffs. Following up on information given to us by reliable sources -- that the network's two flagship shows have been hit by reductions -- a G4 representative sent us a statement confirming much of the information.

X-Play, which upped its production schedule back in December, will now be reduced to three original episodes per week. Attack of the Show will now air four original episodes per week. Both shows will scale down starting March 2. Although G4 would not comment on "personnel matters," it could confirm that fewer episodes did result in a staff reduction. Cost saving will go into "more original programming in 2009." The network was clear to state that "this is not a budget cut" and G4 "remains dedicated to these core franchises." As always, if you were affected by the layoffs or have more information, please feel free to contact us.

Tags: attack-of-the-show, g4, layoffs, x-play

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Donald @ Feb 17th 2009 7:26PM

I've got a free preview of X-Play and AOTS thanks to my cable provider this month - I like the new X-Play format and think AOTS needs to be taken out back and put out of its misery.

Once again, G4 is doing it wrong.

Erik Stroud @ Feb 17th 2009 8:56PM

I think they should remove AOTS and bring back the anime. They would get more viewers then. The Canadian one still has anime on it, so why not us?

My Name @ Feb 17th 2009 10:42PM

I seriously don't know why everyone is hating on AOTS. I enjoy watching it. The hosts are fun and are great together. I never watched it to get "informed". That is what the internet is for. I think you're all just holding a nasty grudge since it replaced The Screen Savers, which, by the way, I never enjoyed watching.

THE WICKER MAN (BWF) (GT: Dalek Prime) @ Feb 17th 2009 11:27PM

Aots is their best program. Xplay and its inhuman leporous aids corpse staff insult the viewer on so many levels. Munn and Kev are enjoyable and though i love ninja warrior the network should decide what it is. I will punch u in the dick over Olivia Munn and Kev. For REALZ. Like MAD CATZ 4 realz

Cash @ Feb 18th 2009 1:33AM

I like AOTS, but I have to tape it because I can't stand the 15 minutes of viral videos they show at the beginning. I know you guys need to cut corners and costs where you can, but if I wanted to see funny videos, I'd go to Digg or CollegeHumor. I pretty much only watch it for Olivia Munn and Layla Kaylee anyway, so I can zip through an entire hour's worth of AOTS in 20 minutes.

I used to like Xplay, but it just seems like it turned to suck around the same time it got a new intro. I dunno what demographic that crap ass music and retro-arcade montage was targeting, but it sure as hell wasn't the hardcore gamer. Maybe I'm just too old now for Morgan ManJaw and the Adam the Human Ferret to interest me anymore.

And if by "more original programming" they mean more imported crap from Japan... yeah... that is *not* the direction you want to be going G4. I know you're all surprised that the 30 minutes of people trying not to puke show wasn't a ratings juggernaut, but please, learn from your mistakes already.

abob6 @ Feb 17th 2009 7:27PM

Does anyone know what days X-Play will be on now?

Insight @ Feb 17th 2009 7:26PM

As bad as cuts sound (especially for a gaming network that already barely has any shows that have anything to do with gaming), if they're able to keep that promise of theirs regarding more original programming (and said original programming is about games) I'm all for it.

Shame that so many people are losing their jobs, though. Didn't expect these shows to be hit by cuts, they're pretty popular.

Alex @ Feb 17th 2009 7:33PM

It's because they are regular original G4 shows. They can't make cuts to COPS and all the Japanese game shows.

Lord Negatron @ Feb 18th 2009 9:12AM

Agreed.
Just like MTV etc...Here is another themed channel (gamin?) Derailed by programming that i consider to be "spamming the airwaves".

I am not saying "everything" on G4 has to be game related but, come now...
When i am curious i go to the website for show clips etc. Other than that i cannot remember the last time i tuned into G(other than gaming)4...

xenocidic @ Feb 17th 2009 7:28PM

please not Olivia Munn !

zuburi @ Feb 17th 2009 8:12PM

Right? She is absolutely gorgeous, and literally the only reason I watch that show. With the sound turned off, of course.

Doug @ Feb 17th 2009 9:13PM

Lesbionic woman?

Troy Powers @ Feb 17th 2009 9:39PM

Meh...Olivia is sexy and all, but LAYLA KAYLEIGH IS THE ONE!!! My GOD the things I would do to that woman!

megapenguinx @ Feb 17th 2009 10:44PM

For me it was always Kirsten Holt

Lennoko @ Feb 17th 2009 11:33PM

Mega wins, on cheats, watching her talk was hot...
*fap fap fap*

ToRo @ Feb 18th 2009 12:02AM

@megapenguinx

I haven't watched G4 in ages. But Kristin Holt always reminds me of that ridiculously short skirt she had on during her premiere in the show cheat.

And after a quick google search, I have found out that her name is now Kristin Adams. She's married. And she's only 27! What is going on with kids now a days?

Uncontrol @ Feb 18th 2009 2:54AM

what a fucking pathetic string of comments

way to perpetuate stereotypes guys

emagius @ Feb 18th 2009 11:59AM

@uncontrollable: You do realize that most of X-Play's female hosts were hired solely for their looks, don't you? Several of them are ex-strippers with no interest in gaming. Look it up.

Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 17th 2009 7:32PM

AOTS needs to be cut back to 0 days a week. Seriously, for something that's supposed to be informative and entertainment, I could've gained more knowledge on what they cover by bashing my head against a concrete wall covered in spikes and have twice the entertainment doing so. And don't get me started on how they seem to get by with blatantly targeting the 10 year old pocket-miners (AKA "Core gamers")

Markez @ Feb 17th 2009 7:36PM

o i guess i should have replied up herez

hai

Triforceowner @ Feb 17th 2009 7:33PM

My abs are a stronger core than G4's franchises...

baconaholic @ Feb 17th 2009 8:21PM

That's not saying a whole lot.

Markez @ Feb 17th 2009 7:33PM

This is criminal, because inevitably some tool is going to suggest that Morgan Webb isn't at all attractive. Well she is, dammit! How dare you!

Sure, it's not perfect, but I enjoy X-Play quite a bit. Like having them on my DVR box so I can zip through them and catch the parts I like. Also, I can pause it on Munn or Webb and let one fly -ERrr, I mean -

Um...

*flees

Troy Powers @ Feb 17th 2009 9:42PM

Between Morgan Webb, Olivia Munn, and Layla Kayleigh, I'd say Morgan is a distant third place. Not unattractive, but not in the same league as either of the other two women.

bluesky_v2.01 @ Feb 17th 2009 9:49PM

@Troy
I'd totally give her the first place, she's the main reason I watch X-Play
. . . well, there's also all the gaming news, but still Bewbs > Games.

Troy Powers @ Feb 17th 2009 9:54PM

Really?!!?
To each his own, I guess. I'd gladly give you both Morgan and Munn for 15 minutes with Layla...and diplomatic immunity.

Markez @ Feb 18th 2009 2:35AM

Jesus. Wow. Alright, Kayleigh, Webb, then Munn.

I can't agree to Webb being a 'distant' third, but wowza, I think we should all take a moment to say our thanks for the incredible information age we live in.

Google image search? Really?

*faints

Arturo @ Feb 17th 2009 7:35PM

As long as Olivia/Sessler/Webb stay it's all good. Especially Olivia...*sigh*

The Espiritu (Sony said: PlayStaiton 3) @ Feb 17th 2009 7:58PM

How bout Kevin? Can he stay?

Arturo @ Feb 17th 2009 8:58PM

I guess, lol

Suichimo @ Feb 17th 2009 10:15PM

Only if by "stay" you mean "come back" and the Kevin you're talking about is the Dark Tipper.

Not sure if he'd be able to do it with Digg and what not though.

Brendan H @ Feb 17th 2009 7:36PM

Y'know, I've tried to watch AOTS, but couldn't stand it. I was an avid watcher of it's predecessor, The Screen Savers, and I hated how G4 warped that show in search of the younger demographic. It used to be an informative computer & technology show, but I couldn't tell you what the point of AOTS now. Sure it covers gaming, but the rest of it's just seems like a grab bag of things the network execs think teenage boys will like. And the hosts are so utterly lacking in charisma that they come off as people trying to act hip and/or sexy while stiltedly reading "witty" banter.

Moptimus Slime (Leader of the Taylor Swift Defense Force, Gobot in disguise) @ Feb 17th 2009 7:41PM

truth, you speakz it!

Markez @ Feb 17th 2009 7:46PM

I've never tried watching AOTS. Mainly if I do ever watch G4, it's to watch a recorded X-Play, or sample part of a goofy Japanese game show or episode of Cops.

I love Cops. Especially when you've seen enough to accurately guess what's about to happen, or do a checklist of things that'll be found during a traffic stop.

ie, 2 shirtless guys in a pickup, you can probably accurately forecast the following:

- meth pipe
- the driver 'borrowed' the car from somebody, doesn't remember their name
- cuffed suspect asks if they can have a cigarette

Travis @ Feb 17th 2009 7:37PM

AOTS is silly...but i love it

NeuroMan42 @ Feb 17th 2009 7:41PM

Smart... cut the ONLY two shows worth a damn on the channel. Very very business smart. LOL.

deedrick118 @ Feb 17th 2009 7:45PM

what the fuck! this was suppose to be a video game channel! now its all about fucking drama and cops!

Gonz @ Feb 18th 2009 7:52PM

TechTV > G4. That is all.

tlarkin79 @ Feb 17th 2009 7:46PM

Get rid of AOTS and let's have 5 days a week of X-Play in HD :)

Kamizar @ Feb 17th 2009 7:48PM

If they just had Olivia Munn in all of their shows in a French maid outfit, there would not be a problem...

crazypenguin @ Feb 17th 2009 7:49PM

so let me get this straight, G4, a channel that has these two original shows, that i have tried to watch before in order to gain info, but instead got randomness, is going to cut down on these two shows....um, who watches G4 anyway? maybe some perverts who like to just watch for the girls, can go ahead and get a little smarter and go get a girlfriend of w/e, because its getting really annoying...

crazypenguin @ Feb 17th 2009 7:50PM

wait, let me take one thing back, i do enjoy watching the feed, but i can read it too and it doesn't take so long to get through random crap when you do it yourself.

Markez @ Feb 17th 2009 7:52PM

pervert :P

Jess Q. @ Feb 17th 2009 9:36PM

I guess I'm a female pervert, then. I like Olivia Munn, Kevin Pereira, Adam Sessler, Morgan Webb, Blair Butler, Chris Hardwick, etc etc. I'd be sad if I saw less of them.

All right, well, I was a fan of Hardwick from years back, but he's also painfully dorky, sometimes. But still. I'd really miss Olivia and Kevin.

Personally, though, I miss the old X-Play. It made me laugh my ass off. The new X-Play tries to be informative but usually everything they say I'm like, "Yeah, heard that 3 days ago on Joystiq." So.