Discovery Channel Cancels 'Dirty Jobs'

9:46 AM PST 11/21/2012 by Lesley Goldberg

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The unscripted series hosted by Mike Rowe has ended its run after eight seasons.

Discovery Channel

"Dirty Jobs"

Mike Rowe is out of a job.

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Discovery Channel has canceled the Rowe-hosted docuseries Dirty Jobs after eight seasons, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

The unscripted entry, which featured its charismatic host exploring hazardous, disgusting and obscure jobs, was produced by Pilgrim Films & Television's Craig Piligian and wrapped its run in September.

The franchise was a core piece of Discovery's unscripted fare exploring unique workplaces that eventually led to series including Gold Rush and Deadliest Catch that have helped define the network.

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A recent episode of the Tuesday at 9 p.m. hour delivered 1.6 million viewers and a 0.5 rating among the key adults 18-49 demographic.

"Over the years it's been my pleasure to assure anxious fans that Dirty Jobs is coming back for another season. And indeed, we always have. Alas, this year, I'm afraid I cannot dispel the rumors," Rowe wrote in a blog for the Huffington Post. A few weeks ago, I was officially informed that Dirty Jobs had entered into a new phase. One I like to call, 'permanent hiatus.' Or in the more popular industry vernacular, canceled."

"Dirty Jobs is a very personal show, and it's difficult for me to imagine a future that does not involve exploding toilets, venomous snakes, misadventures in animal husbandry, and feces from every species. Nevertheless, the future is here, and while it does not appear to contain any more Dirty Jobs, it will almost certainly include another Thanksgiving. So in the spirit of the holiday, I'd like to thank those people most responsible for reinvigorating my erstwhile career, and launching the most honest show in the history of reality TV," he wrote, thanking Discovery, producers including Piligian, the crew, fans and those who participated.

Discovery and Pilgrim declined comment on Dirty Jobs.

For its part, Discovery has a large roster of unscripted fare that includes Curiosity and Mythbusters, among others.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit