DINH DOONG

In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, actor Dennis Quaid has announced that he’s pulling his exclusive show from ABC, comparing the network to a sinking ship that he’s not willing to ride to the bottom. Quaid’s departure, announced with a mix of sharp critique and resignation, comes at a time when ABC is facing unprecedented backlash over its political controversies and declining viewership.

“ABC used to be the gold standard of television,” Quaid stated in a biting public statement. “Now it’s just a ship taking on water, and I’ve got better things to do than tread water while it goes under.”

The move, while surprising to some, has only fueled the growing debate over whether ABC has lost its way amid political brawls, plummeting ratings, and its struggle to keep big-name talent attached to its sinking ship.

Quaid’s now-cancelled show, an unnamed drama series that was slated to be ABC’s next major hit, was reportedly well into pre-production when the actor decided to pull the plug. Insiders suggest that Quaid had been growing increasingly frustrated with ABC’s decision-making, both in its programming and its handling of recent controversies.

The tipping point, it seems, was ABC’s much-maligned handling of the presidential debates, where moderators were accused of bias and fact-checking only one side of the conversation. The backlash was swift and severe, with viewers and pundits alike accusing the network of turning a political event into a spectacle of selective editing and favoritism.

“It was embarrassing,” Quaid allegedly told a friend. “I’m all for a healthy debate, but what ABC did was basically throw the script out the window and make it a circus.”

For Quaid, who had always prided himself on being a part of quality entertainment, the political sideshow was too much to bear. He reportedly began questioning his involvement with the network, especially as the public’s perception of ABC seemed to sour overnight.

While many were quick to link Quaid’s departure to ABC’s political scandals, the actor made it clear in his statement that his decision to leave wasn’t solely about politics. It was about something more fundamental: integrity.

“I’ve always believed that entertainment should be about telling stories that matter, not pushing political narratives,” Quaid said. “ABC used to understand that. Now? It feels like every show, every piece of content, has to be run through a political filter before it gets the green light.”

Quaid’s criticism, while sharp, speaks to a broader sentiment that’s been bubbling beneath the surface of Hollywood. As major networks, ABC included, continue to face criticism for blending entertainment with activism, actors, producers, and directors are growing increasingly disillusioned with the current landscape.

“Hollywood used to be about great storytelling,” Quaid continued. “Now it’s all about pushing buttons and making headlines. And that’s not the kind of work I want to be a part of.”

Quaid’s departure comes at a time when ABC seems to be hemorrhaging credibility and viewership. The presidential debate debacle was just one in a series of missteps that have plagued the network in recent months. Ratings are down, viewers are tuning out, and the public perception of the once-mighty broadcaster is faltering.

Advertisers, who once flocked to ABC’s prime-time programming, have been pulling out left and right, citing concerns over the network’s ability to maintain a neutral and diverse audience. The hashtag #BoycottABC continues to trend on social media, and prominent political figures on both sides of the aisle have openly criticized the network’s recent editorial choices.

Even ABC’s typically loyal viewers are jumping ship, with many voicing frustration over the network’s shift toward what they see as overtly political content. For years, ABC was known as the home of family-friendly entertainment and classic TV shows. But in recent years, critics say, the network has traded its wholesome image for one that’s far more divisive.

Quaid’s exit, while high-profile, could be the beginning of a larger trend among Hollywood’s A-listers. With ABC’s reputation in free fall, insiders are speculating that other stars may be looking for the nearest lifeboat as well.

Quaid’s decision to cut ties with ABC has set off alarm bells in Tinseltown. For years, ABC was seen as a safe bet for talent looking for broad exposure and stable work. But in today’s hyper-politicized climate, that’s no longer the case.

“There’s definitely a feeling that ABC has lost its way,” said one industry insider. “It used to be about great programming. Now it feels like it’s more about making headlines, and not in a good way.”

Quaid isn’t the first star to jump ship, either. Several notable actors and producers have quietly moved their projects away from ABC in recent months, citing concerns about the network’s shift in priorities. While none have been as vocal as Quaid, the trend is impossible to ignore.

“People are getting tired of the same old political bickering,” said one entertainment executive. “And when you’ve got major talent like Dennis Quaid walking away from a deal, you know there’s something wrong.”

Despite the public relations nightmare that Quaid’s departure has caused, ABC has yet to offer a substantial response. A spokesperson for the network issued a brief statement expressing disappointment over Quaid’s decision but did little to address the concerns he raised.

“Dennis Quaid is an incredible talent, and we are disappointed that he has chosen to move on from the project,” the statement read. “We remain committed to providing high-quality programming that speaks to a diverse audience.”

For many, though, the network’s response feels like too little, too late. With ratings continuing to plummet and public confidence at an all-time low, it’s unclear whether ABC will be able to right the ship before more high-profile talent heads for the exit.

As for Dennis Quaid, the actor seems to be taking his departure in stride. He’s already reportedly in talks with several streaming services about moving his project to a new platform, where creative freedom reigns and political agendas take a backseat to good old-fashioned storytelling.

“There’s still plenty of room for great storytelling out there,” Quaid said in a recent interview. “And I’m excited to find the right partner to bring this project to life. I’m not worried about leaving ABC. There are plenty of other ships that aren’t sinking.”

With streaming platforms on the rise and more talent than ever looking for ways to escape the confines of traditional networks, Quaid’s move could be the start of a new era in Hollywood—one where political neutrality is once again the cornerstone of entertainment.

For now, though, it’s clear that Quaid is done with ABC. And as his words continue to echo through Hollywood, it seems that he’s more than happy to watch the network continue to flounder from the safety of a lifeboat.