May

Reaper may survive in Syndication

Thought “Reaper” was dead?

Well, think again. Like some of the undead creatures on it, the quirky CW dramedy is refusing to die.

Sources said show producer ABC Studios is in talks with CW affiliate stations about continuing “Reaper” as a syndicated series for Sunday night.

While “Reaper” has been pretty much canceled at the CW, most stations are said to love the series starring Brett Harrison as the Devil’s bounty hunter. The show enjoys a rabid fan base.

So when the network decided to give Sunday night back to its affiliates last week, they started preliminary conversations with ABC Studios about possibly continuing the show with original episodes.

Sources said that ABC Studios also is exploring a possible afterlife for the cult series on cable.

Both scenarios are considered a long shot with two major obstacles.

“Reaper” creators/executive producers Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters have moved on, recently inking an overall deal with 20th TV.

And the show’s sidekick, Tyler Labine, stars in the newly picked up Fox comedy series “Sons of Tucson.”

There are conflicting takes on whether a syndicated version of “Reaper” would be in first or second position to “Tucson,” but he may be unavailable to stay on “Reaper.”

Since its midseason return for a second season, “Reaper” has averaged about a 1.0 rating in 18-49, ranking as the network’s lowest-rated drama.

But with the current programming on Sundays averaging below a 0.5 in recent weeks, “Reaper” could potentially improve the slot.