Ebert and Roeper leaving 'Ebert & Roeper'

[edbermac]

CHICAGO, Illinois (AP) -- Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert says he's cutting ties with the television show that he and the late Gene Siskel made famous. Richard Roeper and Roger Ebert have co-hosted "At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper" since 2000.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press on Monday, Ebert said Disney-ABC Domestic Television had decided to take "At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper" "in a new direction" and he won't be associated with it.

In a statement, Ebert said, "The show was a wonderful experience," and added that he and Siskel's widow, Marlene Iglitzen, retain the trademark to the phrase, "Two thumbs up."

"The thumbs will return," Ebert's statement continued. "We are discussing possibilities, and plan to continue the show's tradition."

Ebert's announcement came a day after Chicago Sun-Times columnist Richard Roeper said he was leaving the nationally syndicated show.

Roeper said in a statement Sunday that he had failed to agree on a contract extension with Disney-ABC Domestic Television so his last appearance on the show will air the weekend of August 16-17.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/TV/07/21/people.roeper.ap/index.html

Damn, I used to always watch Siskel and Ebert. Roeper was okay. As for Roger, sadly it appears his health problems are catching up to him. :(