Salt Lake NBC Station Won't Carry The New Normal

Bartha, Rannells

Salt Lake City TV station KSL won’t air the new gay-themed NBC sitcom The New Normal, deeming it “inappropriate” for the Mormon Church–owned affiliate.

“For our brand, this program feels inappropriate on several dimensions, especially during family viewing time,” Jeff Simpson, CEO of KSL’s parent company, Bonneville International, told The Salt Lake Tribune.

The show, scheduled to premiere September 11, deals with a gay couple, played by Andrew Rannells and Justin Bartha, having a child with a surrogate portrayed by Georgia King. Ryan Murphy of Glee fame is its cocreator.

A CW affiliate, KUCW, plans to air the program on weekends in the Salt Lake City market, general manager Matt Jacquint told the Tribune. “We’re looking for a time slot right now,” he said.

KSL has refused to carry some other shows in the past. Last year it declined to air the short-lived series The Playboy Club.

Go here for The Advocate’s interview with Rannells.