HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) -
A&E has canceled its hit reality television series "Dog the Bounty Hunter." Averaging two million viewers per episode, the show that hunts for fugitives has been one of the most popular reality series in television history.
Duane 'Dog' Chapman and his wife Beth live on Oahu. Most of the episodes are filmed here in Hawaii. The series debuted in 2004, but took a hiatus three years later after an audio tape surfaced in which Chapman uses a racial slur. Production started up again the following year, but now fans are feeling disappointed.
A new online petition to bring back the show already has nearly 200 signatures. The Chapman family said prior to A&E's decision, the parties weren't able to reach an agreement for the 9th season.
Hawaii News Now was the first station to bring you this statement released by the couple: "This has been a great ride for eight seasons and we would not be where we are today but for our loyal and dedicated fans."
Hawaii's film commissioner said the cancellation is unfortunate for fans.
"We've done our best to support the production over the years, and I know there will be a lot of people disappointed that the show will no longer be on," said Film Industry Development Manager Donne Dawson.
The cancellation is just the latest setback for the couple. They appeared on NBC's Today show this weekend to talk about recent death threats against their family.
"Whoever is sending this sounds like they're serious. We've gotten over the last nine years on television a few threats and of course everyone's not going to love you but this has gone too far," said Duane Chapman.
The Chapmans said they've received several nasty emails which have now been turned over to the FBI.
"Hopefully, they're going to be able to track down who that person is because the alternative is for us to be armed and ready," said Beth Chapman.
There are still plenty of fans out there. Chapman and his wife thrilled a young boy with a congenital heart defect last week. The Make a Wish Foundation flew the 8-year-old boy to Hawaii for a meeting at the couple's bail bonds office.
Viewers may not have seen the last of the famous family just yet. They couple also said in their statement, "We are about to start a new chapter and an announcement will be made sooner than later. You can't keep a good Dog down."
"I wish them the best in whatever they end up doing as a follow-up to the show," Dawson said.
Click here to view the "Bring Back Dog The Bounty Hunter" petition.
Copyright 2012 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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A&E cancels its hit reality television series "Dog the Bounty Hunter."
Duane 'Dog' Chapman and his wife Beth live on Oahu.
A new online petition to bring back the show already has nearly 200 signatures.
Film Industry Development Manager Donne Dawson
A young boy with a congenital heart defect met the Chapmans last week.
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