Rob Lowe is arguing his own case.
The star of “The Grinder” is lobbying Fox network executives not to ax the low-rated comedy, which he headlines as a shallow actor impersonating an attorney.
Network brass is holed up this week in screenings and conference rooms, piecing together the fall schedule that executives will present to advertisers in New York later this month. Lowe’s mission? To persuade them that “The Grinder” can reverse a ratings slide in its sophomore season and deserves a spot on that lineup.
That’s a tough case to make, because “The Grinder” has struggled to build an audience. Some episodes have dipped below 2 million total viewers, according to Nielsen – a pittance for a broadcast comedy.
No final decisions have been made yet and Lowe’s camp is getting antsy.
“We’re pushing but I just don’t know,” said one source close to Lowe, adding that the star had made personal appeals to Fox executives. “Both ‘Grinder’ and ‘Grandfathered’ [another troubled Fox comedy] are 50-50.”
Lowe’s publicist did not immediately return an email seeking comment, while a Fox spokesman declined comment.
If Lowe picked up any real lawyering expertise on “The Grinder,” now would be a good time to unleash a killer closing argument.