Marc Guggenheim Leaving FlashForward

Posted on October 20, 2009

Co-showrunner/executive producer Marc Guggenheim is leaving the freshman sf drama FlashForward. That will leave his co-creator/executive producer David Goyer as the only showrunner. The show claims that it was all planned.

The move follows a similar switch last week on CBS' freshman drama "The Good Wife." Showrunner/exec producer Dee Johnson, also brought in after the pilot, has departed, handing the reins to co-creators/exec producers Michelle and Robert King. Because of Goyer's limited hands-on TV series experience, "Eli Stone" co-creator Guggenheim was brought in after the "FlashForward" pilot to help with the launch of the mystery drama based on Robert Sawyer's novel.
After learning the ropes in a co-showrunner capacity on the original 12-episode order of "FlashForward" alongside Guggenheim, Goyer will fly solo for the series' back-nine order. Guggenheim will focus on development under his overall deal with "FlashForward" producer ABC Studios.

FlashForward is at a crucial time in the story arc. Fans are interested and like the show and the numbers are good. But some fans are already getting irritated at the slow pacing. We actually think the pacing is just fine and are looking forward to Dominic Monaghan's turn on the show as the mysterious Simon. But staff changes this early on can be problematic.