CBS is pulling the plug on its Ronald Reagan miniseries . Too many complaints the series cast Reagan and wife Nancy in an unflattering light.

The Reagans, a mini-series that is said to depict Ronald Reagan as an affable but rather detached president and Nancy Reagan as something of a control freak, was due to be broadcast in two parts later this month.

But since snippets of the less than flattering drama were seen last month, CBS has faced an onslaught of complaint. Michael Paranzino, who last month set up the website BoycottCBS.com to rally opposition to the show, said: "The idea that a TV network can make a buck... while a great American president lies on his deathbed with his wife taking care of him at his side is repugnant to the American people."

CBS on Tuesday announced it was pulling The Reagans off the network, saying: "Although the mini-series features impressive production values and acting performances...it does not present a balanced portrayal of the Reagans." The programme will instead be made available to Showtime, the cable channel also owned by CBS's parent Viacom.

Looks to us like Viacom wins both ways--only network viewers lose.