Charlie Sheen set to leave 'Two and a Half Men,' report says

Charlie Sheen is having some trouble with this whole lying low thing.

Thursday brought more confusion to the already tumultuous saga of the "Two and a Half Men" star, who's about to go on trial for allegedly threatening his wife at knifepoint. People.com reported that Sheen is set to walk from the top-rated CBS comedy after taping on the seventh season wraps this month.

"Charlie's just done," someone identified as a "set source" told People.

Sheen's publicist, however, isn't exactly confirming that. "Charlie's deal is only through this current season," Stan Rosenfield told People. Rosenfield could not be reached for further comment Thursday afternoon.

CBS declined to comment. 

So what's going on? With Sheen, it's always hard to tell. But the possibility exists that the latest wrinkle is just one big negotiating ploy. Warner Bros., the studio that makes the show, recently tried to re-up the star's contract. But according to Access Hollywood, Sheen balked at an offer to raise his salary from nearly $1 million — a figure that already makes him among the best-compensated actors on TV — to $1.2 million per episode. His ask? A cool $2 million, according to the report. 

If this latest development really is about contractual posturing, then the clock is ticking. CBS will announce its fall lineup with the other networks next month in New York.

— Scott Collins

Comments

[Fred Reade]

Probably a negotiating ploy. He can do that show in his sleep. I doubt he'll walk away from that kind of money.

[Lauren]

You know what? I can't believe I'm saying this, especially in this terrible economy with thousands of people out of jobs, but if Charlie wants $2 miilion, I say give him the $2 million. If he walks, there is no replacement; Sheen IS that show. It's one of the few, wonderfully funny, acidic and obnoxious comedies that I can count on. The rest of the cast is great, but without Sheen's "What the Hell" approach to life, "Two and a Half Men" just wouldn't be the same. I hope Charlie and family get all the help they need. Sheen himself is a talented man who offers so much humor for which I'm grateful. I hope he stays!

[Mark]

It's the only show I will watch on TV. It's not like Sheen is even acting but it darn entertaining. I've seen other sitcoms and they aren't nearly as funny and so much more predictable.

[Milquetoast]

It is a good show and the fact that makes it work is that .... Sheen IS Charlie Harper, and we forgive him his real life shenanigans during this half hour. I don't know about his latest stupid act but one thing's for certain: If he quits the show, he's irreplaceable, but if he quits the show, he won't be able to redeem himself in the public eye- regardless of whether his wife takes him back or not! The show itself offers him a lifeline to public opinion, if he cares for it. If you leave the show, Chuck, stay away.

[Jann Williams]

I think this show is such a piece of trash . Why would anyone care if it fades into the sunset. My thought is that it would be good to see it go. Hard for a normal person to even imagine that "thinking" people even watch. I know I do not.

[barbara]

Charlie has perfect comedic timing and you can usu count on this show to be good. can't imagine anyone taking his place really.

[Piotr W]

For what he needs $2 miliions? - Trials

[KTWO]

A question was asked. And the answer is Neil Patrick Harris. He can play that role with every nuance of Charlies immorality.

But Neil is already on top and still climbing. If they can't afford Charlie they won't like Neil's price either.

I love 2 1/2. Sheen has been perfect for the role. And I can't imagine a better cast.

But the boy is growing and I believe the writers will struggle in adjusting his role. And Charlie has been the California Cad for seven years. How much of the same can work?

Nor can he change? What would he do? Join Doctors Without Borders?

[Joe]

I love the show too. But Sheen is totally replaceable. It's so easy. Charlie gets drunk and just never wakes up. Ma Parker has a long lost son played by one of Hollywood's legion of 50-something, drug-addict, has-been actors and the show goes on. Sheen's finished anyway, look at him, the dope's taken over. He has to be watched over 24/7 like an Alzheimer's victim.

[Concerned]

Nah...its ran its course. The "kid" is bigger than Sheen, now, and soon will overtake the maid. Move on, Charlie; it has been fun. And, you aint worth 2.2 fer nuthin!!!!

[spatter]

The show needs Charlie more than Charlie needs the show, but greed still is not a pretty thing...

[Kim]

If he indeed does want to leave then how about a transition to his brother Emilio Estevez?

[Sue Rhodes Calhoun]

It's a good show, one of my firm favorites, but it's starting to get a bit tired. The Chelsea character doesn't work, no fault of the actress, just the premise. Sheen's character is funnier as a roue. The kid's character isn't working as well anymore, either. But the rest of the cast-- the brother, the mother, the housekeeper--- are still brilliant.

[mary anne]

I think this is the best show on, but don't understand why Charlie is its number 1.
I think John Cryer is just as great on the show. Berta and Jake and the mom are great too, although Jake needs more to do beside just walk by with snide comments. He could do more even though he is growing up. What happen to
Judith's baby that may be Allan's. Allan and his clan could do a spin off.