ABC romcom is first new season casualty

ABC has cancelled romantic comedy Manhattan Love Story, making the series the first scripted show of the new season US series to be axed.

Previously announced special The Great Christmas Light Fight will replace the series in its timeslot tomorrow, while an additional episode of another new season comedy, Selfie, will fill in on November 4.

Ratings for Manhattan Love Story were at a low 0.7 rating in the crucial 18-49s demographic last week, leading to its demise.

Manhattan Love Story follows a young couple romancing in New York, revealing their true feelings through inner monologues.

The new season of US scripted series has seen the networks wait an unusually long time before pulling the plug on low-rating shows.

Commentators have linked the trend to catch-up airings and PVR recordings, which are becoming more relevant to advertisers, while others claim executives are unsure on their current batch of potential mid-season replacements.