HBO ends syndie runs of two laffers

Due to poor ratings, HBO is pulling the syndie runs of "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage" from non-cable stations around the country.  The pay cabler decided to exercise its option and yank off the series after the first of two cycles. Both shows were part of barter deals, so because the shows weren't working, HBO wasn't making any money.
"Curb" will remain on TV Guide Network and "Entourage" on Spike TV, though both of those channels aren't getting the ratings returns they had hoped for either.

That wasn't always the case, however. "Sex and the City" has been a steady syndie performer, and HBO made millions when it sold "The Sopranos" to A&E.

Insiders say the disappointing results for "Curb" and "Entourage" may have to do with the fact that both are serialized laffers, and serialized dramas have certainly struggled in syndication. Viewers don't normally tune in every day, and when they do, they are often lost in the storyline.