NBC Cancels The Playboy Club, Starring Tony Winner Laura Benanti

NBC has pulled The Playboy Club, the new series starring Tony winner Laura Benanti, from its schedule after three episodes. Following a group of Playboy Bunnies at the magazine's 1960s namesake nightclub, the series premiered on September 19.

"Wow. Tough day," Benanti, who recently appeared on the cover of Playboy to promote the show, posted on her Twitter page. "Best cast. Best crew. We deserved more time."

Despite lukewarm critical reception to the show, Benanti herself earned positive reviews, with The New York Times TV critic declaring, "The one reason to watch the show is Ms. Benanti, who has the skill to make the soft-boiled tough-guy dialogue work." The Hollywood Reporter also singled out Benanti, calling her "the best thing going for the show."

The Playboy Club also starred Eddie Cibrian, Amber Heard and featured voiceover work from Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, as well as Benanti's husband, Broadway veteran Steven Pasquale.