Sam and Cat future in doubt as Jennette McCurdy boycotts Kids’ Choice Awards

The future of Nickelodeon show Sam and Cat is under a cloud as reports emerge of Jennette McCurdy boycotting the Kids’ Choice Awards.

The tween comedy, in which McCurdy stars alongside Ariana Grande, has gone into hiatus without any clarity on a second season.

That’s despite it winning Favourite TV Show at the KCAs (and even Aussies’ Fave Nick Show locally).

E! reports a Nickelodeon spokesperson said in a statement, “We are wrapping up what was an unusually long production cycle of Sam & Cat, and everyone is understandably tired. We are going into our production hiatus next week, which will give everyone on the show a much-needed rest.”

But McCurdy was also a no-show at the KCAs, where co-star Ariana Grande won the TV Comedy Actress award, and creator Dan Schneider was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award. McCurdy has previously told TV Tonight, “I’ve never met anybody as hard-working or as creative as him. Knowing he’s on my side is the best thing in the world.”

She took to social media to explain her absence.

“A lot of you guys are asking why I didn’t attend the KCAs,” she wrote. “I wish I could explain everything as thoroughly as I would like to, but unfortunately a simpler explanation is all I can write. I was put in an uncomfortable, compromising, unfair situation (many of you have guessed what it is) and I had to look out for me. I chose to not go because sticking up for what is right and what is fair is what my mom taught me is ALWAYS the most important thing. I want to thank those of you who have reached out with kind words of support, McCurdians and Arianators alike. No matter who or what you support, I believe in supporting fairness first. If you have done that, thank you.”

TMZ has reported, “We’re told the pint-sized star is pissed that Grande makes WAY MORE money than her and she’s been trying to renegotiate her deal … so far to no avail.”

Others have speculated about some alluring, but non-naked, photos that appeared online.

“My previous tweet has nothing to do with pics leaked.oh you guys lol,” followed by, “It has to do with how nickelodeon treated me. That’s all. Thanks for the love.”

Nickelodeon has said there is no connection to the hiatus and the photos.

“We have nothing but the utmost respect for Jennette and her talent.”