Oprah fires Rosie O'Donnell

Oprah Winfrey has axed Rosie O'Donnell's talk show from her television network, OWN.

The Rosie Show was on air for five months but failed to secure enough viewers to keep the show afloat.

As I have learned in the last 15 months, a new network launch is always a challenge and ratings grow over time as you continue to gather an audience," Oprah said in a statement.

"I'm grateful to Rosie and the dedicated Rosie Show team for giving it their all."

O'Donnell's statement was similarly upbeat: "I was welcomed with open arms and will never forget the kindness of all I encountered. It was a great year for me. I wish the show was able to attract more viewers, but it did not. So I am headed back to my home in New York - with gratitude. On we go!"

The final episode of The Rosie Show will air on March 30.

Photo: Getty Images / Frederick M. Brown