Paramount delays 'Heathers' debut in wake of Florida shooting

Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Paramount Network said Wednesday it has decided to delay the premiere of Heathers in the wake of this month's mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Fla.

"Paramount Network's original series Heathers is a satirical comedy that takes creative risks in dealing with many of society's most challenging subjects ranging from personal identity to race and socio-economic status to gun violence," a news release said. "While we stand firmly behind the show, in light of the recent tragic events in Florida and out of respect for the victims, their families and loved ones, we feel the right thing to do is delay the premiere until later this year."

Initially set to debut March 7, the show is a contemporary remake of the 1988 film starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater and Shannen Doherty. The new version features Grace Victoria Cox as high-school student Veronica Sawyer and James Scully as her murderous boyfriend JD. Melanie Field portrays Heather Chandler, Brendan Scannell is Heather Duke and Jasmine Mathews is Heather McNamara -- Veronica's wicked frenemies.

Paramount is the recently rebranded Spike network and home to the drama Waco.

We believe in this show and we're bummed we won't be showing it all to you JUST yet, but there are more important conversations happening right now that we do not want to distract from.

Stay tuned. https://t.co/Sqy8LAr0uA

- Heathers (@Heatherstv) February 28, 2018