HBO chief regrets 'Deadwood' mess

In this age of government-enforced prudishness, it’s kind of surprising that a show as rough as HBO’s “Deadwood” didn’t stir up much controversy. That is, until HBO canceled it in May.

Then it incurred the wrath of legions of fans, who flooded HBO with angry messages generated by protest Web sites. Now that the dust has settled, HBO Chairman Chris Albrecht acknowledges he could’ve handled the news of “Deadwood’s” demise “a little differently.”

Addressing the nation’s TV critics Wednesday, Albrecht explained that the whole thing got out of hand after he reached verbal agreement with “Deadwood” creator David Milch to end the show. Milch had just pitched HBO an idea for another show that was so unique and very exciting, Albrecht said, “that I said to David, ‘Let’s do six (more “Deadwoods”) and start the (new) show earlier.’ ”

But fans who did not want “Deadwood” to end at all seized on the early reports and began begging HBO to extend it to 12 shows, a full season’s order. In the end Milch agreed to make two “Deadwood” movies after the current season.

Albrecht regretted not nailing down the deal before it went public, but he said this was nothing compared to the dust storm that ensued after he canceled “Carnivale” a year ago.

The HBO chief also set the record straight on other shows.

•The upcoming season of “Rome” will be its last because of the exchange rate. Seriously. The costs were excessive for making the period drama in Italy, where the currency is the high-flying euro.

•“Rome” should return Jan. 7. At one time it was going to run with new episodes of “The Sopranos,” but it will be delayed to March now.

When a reporter asked Albrecht to reveal what will happen to Tony Soprano, the chairman of HBO (who knows exactly what will happen) replied in disbelief, “Are you high?”

•HBO’s video-on-demand service is having a huge impact, according to Albrecht. He pointed to “Lucky Louie,” the R-rated sitcom starring comedian Louis C.K., as proof. The show draws fewer than 2 million viewers on its first airing Sunday night after “The Sopranos,” but when repeats and on-demand viewing for the week are totaled, Albrecht said “Lucky Louie” has more viewers than “Deadwood.”

•The new movie premieres will move from Saturday to Sunday nights.