Every once in a while, The Hollywood Reporter publishes an essay about a topical TV-film industry issue written by an anonymous show business insider. The latest such missive, appearing in the June 1 print issue and online today, is one of the best yet.

Right off the bat, the unnamed TV showrunner-author writes that although Community’s Dan Harmon (pictured) had a reputation for being “difficult,” they can neither personally confirm nor, for that matter, be surprised if the characterization is indeed accurate:

Because – and here’s the dirty secret of television – there are plenty of showrunners who are difficult. Some are even truly Machiavellian, hated and feared by all. But as long as their shows are hits, no one would ever think about replacing them.

Problem is, Community is not a hit. The author makes the point several times that a TV network does not care whether a show is good, only that a program prove ultimately profitable. Anonymous opines that the May 18 sacking of Harmon is all about NBC wanting to maximize its chances of getting the Thursday night sitcom to the lucrative syndication finish line. Read the full essay here.

[Photo courtesy @danharmon]

Previously on FishbowlLA:
Dan Harmon Sounds Off on Being Fired from Community