NBC canceled the show in 1990, after its first season. It was immediately revived in syndication, where it became one of the most popular shows in the world. At its height, it aired in 148 countries, on every continent except Antarctica. After 11 years in syndication, it was canceled for the second time in 2001.
After NBC canceled the show in the United States, British broadcaster LWT (now part of ITV) stepped in to help save the program. At that time, it had helped ITV with its ratings war against the BBC.