Kring apologies for 'dips**t' comments

Heroes creator Tim Kring has apologised for calling fans "dips**ts".

Speaking at the Screenwriting Expo about the changing ways in which episodic TV is watched, Kring said: "[Serialised storytelling is] a very flawed way of telling stories on network television right now, because of the advent of the DVR and online streaming.

"The engine that drove [serialised TV] was you had to be in front of the TV [when it aired]. Now you can watch it when you want, where you want, how you want to watch it, and almost all of those ways are superior to watching it on air.

"So [watching it] on air is related to the saps and the dips**ts who can't figure out how to watch it in a superior way."

Kring has now issued an apology for the comments, with NBC verifying that a letter circulating in Hollywood is genuine.

He wrote: "I need to strongly apologise for the slightly mangled quote of mine that is making it's way around the internet. It was made while trying to explain the rise in DVR and online audience for the show.

"I was making the point that these platforms now offer a superior way to watch the show (without commercials, with extra content, commentary, at the audience’s convenience, etc.)...

"It was a boneheaded attempt at being 'cute' and making a point. Instead, it turned out to be just plain insulting and stupid."

> Click here for our review of the latest episode of Heroes