Clicker: On the fence
May brings anguish to broadcast network executives as decision time begins and networks look at their current lineup and choose which shows will return in the fall. While some shows’ fates are a done deal, others remain in a gray area between contract renewal and the television graveyard.
CBS is the network with the most shows on the fence this year because the network’s schedule has been more stable recently. All the CBS shows in question for renewal are solid performers in their time slots, making it harder to decide which shows should stay and which should go.
Half of CBS’ comedy programming is up in the air, with ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine,’ ‘Gary Unmarried,’ ‘Accidentally on Purpose’ and ‘Rules of Engagement’ fighting for the small number of available half-hour time slots. ‘Rules of Engagement’ has been a midseason replacement for years, so fans shouldn’t have to worry. ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine’ grabs the highest ratings out of the group, so it too should be safe for next fall.
Even the renewal of CBS’ No. 1 comedy, ‘Two and a Half Men,’ is in question. The show will probably be renewed if star Charlie Sheen returns. Sheen was charged with felony menacing, third-degree assault and criminal mischief and is currently in rehabilitation, according to the Los Angeles Times.
On the CBS drama side, the Friday staple ‘Ghost Whisperer’ is on the chopping block with fellow Friday dramas ‘Numb3rs’ and ‘Medium.’ ‘Numb3rs’ has as little chance as ever of surviving because both leading stars took roles on pilots for different programs. ‘Medium’ and ‘Ghost Whisperer’ have an equal chance of coming back next season, but ‘Medium’ is more likely to because of its syndication distribution potential. Despite it being a solid player on Sunday nights, ‘Cold Case’ budgetary issues are putting it on the fence.
For ABC, the big battle is between sci-fi dramas ‘V’ and ‘Flash Forward.’ Both premiered in the fall with solid numbers, but the shows’ ratings have dropped considerably after they went on a four-month hiatus. With ‘Flash Forward’ dipping below the 5-million-viewers mark during the 8 p.m. Thursday time slot, the alien invaders on ‘V’ are looking like they’ll come out victorious in the end.
For Fox, ‘Human Target’ and ‘Lie to Me’ will have executives scratching their heads. A decision on ‘Lie to Me’ might not come this month because it is airing in the second half of its season’s episode during the summer. Industry insiders give ‘Human Target’ a good chance of survival because it has gained a loyal following during its 13-week run on Wednesdays at 8 p.m.
Over at NBC, there will be no problem removing the medical show ‘Trauma’ at the end of the season. NBC’s other medical drama, ‘Mercy,’ has a greater chance of sticking around because it has had a reasonably stable season in NBC’s eyes, but nothing is definite. The much adored ‘Chuck’ will most likely see another season, but ‘Heroes’ is the network’s biggest question. With this season being the lowest rated yet, one possibility is to cut its budget to a 13-episode finale next fall.
The only thing The CW has to worry about is giving up one open time slot on Mondays to veteran drama ‘One Tree Hill’ for new drama ‘Life Unexpected.’ This will be a difficult decision because ‘Life Unexpected’ had very good ratings in its first season, and ‘One Tree Hill’ actually gained viewers, which doesn’t happen often to a show in its seventh season. The ‘Melrose Place’ remake did so badly with ratings that its chances to return are slim, even by The CW’s standards.
But everything depends on what the incoming crop of shows looks like to executives. The networks will be deciding through May which shows will be staying and which will cease to air. NBC unveils its schedule May 17, FOX on May 18, ABC on May 19, CBS on May 20 and The CW on May 21, so watch for which shows make it to the renewal side on the fence.
Published on May 2, 2010 at 12:00 pm
