Many TV Series Face Uncertain Futures - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 03-13-2008, 03:47 AM

Link

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - At this point in the season, the strictly defined countries of "renewed" and "canceled" have acres of gray area in between.

A couple dozen shows are clustered near the border, on the verge of being declared dead or alive for next season.

Without belaboring the obvious (ABC's "Cashmere Mafia" isn't coming back; Fox's "Bones" is), here's the latest industry buzz on some of the most talked-about titles:

- "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Fans need not worry: Sources say that "Terminator" will be back. Fox executives like the creative product and thought the finale's performance last week was solid. The network also spent a considerable amount marketing the show, giving Season 2 some cost benefit. Also: The fourth "Terminator" movie comes out in 2009, and as "The Simpsons Movie" proved, there are promotional advantages to film-TV synergy.

- "Scrubs." The dead comedy-turned-backroom hot commodity remains poised to jump to ABC from longtime home NBC. The cast has been told to return to work March 24. Cast member John C. McGinley said recently that he was told that "the 18 episodes we're going to do starting that day will be on ABC next fall." But the show's producer, ABC Studios, insists the work is just "reshoots." Just, you know, everyday reshoots of a series NBC has refused to order more episodes of.

- "How I Met Your Mother." Granted, "Mother" usually is the weakest ratings link in CBS' Monday night comedy lineup. But that lineup sets a high bar, representing the most successful comedy block on television. The headline-making stunt casting of Britney Spears in an upcoming episode is sure to boost viewership. Not to mention, CBS' comedy-starved rivals would be tempted to snatch up the show if canceled. Verdict: Probably not going anywhere.

- "Knight Rider." The February movie performed well for NBC. Sources say the network is in talks with a producer who is familiar with NBC primetime, which suggests a regular series order is likely.

- "Moonlight." CBS is playing wait-and-see with this Friday night show about a vampire private detective. The network is curious whether the show's fans return once it comes back from its strike-induced hiatus. But "Moonlight" fans are passionate, the show fits well into CBS' Friday night alternative crime block and an eventual pickup is probable.

- "Jericho." CBS must decide quickly since only three episodes remain in Season 2, and the network has to choose Ending A or Ending B. Two conclusions to the season have been shot. One puts a narrative lid on the apocalyptic series (lest protesting fans pelt CBS executives with thousands of pounds of nuts again), the other more of a cliffhanger. CBS notes that the show gains from DVR viewership and online viewing, but after its performance the past two weeks, most doubt the citizens of "Jericho" will live to fight another season.

- "Reaper." Critics loved the pilot of the CW's supernatural drama, then griped that the series lost its way. The show returns Thursday night against ABC's "Lost" and needs divine intervention to come back strong enough to make the network add it to its list of previously announced pickups. The chances for the CW comedy "Aliens" look even slimmer.

- "Law & Order." The longest-running primetime drama on television will come back for a 19th season, sources say, with new co-star Anthony Anderson. USA Network's "L&O: Criminal Intent," which is recycled on NBC, looks likely to return.

- "Friday Night Lights." NBC is in talks with DirecTV for the satellite broadcaster to share the costs for a third season in exchange for some exclusive distribution opportunities.

- "Prison Break." Producers are pitching a Season 4 story arc to Fox, which is expected to pick up the show.

- "According to Jim." ABC's perennial bubble show is looking likely to escape the ax one more time.

- " 'Til Death" and "Back to You." Despite modest returns, both Fox comedies probably will return in the fall.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

comedyfreak · 03-13-2008, 08:26 AM

I like Moonlight, According To Jim, Scrubs, and How I Met Your Mother.

Mikado · 03-13-2008, 01:39 PM

Havent seen any of them, and dont plan to

Tubehead · 03-13-2008, 02:29 PM

I hope they show more moonlight and jericho. two of my favorite shows.

friendsfan77 · 03-13-2008, 05:41 PM

I hope HIMYM comes back, that is my favorite current sitcom

treky · 03-14-2008, 02:16 AM

of those mentioned; I hope "BACK TO YOU" comes back.

dawsongirl · 03-14-2008, 11:23 PM

HIMYM is better than Old Christine. That's the one that should be canned.

JulieSomoski · 03-16-2008, 02:20 PM

At this moment, I'm really hoping for Back to You to be renewed . . . it's one of the few shows that actually deserve to come back this season.

I can't believe Scrubs isn't dead yet. It should have been cancelled by now.

wkomorow · 03-16-2008, 07:01 PM

I'd be surprised if SciFi did not make a bid for Jerico if CBS decides to cancel. SciFi needs a couple of new series to keep its Friday nights going.

03-13-2008, 03:47 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,349	Many TV Series Face Uncertain Futures Link LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - At this point in the season, the strictly defined countries of "renewed" and "canceled" have acres of gray area in between. A couple dozen shows are clustered near the border, on the verge of being declared dead or alive for next season. Without belaboring the obvious (ABC's "Cashmere Mafia" isn't coming back; Fox's "Bones" is), here's the latest industry buzz on some of the most talked-about titles: - "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Fans need not worry: Sources say that "Terminator" will be back. Fox executives like the creative product and thought the finale's performance last week was solid. The network also spent a considerable amount marketing the show, giving Season 2 some cost benefit. Also: The fourth "Terminator" movie comes out in 2009, and as "The Simpsons Movie" proved, there are promotional advantages to film-TV synergy. - "Scrubs." The dead comedy-turned-backroom hot commodity remains poised to jump to ABC from longtime home NBC. The cast has been told to return to work March 24. Cast member John C. McGinley said recently that he was told that "the 18 episodes we're going to do starting that day will be on ABC next fall." But the show's producer, ABC Studios, insists the work is just "reshoots." Just, you know, everyday reshoots of a series NBC has refused to order more episodes of. - "How I Met Your Mother." Granted, "Mother" usually is the weakest ratings link in CBS' Monday night comedy lineup. But that lineup sets a high bar, representing the most successful comedy block on television. The headline-making stunt casting of Britney Spears in an upcoming episode is sure to boost viewership. Not to mention, CBS' comedy-starved rivals would be tempted to snatch up the show if canceled. Verdict: Probably not going anywhere. - "Knight Rider." The February movie performed well for NBC. Sources say the network is in talks with a producer who is familiar with NBC primetime, which suggests a regular series order is likely. - "Moonlight." CBS is playing wait-and-see with this Friday night show about a vampire private detective. The network is curious whether the show's fans return once it comes back from its strike-induced hiatus. But "Moonlight" fans are passionate, the show fits well into CBS' Friday night alternative crime block and an eventual pickup is probable. - "Jericho." CBS must decide quickly since only three episodes remain in Season 2, and the network has to choose Ending A or Ending B. Two conclusions to the season have been shot. One puts a narrative lid on the apocalyptic series (lest protesting fans pelt CBS executives with thousands of pounds of nuts again), the other more of a cliffhanger. CBS notes that the show gains from DVR viewership and online viewing, but after its performance the past two weeks, most doubt the citizens of "Jericho" will live to fight another season. - "Reaper." Critics loved the pilot of the CW's supernatural drama, then griped that the series lost its way. The show returns Thursday night against ABC's "Lost" and needs divine intervention to come back strong enough to make the network add it to its list of previously announced pickups. The chances for the CW comedy "Aliens" look even slimmer. - "Law & Order." The longest-running primetime drama on television will come back for a 19th season, sources say, with new co-star Anthony Anderson. USA Network's "L&O: Criminal Intent," which is recycled on NBC, looks likely to return. - "Friday Night Lights." NBC is in talks with DirecTV for the satellite broadcaster to share the costs for a third season in exchange for some exclusive distribution opportunities. - "Prison Break." Producers are pitching a Season 4 story arc to Fox, which is expected to pick up the show. - "According to Jim." ABC's perennial bubble show is looking likely to escape the ax one more time. - " 'Til Death" and "Back to You." Despite modest returns, both Fox comedies probably will return in the fall. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

03-13-2008, 08:26 AM	#2
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,058	I like Moonlight, According To Jim, Scrubs, and How I Met Your Mother.
	__________________ www.facebook.com/comedyfreak

03-13-2008, 02:29 PM	#4
Tubehead Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 12, 2007 Location: chattanooga.tn Posts: 5,139	More moonlight and jericho I hope they show more moonlight and jericho. two of my favorite shows.

03-14-2008, 02:16 AM	#6
treky star trek fan Eternal Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Feb 25, 2002 Location: Conshohocken, pennsylvania Posts: 14,490	of those mentioned; I hope "BACK TO YOU" comes back.
	__________________ the Clampetts are in a fancy Beverly Hills jewelry store. Granny points to a tray of rubies. Granny: "How much fer one o' them red diamonds?" clerk: "Madam, those are rubies." Granny: "OK ask her kin we buy one offa her." clerk: " The ruby I am talking about is not a lady." Granny: "Lissen, how she got them diamonds is her business. I'm just sayin' ask her kin we buy one from her."

03-16-2008, 02:20 PM	#8
JulieSomoski Roseanne Reboot - March 27! Forum Veteran Join Date: Nov 06, 2004 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,558	At this moment, I'm really hoping for Back to You to be renewed . . . it's one of the few shows that actually deserve to come back this season. I can't believe Scrubs isn't dead yet. It should have been cancelled by now.
	__________________ Click here to view some great articles written by my husband and I! All views are appreciated! Watch: Medium, Fridays at 9pm, on CBS! Big Bang Theory, Mondays at 9:30pm, on CBS! The Mentalist, Thursdays at 10pm, on CBS! Old Christine, Wednesdays at 8pm, on CBS! ABC's Comedy Lineup, Starting Wednesdays at 8:30pm, on ABC!

03-13-2008, 01:39 PM	#3
Mikado Main st bridge Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 06, 2005 Posts: 25,880	Havent seen any of them, and dont plan to

03-13-2008, 05:41 PM	#5
friendsfan77 - Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 02, 2004 Location: Duluth, GA Posts: 3,165	I hope HIMYM comes back, that is my favorite current sitcom

03-14-2008, 11:23 PM	#7
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,128	HIMYM is better than Old Christine. That's the one that should be canned.

03-16-2008, 07:01 PM	#9
wkomorow Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Nov 24, 2005 Posts: 226	I'd be surprised if SciFi did not make a bid for Jerico if CBS decides to cancel. SciFi needs a couple of new series to keep its Friday nights going.