Networks generous with renewals
Some shows will get second chances despite ratings
By James Hibberd

May 4, 2008, 09:16 PM


For broadcast series still hoping for a renewal, last week was rough sledding.

CBS' "Shark" and ABC's "Women's Murder Club" returned to post about a 2.0 rating among adults 18 to 49, joining low-rated outings by fellow bubble shows "Moonlight" (CBS), "Boston Legal" (ABC) and "Reaper" (The CW).

But with most scripted series struggling from a writers strike ratings hangover, the networks seem inclined to give some of the lagging shows a second chance this fall.

Here's how things stand:

-- "Men in Trees": Producers of ABC's drama were recently told the show will not return for a third season. Last year, the show scored a surprising early renewal, but last month averaged only about a 1.6 demo rating.

-- "Boston Legal": A recent episode of "Legal" hit a series low but, then again, what show hasn't? Given a strong lead-in, "Legal" tends to hold a reliable number. It's also an Emmy darling. A likely pickup.

-- "Reaper": The word on CW's cult-favorite supernatural dramedy has turned unexpectedly positive. Though recent episodes have pulled about a 1.1 rating, the CW needs a suitable Thursday night partner for "Supernatural" as next season is expected to be the last for "Smallville." Plus, after adding DVR use, "Reaper" ratings often climb a higher percentage than any other series, and CW executives are fond of the show.

-- "Shark": Another network might be inclined to give this drama another chance, but CBS sets a high ratings bar for pickups and "Shark" has a tough time clearing it. Industry oddsmakers are pessimistic about a fall return.

-- "The New Adventures of Old Christine": With CBS' Monday night comedy block continuing to perform strong while other returning shows crash, the network is considering opening up another night of comedy. If so, the net is going to need "Christine." As for "How I Met Your Mother," a pickup is considered a given.

-- "Moonlight": Since returning post-strike, "Moonlight" remains the weakest link in CBS' Friday night lineup. Yet the vampire drama continues to win its time period. A pickup is all but certain.

-- "Eli Stone": and "Women's Murder Club" The bubbliest of the bubble shows, "Stone" has split industry opinions. The season finale scored only a 2.0 rating. Yet ABC likes the show and the network has a history of giving a second chance to modestly rated freshman series ("Trees," "What About Brian"). If ABC picks up "Stone," a renewal for similarly rated "Murder Club" becomes less likely.

-- "Cashmere Mafia" and "October Road": With uninspiring ratings and stars of both ABC shows posed to move to other projects, a return appears unlikely.


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quote:

- "Men in Trees": Producers of ABC's drama were recently told the show will not return for a third season. Last year, the show scored a surprising early renewal, but last month averaged only about a 1.6 demo rating.

-- "Boston Legal": A recent episode of "Legal" hit a series low but, then again, what show hasn't? Given a strong lead-in, "Legal" tends to hold a reliable number. It's also an Emmy darling. A likely pickup.

-- "Reaper": The word on CW's cult-favorite supernatural dramedy has turned unexpectedly positive. Though recent episodes have pulled about a 1.1 rating, the CW needs a suitable Thursday night partner for "Supernatural" as next season is expected to be the last for "Smallville." Plus, after adding DVR use, "Reaper" ratings often climb a higher percentage than any other series, and CW executives are fond of the show.

-- "Shark": Another network might be inclined to give this drama another chance, but CBS sets a high ratings bar for pickups and "Shark" has a tough time clearing it. Industry oddsmakers are pessimistic about a fall return.

-- "The New Adventures of Old Christine": With CBS' Monday night comedy block continuing to perform strong while other returning shows crash, the network is considering opening up another night of comedy. If so, the net is going to need "Christine." As for "How I Met Your Mother," a pickup is considered a given.

-- "Moonlight": Since returning post-strike, "Moonlight" remains the weakest link in CBS' Friday night lineup. Yet the vampire drama continues to win its time period. A pickup is all but certain.

-- "Eli Stone": and "Women's Murder Club" The bubbliest of the bubble shows, "Stone" has split industry opinions. The season finale scored only a 2.0 rating. Yet ABC likes the show and the network has a history of giving a second chance to modestly rated freshman series ("Trees," "What About Brian"). If ABC picks up "Stone," a renewal for similarly rated "Murder Club" becomes less likely.

-- "Cashmere Mafia" and "October Road": With uninspiring ratings and stars of both ABC shows posed to move to other projects, a return appears unlikely.

I Love this notice.
Reaper and "Old Christine" must be back from next Fall season...it's great news!!!!!!!!!
CW puts Reaper behind the ANTM, please - next season

And Goodbye Men In Trees - RIP

I think that may be where Reaper ends up too. OTH seems like a good pair for Austin Golden Hour and Gossip Girl and 90210 would work well together. I really don't see them switching up Thursdays and the comedies and a reality show could fill Fridays. Put some movies on Sundays.

90120 is almost certain to go after ANTM...atleast in the fall before Idol shows up.

Reaper will not be put after ANTM. If it is renewed, it will likely be paired with Supernatural or with Smallville or even with an EHC/AiA combo.

SHARK being picked up by another network if CBS cancels it? I seriously doubt it and that is said knowing that CBS did not produce this show.

I also share the writer's confidence in REAPER which I have felt for several weeks was in better shape than alot of its fans did.

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce:
SHARK being picked up by another network if CBS cancels it? I seriously doubt it and that is said knowing that CBS did not produce this show.

I think he meant that if it were already on another network, that network might renew it with those numbers.

This is the first bubble article I've seen where I agree with every assessment, although he left a few of the more nebulous ones out (like The Unit and the Fox comedies).

quote:

Originally posted by spotupj:

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce:
SHARK being picked up by another network if CBS cancels it? I seriously doubt it and that is said knowing that CBS did not produce this show.

I think he meant that if it were already on another network, that network might renew it with those numbers.

This is the first bubble article I've seen where I agree with every assessment, although he left a few of the more nebulous ones out (like The Unit and the Fox comedies).

Thanks for the interpretation on the SHARK comments. I guess my mind pre-empts that kind of hypothetical because first you have to visualize the show having been picked up originally by another net to begin with, to say nothing of the fact that this and probably alot of shows would not get the same ratings on different nets. But your interpretation appears more accurate.

I also agree that this was a fairly legit bubble analysis spoken with a little more certainty than usual.

I can't believe Eli Stone and Women's Murder Club did similarly. I've never even seen WMC, let alone remembered its existence. I think Eli Stone could be huge. Bring on the renewal.