NBC is very much in flux for next year with five hours of Jay Leno on the way and so using the normal conventions of the renew/cancel index are difficult. Bill’s on vacation and there won’t be any typical Renew/Cancel index reports this week but in the spirit of seeing more data anyway, I thought I’d take a different approach to looking at the same information.
This is only for scripted shows, and not focusing on any of the reality or other unscripted content.
First here’s a look at the show’s from the 2008-2009 season that NBC has already announced have been canceled or renewed for the 2009 season:
| Network | Already Canceled | Already Renewed |
| NBC | Crusoe | 30 Rock |
| NBC | Lipstick Jungle | The Office |
| NBC | My Own Worst Enemy | Law & Order: SVU |
| NBC | ER (finished, not canceled) | Heroes* |
| NBC | Friday Night Lights |
*There is some doubt about whether NBC has officially inked anything with regard to Heroes, but the network has said publicly the show is definitely coming back next year, though it has also indicated that it will be with fewer episodes and as a mid-season replacement that runs straight through a la Lost instead of having huge breaks. For now, I am taking NBC’s public comments as being true.
And here’s a look at the remaining shows:
| Network | Won’t be renewed | Not Sure Yet |
| NBC | Kings | Law & Order |
| NBC | Life | Chuck |
| NBC | Knight Rider | Medium |
| NBC | My Name is Earl | |
| NBC | Kath & Kim | |
| NBC | Southland | |
| NBC | Parks & Recreation |
As you can see, I have classified them into two buckets which are basically “certain to be canceled” and “I Dunno”
Normally, with at least a few of the shows in the table above I’d be ready to make renewal predictions. And specifically in the case of Medium and Chuck under normal circumstances we’d conclude they will be renewed. But it’s not so easy this year. So, let’s take a look at the shows with uncertain fates and look at each one.
Law & Order
Currently in its 19th season, it’s hard to imagine it won’t get a 20th, simply due to longevity. Its 18-49 numbers aren’t great, and even for an already marginal season for NBC, they are just a tad less than average. All other things being equal, I think it would be just barely renewed. But I don’t see Dick Wolf putting his baby to bed after 19 seasons, and I don’t see NBC making him. Whether it gets a full-season pickup on NBC, gets a partial season or is a mid-season replacement, or winds up on the NBC Universal owned USA Network, I think it likely the show will be back one way or the other next year.
Chuck
To quote REM, “I’ve said too much, I haven’t said enough…”
Medium
Over the 1.5 years we’ve been running this site, Medium has been a very solid performer for NBC. No matter what NBC’s situation. I think Medium will come back in the same fashion it has the last two seasons, as a mid-season replacement at 10pm. The question is, how does NBC feel about the show for 9pm? And unfortunately the answer is, I don’t know. Update: commenter Dawn reminded me of this story where Angela Bromstad said that the show “could easily air at 9pm” .
I would be surprised if Medium doesn’t appear somewhere on the 2009-2010 schedule.
Southland
One data point does not make a trend, but if it did, this show is a lock to return next year. But since it doesn’t, like NBC, we need to see how it does over the rest of its limited run. Boding favorably is that during last Thursday’s premiere viewing went up in the second half hour.
30 Minute Comedies
The fates of several of NBC’s 30 minute comedies are uncertain. Indeed, the only fates that are certain are 30 Rock and The Office, which have already been renewed. It’s pretty clear NBC will go with a two hour comedy block on Thursday’s next year leading into Leno and that The Office and 30 Rock will take up one hour of the two hours on many Thursday nights. But that leaves another hour plus more if NBC doesn’t want to air too many repeats.
Both the networks and studios seem to play faster and looser with 30 minute comedies than one hour scripted dramas.
My Name is Earl
Based only on season-to-date averages included in the Renew/Cancel index, Earl would look like a lock for renewal. Unfortunately for me, unlike the index, I actually follow the trends, and Earl’s trend is waning, not waxing with 18-49 year olds. But, Earl is nearing 100 episodes, which traditionally has been the magic number for being able to run shows 5 nights a week in syndication (which is more lucrative than when there aren’t enough episodes to run five nights a week). This might put Fox Studios (producer of My Name is Earl) in let’s make a deal mode, where they offer it to NBC at a discount just to get it to 100 episodes and beyond.
I think it’s likely barring further ratings deterioration that NBC will bring Earl back. But, if they don’t, I think it likely that FOX broadcasting would help out the studio division to get it to 100 episodes. So either way, I’ll be at least a little surprised if there aren’t any new episodes of Earl next year.
Kath & Kim
We have seen the numbers, and they aren’t very good. However, it’s a 30 minute sitcom where the rules aren’t always the same. And the numbers aren’t Knight Rider awful or anything. In fact, as bad as the numbers look when you see them, they are only a little bit worse than Law & Order’s numbers with adults 18-49 for the season. Some of that is that there have been fewer repeats of Kath & Kim, and some of that is because L&O’s numbers aren’t great. But for NBC, if it’s looking to build out its comedies and really likes this show and its potential, I could see it coming back. While the numbers alone probably suggest whacking it, it’s a bubble show given NBC’s circumstances.
I’d still have to lean towards it being canceled, but given that NBC says it really likes the show and that networks do play faster and looser with 30 minute comedies, don’t be shocked if it returns. Nobody will be shocked if it doesn’t.
Update: see comments for more data, but the bottom line is that this show has a classification that isn’t quite the same of the other shows listed as “won’t be renewed”. K&K needs its own classification that is more like “unlikely to be renewed even though its numbers aren’t nearly as bad as Life, Kings and Knight Rider”
Parks and Recreation
Because networks do play faster and looser with 30 minute sitcoms, even though just like Southland there is only one data point, barring truly awful (sub 2.0 ratings with adults 18-49) I will be very surprised if this show doesn’t come back next year. Primarily because NBC really does like this show, loves Amy Poehler and really probably does want to claim one of its new comedies as a success. Especially if Kath & Kim gets whacked, but, regardless of that decision, I’d look for Parks and Recreation to return.
What about Life, Kings and Knight Rider — why do you think they will be canceled!? you suck!!
While it is true NBC has made not issued official press releases the numbers are such that, especially with the Jay Leno situation there’s no way these shows will be brought back. I am a huge fan of Life, but the numbers are look-away bad. I’ve been watching Kings and am still not sure how I feel about it (I don’t hate it), but NBC is sure how they feel about it and moved it to Saturdays.
And here’s something for everyone who says “it’s the time slot” or “they didn’t promote it enough” to chew on. NBC announced the decision to move Kings to Saturday less than a week before Dateline would air on Sunday night in its place. It’s not like they promoted the hell out of Dateline, and yet Dateline bested every episode of Kings ever with adults 18-49, including Kings’ premiere (and NBC promoted the hell out of that) from 8pm-9pm on Sunday.
I don’t like how Heroes has been put in renewed, because it hasn’t been yet. We got a word from an executive saying that it is likely to return, but there actually has been no press release or anything about that yet.
Also, the actors stated in interviews that NBC has not called them back to return yet, which means an official word hasn’t been put through.
So, let’s say if it “hasn’t been renewed” yet, then Robert, what are the chances of it coming back next year?
Nice little summary of information. I’m a little surprised that you gave Kath and Kim any chance of returning, but like you say networks are looser with comedies. O, and I hate to nit-pick, but Kings was moved to Saturdays, not Fridays.
Jared, I’m surprised at what I had to say about K&K too, but in the state that NBC is in, its numbers don’t point to anything as definitive as Life, Kings or Knight Rider.
As for the nitpicking, come on, I got it right in two out of three places I mentioned the move!
I chalk it up to a Crusoe flashback, but it has been fixed…
Hudson: given my asterisk above (which was absolutely intended for people just like you!) I am taking that Heroes being back in some fashion next year as a certainty. Unless it gets a 2.4 or lower rating with adults 18-49 tonight, then all bets are off!
I really enjoyed this style of break out thanks..
The HEROES writers started back at work today for season 4, if that means anything. And Zach Quinto (aka Sylar) said they start shooting in June.
I really hope it comes back, it’s been so much better lately.
me to i liked it
I know it’s been mentioned before, but who is really looking forward to Leno 5 nights a week? I couldn’t believe that the Boston NBC affiliate was threatening to not air his show. I do not find him funny, and will not watch his show at all. In fact, I hope it tanks, and is off the air with NBC executives pointing fingers at each other as to gets the blame for the idea.
I watch very little NBC, but I do hope the powers that be have the common sense to renew Chuck. It’s all I look forward to watching on NBC.
To reiterate previous comments:
2009-2010 NBC is a weird case where the schedule may come before the renewals; that is, with zero 10pm slots and few 9pm slots available (and no Sundays until March), the fates of a couple shows determine everything else:
Assume NBC brings Heroes (timesharing a slot with Day One) on Monday, and SVU on Wednesday, back. Then all of the 9pm slots are filled, period. So now you are left with the possibly 8pm shows (L&O and Chuck) and everything else that, at best, only gets a 13-episode order on Sundays, 10 months from now, in March.
There too, we now have to ask ourselves: if I am NBC, do I keep a getting-longer-in-the-tooth Medium around for 13 episodes next year (when it is already set up for syndication), or do I use the Olympics to premiere a new show, that hasn’t already seen its ceiling?
Simply put, if SVU and Heroes come back as we believe, then NBC’s options are limited. On the other hand, if NBC finally sees reason and drops Heroes, or the SVU contract gets ugly, then all bets are off.
Thanks for that info, june c, I hadn’t read that yet. That’s good news, and it really has been great lately, even if the ratings have
As for Leno, I only see it having any success on Thursdays as it will fit in with the comedy block. On the off chance that it DOES have some success on other nights(fat chance) it’ll probably be chalked up to counter programing. It’s not like there’s much comedy on at that time on any other broadcast station, is there?
Wat bout The Apprentice and/or The Celebrity Apprentice?
Is this Jay Leno show going to have guest or is it Jay doing bits every night and a guest?
This may be one of the dumbest things NBC has ever done.
Nothing against Leno, but was his Tonight Show numbers so huge that it would justify a primetime spot?
Matt, this only focused on SCRIPTED shows. Unscripted shows are harder to guess at. The Biggest Loser will certainly be back, and I’d be surprised if Celebrity Apprentice doesn’t come back. As for the regular version of The Apprentice I haven’t looked at the numbers and don’t have an opinion.
Vlog — it was a two birds with one stone move for NBC. It kept Jay Leno from going to the competition and it drastically reduced their cost of programming at 10pm.
thank you Robert. Because of you, I will now have that song stuck in my head for the rest of the nite.
Didn’t NBC have the worst season in it’s history?
Here’s my predicition:
Expensive shows – CANCELLED. Heroes will LIKELY have a limited return.
Surprise survivor – Life – it averages 4.5 million viewers vs. American Idol, Criminal Minds, and Lost. Most shows wouldn’t survive this competition and NBC was trying to give Life time to build an audience. My guess is Life will survive.
Surprise cancellations – My Name is Earl. Isn’t this it’s 5th year? Salaries will likely go up when numbers are sliding. Medium is probably done for the same reason.
Chuck has an NBC cheerleader. It’ll be back. It’s all a guessing game with NBC this year. How many times did their regular shows actually WIN their time slot?
Best explanations for this year’s decisions – FOLLOW THE MONEY.
As long as they keep Chuck I will be happy.
I’m really hoping you’re right about Life MAJC. I love that show. I just can’t believe if more viewers would sample it that it wouldn’t find it
s audience. The finale was brilliant.
What happens if Leno falls on his face (ala Knight Rider or My Own Worst Enemy) right out of the gate?
all i know is that in my household, the reality tv genre doesn’t exist. shows will very little substance such as celebrity apprentice (and the like) don’t even get a chance, simply because it isn’t very engaging or entertaining in my opinion. while i know that i am in the minority, judging from these ratings, i am stuck with having to wittle through the “junk” on tv, and as a result i am regulated to watching tv on certain days because of it. oh well, i guess i’ll just have to enjoy shows like chuck, heroes, kings, etc while they last…
I don’t think Leno will do badly (although I’d like it to to have more space for shows like Chuck) I think that’s why NBC is on ordering 13 eps so they can add more if needed but still have time open to use!
I agree with both lists except for where Kath & Kim is on Not Sure Yet. I think it should be moved to Won’t be Renewed, because though it is a comedy, its ratings are still crap, and with My Name is Earl on the bubble and NBC having less primetime hours it makes it more unlikely for Kath & Kim to come back. Also Parks and Recreation is looking good for renewal so Earl, 30 Rock, Office and Parks makes for a good comedy lineup. If NBC wants a turn around, they will dump Kath ASAP.
Nice rundown, thanks, Robert!
Life is done, canceled, gone. Over. Averaging 4.5 million viewers is pathetic, even opposite three bigger series on the other networks. If NBC’s barometer for success does become 4.5 million viewers on a high HUT night like Wednesday, it may as well shut down completely.
So at the minute NBC has 5 comedies in a 2 hour slot, given the situation and leno they aren’t gonna have more than 5 maybe only 4. What I don’t understand is why waste money on 5 more comedies plus have i got news for you up to pilot. I know all networks do this but I just don’t get it.
I like “Life” a lot…..totally disagree on the “suck” remark. I do agree that the ratings are low, however, and it will likely not be renewed because of that. I thought the final episode was great!
I’ve never liked Heroes, in fact, I loathe the series. That being said, why can’t Chuck fan c***s realize that Heroes is DEFINATELY going to be renewed for another season? Chuck is still in the may or may not be renewed category as of 4/13/09. Heroes is making NBC and its production company a lot more money than Chuck. Even though Heroes is a money maker, I’d cancel the show including Chuck.
NBC is in the tank because they only air quality shows on a handful of nights. honestly, mondays and wednesdays are their strongest lineups. they have some great, creative, entertaining shows… but there is a lot of overkill and waste.
drop some of those L&O’s, drop some of the BS “reality” shows (honestly, does biggest loser need 2 hours!?).
Canceling smart, entertaining shows like Chuck or Southland is not the answer. move those shows to other nights if you have to. Chuck could really shine in an 8pm slot on Tuesday or Wednesday night (only real competition would be American Idol… not much to worry about)
Here’s hoping NBC listens to reason and renews their great shows and doesnt tank their selection any further!
edit: i said mondays and wednesdays…. i meant mondays and thursdays!
my bad
a, Heroes likely is not making NBC any money. The production cost is very high and the ratings are just getting lower and lower. NBC is stupid enough that they are bringing it back anyway, but DVD sales will not be at season one levels, and will not be able to make up the losses. Claiming it is an international success is also a holdover from season one. Were Vol 2 or 3 well received in Asia? Is there any evidence that they were?
just re rew Parks and Recs Southland Meduim and Herose and i will be happy and i will try there new shows next season
Julia, it’s probably still making NBC money, because most of the advertising was bought before the ratings crashed.And its 18-49 ratings are still better than half of NBC’s shows. That said, it’s getting it’s budget cut next year.
@Julia:
http://www.forbes.com/2009/04/08/television-advertising-american-idol-business-media-tv-moneymakers_slide_9.html?thisSpeed=15000
With those numbers, that means NBC makes a profit off of each episode before we even consider international viewings and DVD sales. That’s a lot of money.
Mike, as was documented here last week, there are MANY flaws with the Forbes/TNS list. My suggestion was to use it like horoscopes — for entertainment purposes only.
Just more NBC loves Amy Poehler fodder:
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118002388.html?categoryid=14&cs=1&nid=2562
Michael, Yes the ad rates were set before the ratings dropped, but that’s not really a good thing. Advertisers pay expecting a certain number of viewers in whatever demographic. If the show fails to earn those numbers, the nets give them “make-goods” (basically more ads for “free”) or have to pay them back.
I’m devistated! The only 2 shows I watch on NBC, Chuck and Life, and both are getting axed. I understand that you say chuck is on the fense but judging on how the shows are answering all the questions….well you get the picture. I can’t stomache Jay Leno and I will not watch a min. of the new show. I don’t like to wish anyone bad luck but in this case I have to if I want better programming. NBC…….click
See, if we were talking about anybody but the people who renewed “Lipstick Jungle” I’d say you’re probably right.
Parks & Recreation and Kath & Kim will not return! I just noticed they both have “&” in their title name.
My Name is Earl will move to Fox to be lead-in for ‘Til Death.
Southland, Chuck, Law & Order and Medium will come back.
Knight Rider, Life are done and will not be in fall 2009 and Kings will be too after it finished its 13th episode.
Dale, while it seems clear Life will be canceled, there is no such clarity for Chuck (which is why it is in the “Not sure yet” column!). Strictly by the numbers, so far, it seems more likely that it would be renewed than not. We’ll know for sure no later than a few weeks from now.
A very solid rundown, but I have one complaint. How can you think that ‘Kath & Kim’ will be renewed? Its numbers got worse over time, ending with a 1.7 demo. And NBC cut its order. And it is not close to 100 episodes. And there are four sitcoms that NBC will prioritize over it, not to mention that they will want to develop some pilots.
Michael, in addition to what Holly pointed out, there were huge numbers of opt outs of upfront sales this year. Meaning advertisers opted out of advertising that they had committed to at upfronts.
Just one comment about Medium, Robert. You mentioned that you weren’t sure how NBC feels about it as a 9pm show. If you’ll recall, there was an article in the LA Times in February in which Angela Bromstad stated unequivocally that they believed that Medium would work very well as a 9pm show, and that it was definitely in contention to return next season (though she didn’t say when or for how many eps). She also said that NBC “loved” Medium and wished that they owned it.
That being said, I would be very shocked if NBC doesn’t renew it for at least 13 eps and bring it back at mid-season as you said. It’s become a very reliable performer in that spot, and I find it hard to believe that NBC would throw away a proven performer when they have no idea how things are going to shake out next season with the few pilots that they have ordered and the impending Leno fiasco.
Jmo.
Best Explanation for the year’s decision-FOLLOW THE MONEY
Lets take about this conclusion.
1. Jay Leno Show is to be shown 39 weeks in the 2009-2010 season. It is projected to make 175-200 million profit for NBC. Now that is almost no start cost and big profit. NBC would have difficult time doing that with the current history. All that happens is they move their few success to 9 PM and alacazam, somebody is a genius. Yes Yes I know no DVD sales, not much rerun material, but when you want be important player in GE someday, this is the way you play the game. In GE’s world 6 months , 1 year is a long time horizon.
2. I think everyone’s underestimating how many new shows that will be on the fall season. Based on THE FUTON CRITIC PILOT LIST, Universal Media owns 3 and is partners in 5 others. That 8 out of 12 pilots order, that Universal Media has ownership in. Now, if you had a bunch of shows that were pulling 5 to 8 million viewers a week, would you not want to have ownership and not be licensing them. If you own the shows at list you get some of the legs money. Overseas, DVD, Internet- HA HA. I am probably above pay grade on this stuff, but I have been around Hollywood awhile.
@thedemonhog– there is a difference between not being shocked if they renew it and thinking it will be renewed. If I had to pick I will definitely go with the numbers and pick cancel. Since I don’t have to pick I have been marginally influenced by chatter I have heard that NBC is looking at extra comedies because some comedies don’t fare well in reruns (although I don’t recall the Office faring worse than a 1.7 in repeats except on a Saturday). That said, given the shorter order and the 1.7 (and it wasn’t like that was against a special Thursday edition of Idol or anything) I concede it needs to be reclassified as likely to be canceled. I think combined with the chatter about repeat performance and not being nearly as pronounced when it comes to bad ratings, it probably needs its own column “likely to be canceled even though its numbers weren’t as bad as Life, Knight Rider and Kings”
@Dawn, touche’. I’ll add a link to that story in the post.
I think you meant @thedemonhog
@Julia, indeed. fixed. Sometimes when I’m handling comments from within the admin system the gravatars are so tiny that to my old eyes, many look similar. But admit it, you thought the same thing thedemonhog did about K&K and just held your tongue!
Well, once I saw the comment, it did seem like a good question, though I figured it was probably because it’s a half hour sitcom rather than an hour drama.
Hey Robert, how do you know if you’re a Neilsen TV household? I really have no idea.
Doug H, if you were one, you’d know.
To be counted in the national ratings they would have to come to your house and install People Meters to record what you watch and when. To be counted during sweeps, on a local market level, you would be sent diaries to fill out with that information. You cannot be a Nielsen household without giving your consent. They would also pay you a little bit. Not very much. Something like $5-20 a month. But they do cover the cost of TV repair.
I think Life will survive because of it’s potential and quality. I’m I wrong to believe that it does not matter how much quality a show has, if it is not being advertised and competing aginst Idol, Lost, and Criminal Minds, it will have suspect ratings. NBC cannot realistically expect any show to have solid ratings (no matter how much of a loyal fan base is out there) after just one-two seasons if it is not being promoted and competing against well established shows.
Hopefully common sense will prevail and NBC will realize the potential in LIFE…
sadly for you, BDJ (and me too, as I am a huge fan of LIFE), I think common sense says, you don’t bring back a show with a 1.3 rating for its finale, regardless of its quality or the scheduling circumstances.
I think Medium, Southland, Parks and Recreations and Chuck are all coming back, with Law & Order
Earl should be cancelled, The Office did much better at 8pm than Earl. I think it’s not coming back, either Kath & Kim
I’m curious about the fact that Medium will be on repeats all summer at 8pm on mondays. maybe is a test?
I wish Heroes would get a full season and a better night or lead in.
I think if NBC canceled Chuck, it would be a good fit on USA cable to move in a rotation with Burn Notice, In Plain Sight and Psych. It could fit in with their programming IMO. I know that is wishful thinking, but the core Chuck audience is loyal enough to give it a good rating for cable.
don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched..
I think Parks and Rec will definitely be renewed not only because NBC is in love with Poehler, but because they’ll also give it the benefit of the doubt due to how The Office blossomed as a huge hit for them. They want it to be a second Office – going so far as to start it in April with 6 episodes, just like they did with the Office.
Basically, I think Medium, Southland, Law & Order, Parks and Rec, and Earl will all be renewed, and Chuck, Kath & Kim, Life, Knight Rider, and Kings will all be cancelled.
I have written in many times before as a foe of traditional ratings and the current way they are used and touted on this site. I have had issue with some comments made but let me say this, poor Robert. The guy is just trying to give an honest perspective based on the numbers and some of these comments are taking it way too seriously. Robert didn’t have to do a column on this but did anyway and I personally appreciate the insight. So let’s just take it for what it is rather than so many people being worried about defending their show. What you put on some website in a comments is not going to save a show no matter how much Kristen at E! tells you it will. Thanks for the insight Robert.
Um… Julia I think NBC picking up Heroes isn’t a bad idea: seeing as when international numbers are added to the equation (and even small things such as Itunes, internet sales) Heroes most proberly does make money on a an episodes (plus didn’t Nick C say under 3.0 it looses money: which has only done rarely), now if Heroes gets a big budget cut then next year at its numbers it will be very useful for NBC. Plus it seems the only show that helps NBC have a fighting chance on Monday to get high 2’s.
Does anyone else think that NBC would be smart to shorten all of there shows seasons to 13-16 episodes? If they were to do that and stop running repeats they could keep a lot of their bubble shows, and maybe even grow an audience with more new programing while other networks are running repeats. Think about it like this, you have a 2 hour comedy block on Thursdays, you start the season with 30 Rock, The Office, and 2 new 30 min Comedies, run them without any breaks and they have their season finales at the Mid Season point, at that time you run Parks & Recreations, My Name is Earl and 2 more new 30 min Comedies. Also they would have an extra 2 hours of Programming available if they would cut both The Celebrity Apprentice and the Biggest Loser to an hour a night and not 2 hours each. I think that shorter seasons would attract more people to their shows simply because people would know that they don’t have to wait 6 to 7 months to see how a season of the favorite show will unfold.
Fin, no, I believe Nick said that it should be canceled with less than 3.0. It hasn’t been profitable in a long time. As I said, quoting international popularity is ridiculous, because it was popular in its first season, just like it was here. How has it done its second two seasons abroad? Just as bad as here? And, please, we’ve all been over just how little iTunes and Hulu count.
I hate to say it, but I’m also a bit sad to see “Heroes” in the renewed category. If there is any show that NEEDS to be sacked, it’s Heroes. This is a show that went from a really good first season to straight into the dumpster ever since ten. It’s got to be expensive to produce, the ratings have toilet bowled, and the quality of this show is damn near unwatchable now.
You forgot “Friday Night Lights” in the “already renewed” column, but I guess we all take that as a given by now anyway.
Not that there’s ever been a “confirmation” of the “Crusoe” cancellation, but I agree with everything on the list, including “Kath & Kim.”
“K&K” is “not sure yet” because it’s a Reveille show that Silverman rescued from the development junk bin and put into production. Dur. Is it going to be renewed? Probably not. Is there a possibility it will get a 13-episode reprieve? Sure. I don’t think it’s a particularly good possibility — when Angela Bromstad took over, the promotion for it was noticeably cut back (and the last 3 episodes performed accordingly) — but, lest anyone forget, the two shows that air after it were both ratings bombs their first seasons. It’s a lot easier to grow a sitcom than it is a drama, as they prove. The odds of renewal will of course go up if “Parks and Recreation” and “Southland” drive away their premiere audiences, and down if they don’t. NBC won’t cancel every new show they put on this season. No network wants that kind of publicity.
I would agree that Chuck and Heroes would be great for Cable TV.
Sci-Fi TV is becoming so niched.
Looking at the current line-up, NBC has 2 nights of the week that are pretty solid, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Thursdays are still variable, depending on how well southland and P&R hold up. I’d say there worst nights are Wednesday and Fridays. Totally awful. Sundays and Mondays are decent, but they still need serious re-vamping.
Other than Law & Order which I watch in syndication and Heroes which I’m waiting for them to end so i can just watch it back to back on DVD…NBC can just go away…
…they are now the “once can’be beat” network – is NOW nothing but garbage like the junk mail i get in the mail – fun to browse through once in a while – but nothing ever good!
I’ve actually been waiting for heroes to do the lost thing and come back mid-season.
thanks deadbeat!!!i think leno already is rich!! he gets millons for reading a script!!! ican’t imagine whythey would waste the 10 pm hour 5 times a week on him!! i guess they won’t have many viewers then!!i only wacth kath and kim,days of our lives,medium and heroes.i like knight rider but wish i would come back!!!!!as well as many others they cancelled!!
CHUCK has GOT to come back! If you’ve REALLY followed it, you’ll see there’s not other show like it with it’s mix of a little bit of EVERYTHING. Action, drama, comedy, romance, family “stuff,” etc. Yes, it’s had a few ups and downs, but most episodes have been GREAT and the story line and characters have been interesting and enjoyable. How much more of “Earl” do we need? And is “Parks and Recreation” really going to be able to hold up over time – like even one season?? CHUCK has a loyal following considering it’s up against DWTS and HOUSE and hardly gets ANY promotion. Put it in the right time slot, PROMOTE it – and it’s two talented, attractive young stars (Zach and Yvonne) and go from there. Cancel CHUCK = BIG MISTAKE!! (And 5 hours of Leno a week during prime time = BIG MISTAKE as well). Maybe Leno 2 or 3 nights AT MOST. But 5?? There’s only so much of a show with one person as the focus that anybody can stomach. He’s not a bad guy, but he’s suited for late night. And 10 p.m. is prime time. I wish him well – but regardless, SAVE CHUCK!!! If you’re one of those people who doesn’t like the show, WATCH THE LAST TWO EPISODES – give it another try and see what you think. The show is moving in a slightly different “game changing” direction according to the co-creators. Like they used to say in the old Alka Seltzer commercials: “Try it, you’ll like it!” Peace, all!
I’m with Rick. That is Chuck in a nutshell. I have not watched an episode that hasn’t been amazing. And I was reading a post by somebody on youtube who claims that they watch about 80 shows a year, and they said that Chuck is the best show on television. I have not found a show that I love more. And last night’s episode might have been the most amazing of all. Keep Chuck!!!
And next weeks episode looks 10 x better than last night!
I just hope Kings get good enough numbers on it’s NBC run and finds an audience on cable or syndication.
Something some may not remember. Remember Baywatch? It started a few episodes on NBC then went syndicated and became a megahit around the world and good syndication numbers here.
Love Medium and Life. Seems like I find a show I really like and then it is gone. Hope these come back!!!!Not in the young age the networks cater to.
Zbo says:
And I was reading a post by somebody on youtube who claims that they watch about 80 shows a year, and they said that Chuck is the best show on television.
Well ok, if some schmoe on youtube said Chuck is good, than it must be good. I’d better start watching.
Medium and L&O will be back without a question. As long as L&O gets at least 13 episodes to close up the show I won’t mind.
Robert, I like this format you’ve laid out. Thank you for posting the Renew/Cancel in some form, while Bill’s gone, I really appreciate it. I must’ve missed it yesterday, must’ve been that I just wasn’t looking for it or something.
William, Kings costs between 3 and 4 million an episode and pulled in a 1.1 and 3.62 million last time it aired. It’s not going to cable or syndication.
medium is likely to get renewed cuz it’s even outperforming based ,on viewers (not demo), heroes!
i think kath and kim, life, knight rider, kings is going to be cancelled
my name is earl and chuck is on the bubble on my bubble
Kath & Kim is definitely going to be cancelled- NBC cut its order and the final 3 episodes had horrible ratings.
Knight Rider never got a fair shake. NBC stopped promoting it good after the first week!
It deserves a second season–visit knightrideronline.com and support the quest for season two!
The only show I watch on NBC is Knight Rider!
Michael, i agree. Unless NBC expands with a new comedy block (unlikely) they only need 4 sitcoms for next season. Without a single pilot pick-up they have 5… of which Kath & Kim is the weakest.
In fact, if Parks does well, I think there is a 50/50 chance of Earl AND Kath getting dumped.
kath & kim is over. everyone has been told and all the sets have been torn down
lets move on
personally i don’t care what nbc does as long as it keeps chuck, the ratings have improved for the last couple of episodes and the fans are spreading the word around.it’s an original show which is difficult to find these days especially with an amazing cast ( love levi and strahovski) and a truly AWESOME script
Here is what I think:
1. I can’t really see the Jay Leno Show going anywhere, I mean, he doesn’t have a good monologue and from the little I’ve heard about the show, that’s what it’s going to be based on. This is, in some ways, good to us Chuck/Medium/Life fans who have threats of cancelations because it brings out his weakness five times a week. If it starts to tank, NBC will end the favor for Leno and bring our shows back mid-season which isn’t the worst thing in the world.
2. Also, for any Chuck fans (including myself) I could easily invision Chuck going to a different network if it’s let go. I mean, this show has had a steady viewership, as one can see, good fans, and just didn’t get a lot of publicity. But there is a smarter solution. The real fight for Monday is between Chuck and Medium. Medium came back mid-season this year and Chuck had a 13 episode first season which gave it a 22 episode second, so having both of them have 13 episode seasons next year wouldn’t be that bad, especially if they both do well and Leno tanks, where they’ll get their original spots back and hopefully don’t have lame attempts (My Own Worst Enemy) come and take half of a season of Medium away again.
Leno has to do really, really bad before NBC will
admit it was a mistakesay it was a great idea that was ahead of its time and try something else. If it can stay above a 1.0, they’ll keep talking about how they’ll make it up when everything else is in repeats or how the profit margins are great.As for Chuck moving to another network, not likely. It’s on the bubble on NBC, which means its ratings are already too low for the other 2 major nets to consider. The CW has apparently denied rumors that they are willing to pick it up. And it would loose too many viewers in the move to cable to make it viable for any cable net to pick up.
NBC is a disaster resulting from one bad decision after another.
I really hope that Chuck is renewed! The cast is so fun to watch and the scripts are interesting! I love watching Chuck!
NBC is run by complete idiots. If they even THINK about cancelling Chuck, and keeping some of the garbage that they keep on instead, I’m done with the network for good. It’s a great show…for God’s sake, leave it alone, put it in a good time slot, and let it grow.
Robert Seidman…you think the finale ratings for LIFE decreased because in order to keep up with the show the viewer needed to be familiar with season one (which of course, NBC never promoted)?? I know, I know, it may not matter what anyone thinks if NBC has already made up their mind…ahhh
Honestly though, has there been a more unique or more entertaining show than LIFE?!?!?
chuck is good, very good, but it’s no Life…
If only one show gets renewed on NBC, please let it be CHUCK.
It would be a big mistake to cancel the Chuck series on NBC. I am not sure where they get their ratings but everyone I know loves Chuck. If they cancel this show I’m done with NBC.
Chuck had a fresh and unique premise but the stretch has killed all curiosity.
The 2 show’s FROM NBC I do watch FNL,and Life..
Life has the most intriguing character on TV ,Charlie Crews. Accompanied with a storyline that is the most inviting for a viewer.. The joke is you also began to understand that 1+1=1…. I won’t complain that NBC, the peacock that it is, will probably cancel my show. I guess I should buy a Tv nah that won’t happen.. So credit to the writers for that last episode and ending it with him holding his head up….
Everywhere I go Chuck gets it’s support.. that means a lot of people are worried too.. and that much support should push a renewal through.. but hasn’t.. and that’s what worries me.. it has to be way cheaper then heroes and look how close the ratings are.. editor’s from sites like tv.com will freely admit to liking Chuck and would seem apparant, better than most show’s on the if’y pile.. (Read their review’s etc.) Why can’t we get a 13 episode order like Reaper.. good show.. terrible number’s, but givin the chance to expand.. (or retract in it’s case) .. and maybe an ad to let those demagraphic’s out there know it egsist’s and stuff.. sorry for super long fanboyish rant.. just want to know I can stop checkig in hope for the renewal..
There is a reason why we tune into late night shows every night. There really isn’t anything else on and it’s good TV to end the day with. That doesn’t mean America wants to watch Jay Leno every single night in prime time at the expense of good programming.
NBC made a tremendous mistake with Jay Leno’s contract and their answer of making sure he doesn’t jump ship is a terrible one. I am wide awake at 10pm and want to watch new and intelligent shows at that hour, not the same thing night after night and certainly not spoiled celebrities.
Having a show with Jay Leno on one night a week might have been a change of pace at that hour but 5x a week! I truley hope Jay Leno’s “people” have considered the strong possibility that many might start to resent him for the cancellation of their favorite shows.
I think this decision is a wrong one and I hope Jay Leno doesn’t suffer for it. I like him and didn’t want to see him removed from his spot. With that said, I’m sorry Jay, I don’t look forward to seeing you every single week day night at 10pm and NBC, your programming executives are completely out of touch!
OK NBC, now it’s your turn to listen to the comments of your audience. I’ve been reading these sites for years now and I’m still waiting for you and the other networks to listen. How about now? Don’t cancel good shows just to juggle a hugh mistake on your part. Correct it before it gets too late and the season goes down the toilet.
I think it’s apparent that Life has been cancelled. Really bad move, NBC. If they let Chuck go they really will be the (Nothing But Crap – NBC) network. I so hope Leno fails miserably! I have never found him funny. Letterman is so much better. For NBC to give that clown five nights is ridiculous. If I were Conan I would be pissed. That will make 5 late night talk shows based in LA. I don’t think even LA has enough celebrities to stock 4 late night talk shows. I wish someone would put NBC out of there and our misery. It’s apparent they have no idea what they are doing. Can’t believe it is the same network that brought us Seinfeld, Cheers… but I guess that’s ancient history.
I love the show LIFE. I can’t believe they would cancel this show. If it’s not getting the viewership they want, I believe it’s because it’s on the same time as Criminal Minds (also a good show). Maybe they should move it to another time slot that wouldn’t compete with another show. This is the one show me and my husband looked forward to each week.
Same with Medium. It’s on the same time as the Mentalist. Perhaps they need to make sure these shows aren’t showing at the same time as other popular shows.
Life is probably the best written show on network TV right now. It’s up against American Idol and Lost. I’d like to know what NBC show could have better numbers against that lineup. Damian Lewis and Sarah Shahi are great actors and unique stars that NBC should want to keep on their team.
I’ll be very sad if Chuck gets canceled. It is one of three “water cooler” shows in our office. The writing is superb.
KEEP CHUCK!!! I SWEAR TO GOD I WILL NOT WATCH THIS NETWORK IF YOU CANCEL CHUCK!! KEEP CHUCK!!!!!
Life without Chuck
is like only having a buck.
I lerned the engles watching Chuck.
Plese no take that way from me…
LIFE is the only show currently on air that I actually look forward to watching every week. It’s extremely well-written and entertaining. I really hope it survives at least one more season. Leno is not a funny guy to the mid20s to late30s crowd so I think NBC is going to take a real punch in the gut on that move. I realize they can’t afford to keep these great dramas on tv anymore, and that they’re also losing a lot of viewers to shows on USA, Showtime, HBO, and TNT but Leno at an earlier time, every night, is not their miracle cure. He’s more like a shot in the head.
Life: I just keep tellimg myself: “I am not attached to this show. I am not attached to this show.” It is not working!
Life: I just keep tellimg myself: “I am not attached to this show. I am not attached to this show.” It is not working!
Please save Chuck, it is my reason for watching NBC.
P.S. Sarah is so Freaking Hot!!!!
Plus you know -great story line.
Life is the best show on television. Every episode is great. I purposely don’t watch the previews because I know I’m going to want to watch the next episode anyway. The only two shows I was hungry for every week were Life and Leverage (TNT). If Life doesn’t get picked up, I’ll be very unhappy, but I’ll finally be able to toss NBC once and for all. Shows on the Satellite/Cable channels have a lower cost and expectation of viewership, so they often last far longer than network shows. TNT FTW!
I love chuck, Please bring it back “in a good time slot” or im done with NBC also. The rest of the shows can be done away with for all i care….. P.S. Sara is hot and the show is a great reason to watch tv on mondays!!!!!!!
PLEASE KEEP CHUCK – Love the show, love the cast. DON’T CANCEL keep it in a good time slot Tuesday or Wednesday OR keep it on Monday during DWTS hiatus.
NBC…..hmm. I loved Crusoe and they didn’t even give that closure. My Own Worst Enemy, another show I followed and another show that was just gone. Life..I truly enjoy this program. I lost interest in Heroes after the second season and could never get back into it; same with ER. If Life gets whacked; then I will have to block NBC on all my remotes until 2010 when the Winter Olympics are broadcast. I never, ever, miss any Olympics!!! NBC is pretty sucky.
i just have one request…. i hope chuck will be renewed… thats it
First off… CHUCK!! BEST #$%*ING SHOW ON TV!!!!
secondly:
“drop some of those L&O’s, drop some of the BS “reality” shows (honestly, does biggest loser need 2 hours!?).”
AMEN to that!
I’m so sick of bad/retarded reality TV shows. It’s been done to death. I’d stare at a wall for an hour before I’d watch biggest loser.. and L&O just seems outdated and boring.. I don’t even remember who’s in it or much about it because I just change the channel or turn off the TV lol!
^^^
You’re not the Alex I thought you were when I saw this in the New Comments thing. Lol.