Is Your Favorite Show In Trouble?

The networks are just a little less than two months away from announcing their fall schedules. So now is the time they give serious thought to which shows won’t return.

So are any of your favorites in trouble?

Here’s a look at which ones are on the bubble, according to a recent article in “Variety”…

NBC is expected to show patience with two of its struggling, but critically acclaimed shows, “30 Rock” and “Friday Night Lights.” But “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” will not be back, according to most sources. Also in trouble are “Crossing Jordan” and “Medium,” although there’s a good chance “Medium” could end up on CBS.

Another show that could end up switching networks is “Scrubs,” which will more than likely end up at ABC, if ABC Television Studio (which produces the show) doesn’t lower its license fee.

And somewhat surprisingly, two members of the “Law & Order” family are on the bubble: “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and the original “L&O.” But unless NBC has a ton of unbelievable pilots in the wings, it’s likely the original will return. Creator Dick Wolf is meeting with NBC execs this week to try and strike a deal…

ABC showed patience last season by renewing the struggling “What About Brian?” but it’s not likely to return since it’s already squandered a second chance. “The Nine,” one of the most critically acclaimed shows before the season began, is highly unlikely to get a second season.

Although the network pulled “The Knights of Prosperity” from the schedule, it’s a favorite of ABC President Steve McPherson and many at the net are hoping it could show second-season growth like NBC’s “The Office,” so it could return. “Men In Trees” is likely to return and “Six Degrees” could be renewed if it does well when it returns later this month. “Big Day,” “Help Me Help You,” “In Case of Emergency,” “According to Jim” and “George Lopez” are probably all goners…

As the #1 network, CBS’s biggest problem is where to put new shows with so many successes. Sitcoms “The Class,” “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Rules of Engagement” are all on the bubble with “Engagement” having the best chances to return, though I can’t imagine “Christine” not coming back as well. One show not likely to return is “Close to Home”…

FOX is still hoping to turn “’Til Death” into a hit, but if it doesn’t score well after “American Idol” it will probably be a goner. Also in question is “The War at Home” since several other pilots are interested in star Michael Rappaport. It’s too soon to tell for “The Winner” and “The Wedding Bells” and “Standoff” has one more shot to make it when it returns on Fridays later this month…

“Veronica Mars” fans will want to be sure to catch the season’s final episodes in May, because they will likely be the show’s last. “Gilmore Girls” will return if the actors sign new contracts. “7th Heaven” will probably be gone—again—and “All of Us” is also in trouble. But since the CW has limited its number of pilots in development, anything’s possible…

I’ll keep you posted…




Photos of "Friday Night Lights," "The Nine," "Six Degrees," "The Class," "'Til Death" and "Veronica Mars" courtesy of Gannett News Service