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Analysis: The US shows "on the bubble"
Published Wednesday, Apr 30 2008, 17:15 BST | By Neil Wilkes | 33 comments
In just a few short weeks the major US networks will unveil their lineups for 2008-09. New shows will be born, old favourites will be renewed, and under-performing series will be brutally cast aside onto the big TV scrapheap. While many shows have already learnt their fate - check the US TV Tracker page for the latest - many others are still waiting to hear. Today we look at the renewal chances of those shows hanging in the balance (or, if you speak the lingo, the shows that are "on the bubble").
Bones (FOX/Sky One)
Despite losing the lucrative post-American Idol timeslot, Bones has largely held up in the ratings this last year. A fourth season has yet to be officially greenlit, although filming is already underway on the first six episodes - including a two-hour premiere set in London!
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Boston Legal (ABC/Living)
Now in its fourth season, David E. Kelley's legal comedy drama continues to draw decent - if unspectacular - ratings, with an average of 10 million viewers each week.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Reaper (The CW/E4)
The freshman comedy, about a young man who discovers he is Satan's bounty hunter, has delivered consistently low ratings for the CW in its Tuesday, 9pm timeslot. Considered a long shot for next season, but still has a chance now that the network has axed WWE! Smackdown from Friday nights.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
How I Met Your Mother (CBS/Trouble)
The grim reaper would have come for this CBS comedy - now in its third season - were it not for two ratings-boosting appearances from Britney Spears.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Shark (CBS/Five)
The James Woods legal drama did decent numbers for CBS on Sunday nights, but has declined on its first season average.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
Men In Trees (ABC/Living)
The Anne Heche comedy has averaged just over 6 million viewers for its second season thusfar, down from the first season's 8 million average. ABC has attempted to shop the show to cable network Lifetime, which refused to take it up.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
House (FOX / Five)
With an average of close to 20 million viewers, no doubt exists over the future of the Hugh Laurie medical drama.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
The Unit (CBS/Bravo)
The military drama has been in constant ratings decline, dropping from 15 million viewers for its first season to 11 million for the second. The third season was cut short at 11 episodes due to the strike, but tellingly, CBS opted not to resume production afterwards.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
Moonlight (CBS/Living)
While doing uninspiring biz on Friday nights, this vampire drama has a devoted audience - fans are literally giving their blood in support of a second season - and has seen a slight uptick in the ratings since its post-strike return.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Cane (CBS/ITV)
No chance.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
Which shows should be saved? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry! If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page instead.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
Despite losing the lucrative post-American Idol timeslot, Bones has largely held up in the ratings this last year. A fourth season has yet to be officially greenlit, although filming is already underway on the first six episodes - including a two-hour premiere set in London!
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Boston Legal (ABC/Living)
Now in its fourth season, David E. Kelley's legal comedy drama continues to draw decent - if unspectacular - ratings, with an average of 10 million viewers each week.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Reaper (The CW/E4)
The freshman comedy, about a young man who discovers he is Satan's bounty hunter, has delivered consistently low ratings for the CW in its Tuesday, 9pm timeslot. Considered a long shot for next season, but still has a chance now that the network has axed WWE! Smackdown from Friday nights.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
The grim reaper would have come for this CBS comedy - now in its third season - were it not for two ratings-boosting appearances from Britney Spears.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Shark (CBS/Five)
The James Woods legal drama did decent numbers for CBS on Sunday nights, but has declined on its first season average.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
Men In Trees (ABC/Living)
The Anne Heche comedy has averaged just over 6 million viewers for its second season thusfar, down from the first season's 8 million average. ABC has attempted to shop the show to cable network Lifetime, which refused to take it up.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
With an average of close to 20 million viewers, no doubt exists over the future of the Hugh Laurie medical drama.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
The Unit (CBS/Bravo)
The military drama has been in constant ratings decline, dropping from 15 million viewers for its first season to 11 million for the second. The third season was cut short at 11 episodes due to the strike, but tellingly, CBS opted not to resume production afterwards.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
Moonlight (CBS/Living)
While doing uninspiring biz on Friday nights, this vampire drama has a devoted audience - fans are literally giving their blood in support of a second season - and has seen a slight uptick in the ratings since its post-strike return.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL
Cane (CBS/ITV)
No chance.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED
Which shows should be saved? Click the link below to add your comments to this entry! If you have any questions for the column please use the link at the top of the page instead.
Don't forget to scroll down to read previous editions you may have missed!
Your Views
33 Comments
Your Responses
Mikey, on May 13th, 2008
love how i met your mother!
love how i met your mother!
Darren Empb, Blackpool, on May 6th, 2008
Reaper deserves a second season, much better (for me) than Moonlight who needs another Drama show pretending to be Sci-Fi. Battlestar Galactica does that so well its like Emmerdale in Space, but I'll keep watching in case there is a Battle! But glad about the rest, love House even if it is very similair difficult case every week, It's just the lines and biting sarcasm thats written so well that keeps me watching.
Reaper deserves a second season, much better (for me) than Moonlight who needs another Drama show pretending to be Sci-Fi. Battlestar Galactica does that so well its like Emmerdale in Space, but I'll keep watching in case there is a Battle! But glad about the rest, love House even if it is very similair difficult case every week, It's just the lines and biting sarcasm thats written so well that keeps me watching.
Colleen, Belfast, on May 5th, 2008
Men in Trees has been confirmed as being cancelled. I'm going to miss that show. I'm not surprised that it's being axed, I think I'm the only one watching!
Men in Trees has been confirmed as being cancelled. I'm going to miss that show. I'm not surprised that it's being axed, I think I'm the only one watching!
Jahedur, London, on May 4th, 2008
Reaper is an amazing show, and i dont see why its being put on the washing line like this, a number of amazing shows have been cancelled lately, for shame, eg jPod an amazing show in canada, and why is house in this list House would neve be in the hanging in there line.
Reaper is an amazing show, and i dont see why its being put on the washing line like this, a number of amazing shows have been cancelled lately, for shame, eg jPod an amazing show in canada, and why is house in this list House would neve be in the hanging in there line.
Graeme, Durham, on May 2nd, 2008
Two words Denny Crane! Boston MUST be renewed
Two words Denny Crane! Boston MUST be renewed
Lou, on May 2nd, 2008
I'm only concerned Boston Legal and House haven't already been renewed - why's it taking so long? Sure this hasn't been the greatest season of BL (IMO) but there's no way this show should be 'on the bubble'. And I have to say I'd be gutted if Men In Trees got cancelled, as I really love this show.
I'm only concerned Boston Legal and House haven't already been renewed - why's it taking so long? Sure this hasn't been the greatest season of BL (IMO) but there's no way this show should be 'on the bubble'. And I have to say I'd be gutted if Men In Trees got cancelled, as I really love this show.
Vic, London , on May 2nd, 2008
I am glad you think Moonlight will be renewed and i would be sad to see Shark go
I am glad you think Moonlight will be renewed and i would be sad to see Shark go
Gareth Jones, on May 1st, 2008
reaper cant be axed!!! sam,sock and the gang have to be saved.SOS - Save Our Sock!!!!!!!!
reaper cant be axed!!! sam,sock and the gang have to be saved.SOS - Save Our Sock!!!!!!!!
Jim Crooks, Fife, Scotland, on May 1st, 2008
keep reaper going strong will become a cult of the future best show on tv right now
keep reaper going strong will become a cult of the future best show on tv right now
Craig Alnwick, on May 1st, 2008
Gotta say that Reaper has grown on me, and I'm really starting to like it, So I hope it gets a second as I think it has potential
Gotta say that Reaper has grown on me, and I'm really starting to like it, So I hope it gets a second as I think it has potential
Brekkie, Wales, on May 1st, 2008
SAVE REAPER!!!!! Like a few have said, it's about the only new show I've watched this season and it's brilliant. Let's hope on this ocassion Tube Talk predicts wrong then!
SAVE REAPER!!!!! Like a few have said, it's about the only new show I've watched this season and it's brilliant. Let's hope on this ocassion Tube Talk predicts wrong then!
Clare, London, on May 1st, 2008
Really happy about Bones, Boston Legal, House & Moonlight - all great! Shame about The Unit & Shark - enjoyed both. Reaper: cannot believe that it is not a hit; don't axe it please! And Men in Trees would be very sad....we need our girly stuff!
Really happy about Bones, Boston Legal, House & Moonlight - all great! Shame about The Unit & Shark - enjoyed both. Reaper: cannot believe that it is not a hit; don't axe it please! And Men in Trees would be very sad....we need our girly stuff!
Nic, Wickford, on May 1st, 2008
I thought The Class shouldn't have been axed so what do I know! I just think that Reaper is fantastic - it has really settled in nicely and the whole Andi/Sam thing is just getting going. Maybe we should all join the CW website and beg them to save it.
I thought The Class shouldn't have been axed so what do I know! I just think that Reaper is fantastic - it has really settled in nicely and the whole Andi/Sam thing is just getting going. Maybe we should all join the CW website and beg them to save it.
Michael, Newcastle, on May 1st, 2008
Reaper cant be axed! It is a good show, good to sit down with on Wednesday night,laugh watch and not have to think too hard about! If it is recommissioned i hope someone else picks it up!
Reaper cant be axed! It is a good show, good to sit down with on Wednesday night,laugh watch and not have to think too hard about! If it is recommissioned i hope someone else picks it up!
Dawn, London, on May 1st, 2008
Reaper and Moonlight have to come back!
Reaper and Moonlight have to come back!
Daniel Erskine, on May 1st, 2008
You will survive reaper please hang in there!
You will survive reaper please hang in there!
Paul, Durham, on May 1st, 2008
I would be disappointed if Reaper were cancelled; one of the funnier US shows to have come out in the last couple of years, with an ensemble cast that works well together. My only criticism is that it is sometimes repetitive, but some of that has established running jokes e.g. Sock and Gladys.
I would be disappointed if Reaper were cancelled; one of the funnier US shows to have come out in the last couple of years, with an ensemble cast that works well together. My only criticism is that it is sometimes repetitive, but some of that has established running jokes e.g. Sock and Gladys.
Sas, Caerdydd, on May 1st, 2008
Good news about Bones & HIMYM but I also love Men in Trees.
Good news about Bones & HIMYM but I also love Men in Trees.
Claire, on May 1st, 2008
I'm so happy that you think Moonlight will get a second season because it's really picked up the pace. It's got a strong following, and if I was brave enough, I certainly would've been at that blood drive to show my support. However, I'm really disappointed that you think Reaper is going to cancelled. It's a fabulous show and I'm really enjoying it. Missy Peregrym (Andi) is a great actress and if they used her character more perhaps it would be a better success. It is good though and I really, really hope it survives!
I'm so happy that you think Moonlight will get a second season because it's really picked up the pace. It's got a strong following, and if I was brave enough, I certainly would've been at that blood drive to show my support. However, I'm really disappointed that you think Reaper is going to cancelled. It's a fabulous show and I'm really enjoying it. Missy Peregrym (Andi) is a great actress and if they used her character more perhaps it would be a better success. It is good though and I really, really hope it survives!
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Reaper and The Unit have been confirmed for new seasons. Moonlight has been dropped. Not to shabby on the predictions apart from the above mentioned three.