Lifetime has reportedly declined to take on October Road and Men in Trees after being offered the dramas by ABC.

The attempt to offload the shows to a cable network is a bad sign for the series, which are awaiting renewal or cancellation.

The Hollywood Reporter said executives at the cable channel were sent tapes but decided against picking up either show.

Both titles have struggled to attract ratings for their current seasons though Men in Trees is said to still have some support at ABC.