US networks' production plans following the writers' strike are beginning to emerge.

They have to decide which of their scripted programmes to get back on air quickly assuming the Writers Guild of America action comes to an end, as expected, this week.

CBS is expected to take six or seven new episodes each of CSI, NCIS, Without a Trace, Cold Case, Numbers, Criminal Minds and Ghost Whisperer, and a few fewer of Moonlight, probably returning to air at the beginning of April.

Production will also begin on eight instalments of comedies Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory for the network, to return to screens in March.

CBS is not bringing back Cane this season, while shows awaiting news include Shark, The Unit, Swingtown, The New Adventures of Old Christine and Rules of Engagement.

Fox, meanwhile, is planning to air some late-completed dramas including House through the summer, so returning most shows. Serialised series including Prison Break will not return until next season, however. 24 will not be back until January.

NBC is thought to be getting comedies My Name Is Earl, The Office and 30 Rock back into production as soon as possible. The future of Scrubs, in its last series, is unclear.

ER is likely to return in April with discussions about what to do in the autumn ongoing.

NBC's Law & Order: SVU and Medium are also expected to return in coming months while Chuck, Heroes and Life will probably be put off until late summer/autumn.

Bionic Woman and Journeyman are expected to be put off for now while Friday Night Lights, Las Vegas and FNL are undecided.

The CW wants to get at least five episodes of dramas Smallville, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Reaper and Supernatural as soon as possible, though Gossip Girl could be put off until the summer with Melrose Place and The OC.

It also wants nine more instalments of comedy The Game, while Aliens in America is put off for now. Girlfriends has been cancelled altogether.

ABC made its plans clear with an announcement yesterday.