Well here we go. Bubble season is here! This is when final decisions whether TV shows will be back next year or not. The lineups for the fall will be announced in the coming weeks, but I wanted to give you a look at what the web is saying about some of your favorite shows. So here’s the rundown for all the major networks. And a little side note; outside of one, I didn’t put reality shows on here. With all the shows that come and go, it’s just too hard to keep up with them.
CBS, come on down. You’re the first contestant on Bubble Watch 2009!
CBS:
America’s #1 network has a unique “problem.” It has highly ranked shows. Long standing favorites and the only true hit show of the past season in “The Mentalist.” But success breeds higher production costs and bigger salaries. With the economy how it is, CBS is looking to trim fat. So that puts some of the longer running shows are on the block. And outside of “The Mentalist,” no new show really caught on. Even the 13 week mystery "Harper's Island" has been moved to the cold, dark space that is Saturday primetime. And wouldn’t you know it…the one time I go out on an edge about “The Unit,” it gets put back on the bubble. Great…
Safe as safe can be: All three CSI:’s, The Big Bang Theory, NCIS, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, The Mentalist, Ghost Whisperer, Flashpoint, Numb3rs
Probably DOA or already dead: Eleventh Hour, Worst Week, The Ex-List, Harper's Island-concept
On the bubble: Cold Case, The Unit, Without a Trace, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Gary Unmarried, The Rules of Engagement
The CW:
Looks like the final parts of the old UPN will be going away. With the network going in a direction of young dramas (including a new version of “Melrose Place”), the Friday night comedies are likely gone. Even Chris Rock says that if his show (“Everybody Hates Chris”) is going to be canceled, he would like it to be this year. Combine that with the fact that some stars of “Reaper” are working on other pilots. A new look for the newest of the networks is coming.
Safe shows: Gossip Girl, 90210, One Tree Hill, Smallville, Supernatural
Probably gone: Everybody Hates Chris, The Game, Reaper
On the bubble: Privileged
FOX:
The network’s money maker is “American Idol.” That show almost prints its own money. But other shows are just moderate hits. And for some reason “King of the Hill” may be leaving the network. Fear not Hank Hill fans because ABC is already in talks to get the show if FOX doesn’t renew it.
So safe it’s almost frightening: American Idol
Pretty safe: House, 24, Fringe, Lie to Me, Bones, The Simpsons, Family Guy, American Dad, Til Death
So long, farewell?: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, King of the Hill, Do Not Disturb, Dollhouse, Prison Break
On the bubble: Sit Down, Shut Up, Glee
ABC:
The alphabet network is humming along quietly, but without a hit this year and its second year shows floundering, lots of changes could be happening. And “According To Jim” is more than likely gone. The sets for the eight year old show have been either destroyed or taken down. This one will be interesting.
Super safe: Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters, Lost, Private Practice, Ugly Betty
Gone or nearly gone: Boston Legal, Life on Mars, Eli Stone, Dirty Sexy Money, Pushing Daisies, According To Jim
On the bubble: Samantha Who?, The Unusuals, Scrubs, Surviving Suburbia, Castle, Cupid, In the Motherhood, Better Off Ted
NBC:
The number four network (only in front of The CW) had a rough go at it this year. “Heroes” went back and forth before seeming to get its mojo back in the past few weeks, the acclaimed comedies on Thursday night aren’t a huge hit, even with the help of last year’s Tina Fey/Sarah Palin fun, and the longtime ratings winner, “ER,” said goodbye. But brighter days may be ahead this fall as the new show from Jay Leno takes the 9pm weeknight spot.
Safe: Heroes, Law and Order (regular and SVU), The Office, 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights
Hope you didn’t get attached: Kath & Kim, Life, Knight Rider, Crusoe, Lipstick Jungle, Kings, Knight Rider, My Own Worst Enemy
On the bubble: Chuck, Medium, My Name Is Earl, Parks and Recreation, Southland
Show we’ll miss the most: ER. If you were ever a fan of this show and you didn’t watch this year’s final seven or so episodes, GO FIND THEM AND WATCH THEM!!
So if you have a favorite show on the bubble, get your friends to start writing emails to the networks now!
