Will Your Favorite Show Get Canceled?
Matt Richenthal
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Next week, all major networks will present their fall schedules.
Leading up to these announcements, fans of long-running shows such as Heroes and One Tree Hill are worried about their favorite program's future. The same goes for viewers of new dramas such as V and FlashForward.
Which series will make the cut? And what fan base will be left weeping? Let's weigh the renewal odds of shows teetering on the brink of cancellation...
Caprica
This Battlestar Galactica prequel has averaged just 1.1 million viewers over its first nine episodes. The second half of its first season will air some time in 2010. Ratings will have to almost double for a chance at survival.
Odds of renewal: 25-1
Cold Case
Overall ratings are fine, but pretty much no one between the advertising-friendly demo of 18-49 watches it. Production costs are as high as its odds of renewal.
Odds of renewal: 35-1
FlashForward or V: Which ABC sci-fi show would you save?
FlashForward
Fell to under five million viewers last week. Storylines are a mess, show runners keep changing and the main character is a bore.
Odds of renewal: 40-1
V
Ratings are slightly better than FlashForward. If ABC keeps one of these around, it will (smartly) bank on Elizabeth Mitchell over Joseph Finnes.
Odds of renewal: 12-1
One Tree Hill & Life Unexpected
One has been around forever, the other is a CW newbie. But sources say both these shows will receive 13-episode pick-ups and air on Monday nights.
Odds of renewal: 5-1
Human Target
The good news? It won its Wednesday night time slot often this winter. Bad news? That's one of the least competitive on TV.
Odds of renewal: 8-1
The show that (somehow) won't die. Abysmal fourth season ratings were off-set by strong DVD sales and international popularity. NBC still gives it a chance. We believe that because, hey, it's NBC.
Odds of renewal: 10-1
Medium
Fits in well with The Ghost Whisperer on Friday nights, but production costs are high. Its survival will probably depend on the strength of CBS' development slate.
Odds of renewal: 15-1
Mercy
Ironically, for a show based on a hospital, as good as dead. Struggles to reach six million viewers each week.
Odds of renewal: 50-1
Melrose Place
Has a better chance of winning an Emmy for writing than it does of receiving a second season.
Odds of renewal: 1,000-1
Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.
