Networks hoping for big hits

Fri., March 23, 2007

Gary Levin USA Today

Not looking good for some shows

» This is the time of year when networks start formulating their new series for the fall. And for every newcomer they embrace, it means curtains for an established series.

» Here's a rundown of shows that could be on the chopping block:

“NBC: It seems like blasphemy even to utter these words, but "Law & Order" could be in trouble. The venerable – and expensive – crime series has struggled all season in its new Friday time slot.

» Some of the network's other crime shows are also on the proverbial bubble, including "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Medium" and "Crossing Jordan."

» Of the freshman shows, "Studio 60," "Lights" and "30 Rock" have generated only lukewarm ratings. Indications are that network execs believe there's growth potential for the last two, but not for Aaron Sorkin's "60," which looks like a sure goner.

“ABC: While the network has managed to generate a lot of buzz with its dramas, it is going nowhere fast on the comedy front. "According to Jim," "George Lopez," "The Knights of Prosperity," "Big Day" and "In Case of Emergency" are all on shaky ground.

» Not all of the dramas are safe, either. "The Nine" has been off the air for months, and its number is up. Meanwhile, fans of "Men In Trees," "What About Brian" and "Six Degrees" should be crossing their fingers. (The latter gets one more shot at redemption when it returns for a midseason run tonight.)

“CBS: The apocalyptic drama "Jericho" looked like a decent-size hit early on, but took a big tumble in the ratings when it returned from a lengthy hiatus and went head-to-head with "American Idol."

» Another CBS drama facing an uncertain future is "Close to Home," which is close to cancellation after generating only so-so ratings.

» Among the comedies sitting precariously on the bubble are "The Class" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine."

“Fox: Brad Garrett, who experienced rousing sitcom success with "Everybody Loves Raymond," has seen what life is like on the other end; " 'Til Death" has struggled from the start and rigor mortis is setting in. Also, the battle is all but over for "The War at Home."

» On the drama front, the crime series "Standoff" has been banished to Friday nights; Ron Livingston and company will make what could be a last stand when fresh episodes return April 6.

» "Veronica Mars" has managed to fend off extinction several times, but this could finally be it for the critically lauded but lowly rated teen detective. Meanwhile, the fate of the network's other Tuesday drama, "Gilmore Girls," depends entirely on contract talks with stars Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel.

Chuck Barney, Contra Costa Times

The broadcast TV networks have been wooing advertisers in L.A. this week, hyping hopeful hits of tomorrow.

Nearly 100 episodes of proposed series are being produced in a frantic stretch that ends in May when networks set fall lineups. At most, one in four will make it on the air.

After a year with few successes, “every network seems to be trying to play a little out of their comfort zones” in seeking new shows, says Fox’s Craig Erwich.

So most of CBS’ drama slate avoids its staple of crime shows; NBC is going heavy on guy shows; ABC is trying to tap into the CBS “procedural” formula to find more success in repeats; and Fox is aiming for big stars and more quirky series after “stumbling” with traditional shows last fall, Erwich says.

Among the trends:

“Sudsy stuff. Heavily serialized thrillers are on the outs, but soaps are in demand as networks react to the success of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Chief among them is ABC’s planned “Grey’s” spinoff, starring Kate Walsh, for which a two-hour pilot will air in May.

Fox will try “Nurses,” set in a big-city hospital. NBC has “Lipstick Jungle,” with Brooke Shields and Kim Raver as career-happy New Yorkers, and “The Mastersons of Manhattan,” about socialite sisters (Natasha Richardson and Molly Shannon).

ABC is hunting for more “Grey’s” companions with “Dirty Sexy Money,” about a lawyer (Peter Krause) for a wealthy family that features Jill Clayburgh, Donald Sutherland and Billy Baldwin; and an untitled soap about four dysfunctional CEOs, including Dylan McDermott, Michael Vartan and Christopher Titus.

“Star power. Among other familiar faces looking to return to the small screen are Jimmy Smits, in a CBS drama about a family business; Angie Harmon, in ABC’s “Women’s Murder Club,” based on James Patterson’s best sellers; and Julianna Margulies as a defense lawyer and Kirstie Alley as a small-town minister on Fox.

Kelsey Grammer (“Frasier”) and Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) already are guaranteed a comeback with Fox’s “Action News,” about a down-on-his-luck anchor who rejoins his former deskmate at a Pittsburgh station.

“Wacky ideas. Left-field concepts include CBS’ “Swingtown,” about swinging couples in the 1970s; “Me & Lee,” Fox’s take on a guy who has “bionic” back surgery in Lee Majors’ lab; NBC’s “Area 57,” where office workers keep an eye on a manipulative alien; the CW’s “Wild at Heart,” about a veterinarian who moves his family to South Africa; ABC’s “Cavemen,” a comedy spinoff of the Geico insurance ads; and “Sarah Connor Chronicles,” Fox’s bid to keep the “Terminator” character alive, with Lena Headey (“300”).

“British invasion. “Networks now, they hate risk, so they’re looking for (proven) international formats,” says Carolyn Finger of TVtracker.com.

Brit-inspired projects include ABC’s “Football Wives,” about team spouses; “Viva Laughlin,” a CBS musical drama; and the NBC comedy “I’m With Stupid,” about a sad sack and his wheelchair-bound pal.

“D.C. doings. The capital city spawns “Supreme Courtships,” a Fox dramedy about court clerks; “The Hill,” a soapy congressional comedy; “The Thick of It,” ABC’s remake of another British series about the staff of a junior congressman; and CW’s “Paige Armstrong,” from “Commander in Chief” creator Rod Lurie, about a naive congressional aide who runs against her former boss.