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Mr. TV: Where are my favorite shows?
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Dear Mr. TV: Have you any information whether “The Unit” and “Friday Night Lights” will be returning? — Bonnie Severs
Mr. TV: Critically acclaimed “Friday Night Lights” seemed to be continually on the verge of cancellation. The problem was the critics raved but not many eyeballs were watching. Nonetheless, NBC decided to keep this quality drama starring Kyle Chandler as a mid-season entry in January, scheduling it at 9 p.m. Fridays (what a concept!). “The Unit” is another “bubble” show waiting for the CBS suits to make a decision. There are no new episodes left to air. This one may be shipping out.
Because of the writers’ strike, a number of middling-performing scripted shows — like NBC’s “Life” — that in previous years already would have already been canceled were renewed because there simply wasn’t enough time to produce anything else. Other reprieves went to “ER,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Lipstick Jungle” and “Chuck.”
Doing more inexpensive reality shows isn’t always the answer. Witness the decision by CBS to cancel “Secret Talents of the Stars” after just one low-rated airing last Tuesday. (Note to producers: Sulu has no secret talents!) The 10 p.m. slot will now be filled by “48 Hours Mystery” tonight and next week.
Besides “Shark” and “The Unit,” other teetering series include “Back to You,” “Boston Legal,” “Eli Stone,” “Moonlight,” “Reaper,” “Rules of Engagement,” “Terminator,” “New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Women’s Murder Club.”
“Jericho” was in a similar predicament last season when a massive peanut mail-in campaign to the head programmer at CBS got it a seven-episode renewal only to be eventually canceled last month.
Rather than mail copies of “Jailhouse Rocks” to NBC to save “Life,” you can do something right now to give your favorite “bubble” show some national attention.
Go to USATODAY.com, click “LIFE” and “TV/MEDIA” to get to “TUBE ESSENTIALS.” That’s where you can vote in the paper’s 11th annual “Save Our Shows” poll.
I voted for ABC’s “Boston Legal” and “Eli Stone” and CW’s “Reaper.” All are uniquely original as opposed to lemmings in a sea of mediocrity. You can’t assume the endings or guess what the next line of dialogue will be.
How refreshing!
Top 10 prime-time programs, locally
1. “American Idol,” Tuesday, Fox
2. “CSI,” CBS
3. “American Idol,” Thursday, Fox
4. “Without a Trace,” CBS
5. “60 Minutes,” CBS
6. “Criminal Minds,” CBS
7. “Dancing With the Stars,” Monday, ABC
8. “CSI: NY,” CBS
9. “NCIS,” CBS
10. “Idol Gives Back,” Fox
Source: TV household local Nielsen Media Research data for week ending April 13 supplied by WINK-TV.
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Reach Mr. TV at mrtv@naplesnews.com.
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