By James Hibberd
1 hour, 52 minutes ago
CBS' "Shark" and ABC's "Women's Murder Club" returned to
post about a 2.0 rating among adults 18 to 49, joining
low-rated outings by fellow "bubble shows" "Moonlight" (CBS),
"Boston Legal" (ABC) and "Reaper" (The CW).
But with most scripted series struggling from a writers'
strike ratings hangover, the networks seem inclined to give
some of the lagging shows a second chance this fall.
Here's how things stand:
* "Men in Trees": Producers of ABC's drama were recently
told the show will not return for a third season. Last year,
the show scored a surprising early renewal, but in April it
averaged only about a 1.6 rating in the 18-49 demographic.
* "Boston Legal": A recent episode of "Legal" hit a series
low, but, then again, what show hasn't? Given a strong lead-in,
"Legal" tends to hold a reliable number. It's also an Emmy
darling. A likely pickup.
* "Reaper": The word on CW's cult-favorite supernatural
comedy-drama has turned unexpectedly positive. Though recent
episodes have pulled about a 1.1 rating, the CW needs a
suitable Thursday night partner for "Supernatural" because next
season is expected to be the last for "Smallville." Plus, after
adding DVR use, "Reaper" ratings often climb more percentage
points than any other series, and CW executives are fond of the
show.
* "Shark": Another network might be inclined to give this
drama another chance, but CBS sets a high ratings bar for
pickups, and "Shark" has a tough time clearing it. Industry
oddsmakers are pessimistic about a fall return.
* "The New Adventures of Old Christine": With CBS' Monday
night comedy block continuing to perform strong while other
returning shows crash, the network is considering opening up
another night of comedy. If so, the net is going to need
"Christine." As for "How I Met Your Mother," a pickup is
considered a given.
* "Moonlight": Since returning post-strike, "Moonlight"
remains the weakest link in CBS' Friday night lineup. Yet the
vampire drama continues to win its time period. A pickup is all
but certain.
* "Eli Stone" and "Women's Murder Club": The bubbliest of
the bubble shows, "Stone" has split industry opinions. The
season finale scored only a 2.0 rating. Yet ABC likes the show
and the network has a history of giving a second chance to
modestly rated freshman series ("Trees," "What About Brian").
If ABC picks up "Stone," a renewal for similarly rated "Murder
Club" becomes less likely.
* "Cashmere Mafia" and "October Road": With uninspiring
ratings and stars of both ABC shows posed to move to other
projects, a return appears unlikely.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
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