It's
that the of the year again, the time when the networks are making their
decisions at to what's going to make it to next season and what just
isn't cutting it. While a number of rookie shows are already done and
more will leave, it's the veterans that people will miss. So in the
brand new Cancellation Clock section, I'm going to take a look at
exactely which verterans will likely be saying their good bye speeches
come May.
The clock goes from 12:00pm to 12:00 am (since I usually get up at 12,
that's the start of the day for me). New series are, of course, at 12,
series in the middle of their runs are at 6, and those nearing the end
of their runs are at 12. "Raymond," for example, is at 12 am because it
is going to end this year.
Third Watch
Creativity
Clock
11:30
Cancellation
Clock
11:45
Why It
Will End:
NBC
has a solid hit in "Medical Investigation," and the new "Law &
Order" series, sure to draw at least 11mil viewers, is getting a Friday
trial starting in March. "Third Watch," meanwhile, is in its sixth
season, its not drawing spectacular ratings, and it's expensive to
produce. See ya.
American Dreams
Creativity
Clock
5:00
Cancellation
Clock
11:30
Why It
Will End:
Unfortunately,
this series is just not doing it on Sundays. It had a solid start in
season one, saw ratings cut by a third in season two, and down more
still in season 3. With ABC surging on the night, losses are to be
expected, but NBC does better with expanded versions of Dateline than
it does with this show.
The Bernie Mack Show
Creativity
Clock
6:45
Cancellation
Clock
11:20
Why It
Will End:
The
critically acclaimed series is an unfortunate victim of Fox's constant
schedule shifting. Now it's on Fridays, after having been on Mondays,
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, all in just 4 seasons. Viewers can't
seem to find and they no longer seem to care.
King of The Hill
Creativity
Clock
10:00
Cancellation
Clock
11:15
Why It
Will End:
Again,
another victim of Fox's schedule shifting. The creators of this show
have pretty much said that this season will be the last because Fox's
football coverage usually preempts the series until January. Hard to
believe that this show used to outdraw The Simpsons at more than 20
million viewers.
Charmed
Creativity
Clock
11:00
Cancellation
Clock
11:00
Why It
Will End:
The
writers are already preparing a series finale for May, so don't be
surprised when this one bites the dust. 7 seasons is a long time, and
viewers are slowly tuning out thanks to the WB's inability to put
together a cohesive Sunday night line-up.
Will & Grace
Creativity
Clock
10:30
Cancellation
Clock
11:00
Why It
Will End:
With
high hopes for NBC's version of "The Office" and the general sucked of
this show of late, the price is getting a little too high. At $4
million an episode, and ratings that are under that of the
disappointing "Joey," there will likely be no 8th season for "Will
& Grace."
Malcolm In The Middle
Creativity
Clock
8:20
Cancellation
Clock
10:45
Why It
Will End:
Fox
had a winning combination when this aired right after "The Simpsons,"
but unlike that classic, this show doesn't appear to have the same
staying power. The bottom has fallen out of the ratings- a recent new
episode drew only 5 million viewers. With Fox having both "The Family
Guy" and "American Dad" in the wings, it'll be hard pressed to keep
this show around.
What I Like About You
Creativity
Clock
6:40
Cancellation
Clock
10:30
Why It
Will End:
It's
a miracle that this show has been able to hang around for as long as it
has, but with the WB abandoning the sitcom idea on Thursdays and having
two big Fridays hits, this show is unlikely to make it back for a
fourth season.
The West Wing
Creativity
Clock
11:00
Cancellation
Clock
10:20
Why It
Will End:
Ratings
have stablized this season and NBC has said that it'll likely be back.
But it also has a number of new dramas in the wings for this spring, so
if any of them hit, the "Wing" may just be closed.
Less Than Perfect
Creativity
Clock
4:30
Cancellation
Clock
10:00
Why It
Will End:
Unfortunately,
ABC just doesn't seem to have a place for this sparkling series. Unless
it opens another night up to sitcoms, "Perfect"s third season is likely
ot be its last.
JAG
Creativity
Clock
10:45
Cancellation
Clock
10:00
Why It
Will End:
While
it's still holding Friday nights afloat, it's more of an age things
here. This show would be in its tenth season should it return, so the
end is drawing near regardless.
7th Heaven
Creativity
Clock
9:40
Cancellation
Clock
10:00
Why It
Will End:
Again,
it's an age thing. The drama, now in it's 9th season, is not what it
used to be, but it's still the WB's top rated series. I may just bow
out soon, but who knows?
Enterprise
Creativity
Clock
7:20
Cancellation
Clock
9:50
Why It
Will End:
Many
are already saying that this show is dead, but I'm not so sure. Ratings
aren't that bad and are up dramatically over the UPN's Friday average
from last season. Still, it may just prove to be too costly to renew.
My Wife & Kids
Creativity
Clock
10:30
Cancellation
Clock
9:45
Why It
Will End:
Ratings
hit a series low when "Idol" premiered, way below what "8 Simple Rules"
drew last season. With viewers tuning out, will ABC turn off?
Judging Amy
Creativity
Clock
11:00
Cancellation
Clock
9:30
Why It
Will End:
Quite
simply put, it's a waste of "The Amazing Race"s audience. While it
draws slightly more viewers, it loses a significant chunk in adults.
The show is getting quite old, time to put it out of its misery, CBS.
8 Simple Rules
Creativity
Clock
6:30
Cancellation
Clock
8:45
Why It
Will End:
Ratings
have dropped sharply since the move to Fridays, but now they're coming
back up, slowly, but surely. I wouldn't count the show out just yet,
and if ABC is going to keep a sitcom line-up on Fridays, this show is
essential.
Girlfriends
Creativity
Clock
8:30
Cancellation
Clock
8:30
Why It
Will End:
On
the UPN, it's never about quality, it's always about age. And this show
is getting up there. The 5th season is typically when the UPN dumps its
comedies to save on licensing fees, and guess what Girlfriends? You're
there this September.
JustTV: Cancellation Clock 2005