by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
The Nine - The series continues to climb in the ratings, thanks in part to its “Lost” lead-in. Expect this one to at least clear one season, more if they decide to give us some answers now and then.
Brothers & Sisters - There are enough plot points to keep most people interested in this semi-dysfunctional family and the ratings are proof of that.
Ugly Betty - Not a whole lot of people had faith in this charming dramady and now they are eating crow. The series was given a full season order on October 13th so it isn’t going anywhere any time soon.
Men in Trees - The series is steadily building on its lead-in and charming critics. A move to another night will definitely bring in more viewers and secure its place on the net’s schedule.
Knights of Prosperity - This 30-minute sitcom about a group of would be thieves plotting to rob Mick Jagger looks like it will be one of the only half hour comedies to survive this season.
Six Degrees - Since it first aired, this new drama hasn’t retained as much of the “Grey’s Anatomy” audience as the net would have liked and that may end up being a problem.
Help Me Help You - While doing fairly well in the ratings thus far, this half hour comedy could be in trouble once its hot lead in “Dancing with the Stars” signs off.
Day Break - A Taye Diggs vehicle about a man who lives the same day over and over again. The show looks alright, but one wonders how the writers will make the Groundhog’s Day premise interesting each week.
Notes from the Underbelly - With this and a handful of other lackluster sitcoms taking the place of ratings giant “Dancing with the Stars,” ABC will lose quite a few viewers and most likely cancel this show soon after it premieres if it doesn’t immediately wow audiences.
Shark - The courtroom drama was given a full season order on October 20th and has the ratings to justify it.
Jericho - Another CBS drama that’s got sticking power, “Jericho” was also given a full season recently.
The Class - The 30-minute sitcom is thriving in its new Monday night timeslot and is probably here to stay.
3 Lbs. - Replacing the recently axed “Smith,” the series has a “House”-like feel to it, meaning it could be a hit or a blatant rip-off that gets pulled after a handful of episodes.
Rules of Engagement - This sitcom appears to be ripping off every other married couple comedy on the air. How many of these shows do we need?
The Game - Granted a full season on October 20th, this comedy will be around for at least one season.
Hidden Palms - This teen drama is about a kid living in Palm Springs who stumbles upon his neighbor’s nasty secrets. The show looks ok and fits in with the demographic, so it has a fighting chance.
The Search for the Next Pussy Cat Doll - A new reality series… Think “American Idol” only with shorter skirts. Ew.
Justice - Thanks to its “Prison Break” lead-in this show may actually stick around if it finds its audience. Ratings suggest it may have done just that.
Standoff - Here’s an FBI drama that could be pretty good as long as the two leads don’t end up falling for each other… Wait, that’s the whole plot of this show? Nevermind…
The Rich List - A new game show set to air next month. It could hit an audience or completely miss.
Vanished - While no official cancellation has been announced, the show was moved to Fridays, a bad sign. Say goodbye while you can.
Til’ Death - Even star Brad Garrett thinks it stinks!
Happy Hour- Another comedy that’s just not funny. Unless the scripts improve, expect to kiss this one goodbye.
Heroes - The super-human series is just what audiences were looking for: something fresh. The show has been given a full season order.
1 vs. 100 This show is hot right now. Audiences love it and are tuning in which means it’s not going anywhere.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - It saddens me to say it, but this show is losing viewers fast. If the hemorrhage can’t be stopped, this smart new series may flat line.
30 Rock - Why isn’t this show funny? It’s got Tina Fey! It should be funny!!
Friday Night Lights - The ratings are improving, but not by much. The show needs more viewers to justify its existence.
Twenty Good Years - I love Jeffery Tambor but, in the immortal words of GOB Bluth, “COME ON!!” The show just isn’t working and no one is tuning in.
So what will the programming geniuses replace their flunkers with? Maybe reruns of Regis Philbin’s “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, another lawyer/doctor show or chopped down movies? Now close your eyes programmers and throw the dart.
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