It was supposed to be the year of the serialized drama, but with a few exceptions, plenty of promising and not-so-promising new offerings suffered a swift pull of the plug before fall even officially began. With 2007 nearing, where does your favorite freshman series stand?
Likely to go to season 2
“Brothers & Sisters” (Sundays, 9 p.m., ABC): The dysfunctional-family drama starring Sally Field got off to a slow start but has steadily gained viewers.
“Heroes” (Mondays, 8 p.m., NBC): “Save the cheerleader, save the world” – this ensemble drama may have helped save the Peacock. The show returns from hiatus Jan. 22.
“Jericho” (Wednesdays, 7 p.m., CBS): Faux fear sells, if the success of this nuclear-terror serial starring Skeet Ulrich and Gerald McRaney is any indication. It returns Feb. 21.
“Shark” (Thursdays, 9 p.m., CBS): The series about a Los Angeles lawyer on top of his game (James Woods) has held its own against the resurgent “ER.”.
“Ugly Betty” (Thursdays, 7 p.m., ABC): The dramedy about an underdog fashion assistant has morphed into quite the ratings swan.
Full-season orders
“Friday Night Lights” (Wednesdays, 7 p.m., NBC): Many critics adored this series set in a Texas football town. So far, the public has punted.
“The Class” (Mondays, 7:30 p.m., CBS): A time change didn’t do much to improve the show’s so-so ratings. New episodes start Feb. 5.
“The Game” (Mondays, 8:30 p.m., CW): Tia Mowry comedy dissecting the lives of football trophy wives (and girlfriends) wouldn’t have stood a chance on other networks.
“Men in Trees” (Thursdays, 9 p.m., ABC): It’s just staying afloat on TV’s toughest night, but ABC has enough faith in Anne Heche’s star power to keep the comedy for a while.
“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” (Mondays, 9 p.m., NBC): Perhaps the season’s biggest ratings letdown, NBC nevertheless gave the Aaron Sorkin drama a vote of confidence.
“30 Rock” (Thursdays, 8:30 p.m., NBC): The Tina Fey-Alec Baldwin comedy has gained some new life as part of NBC’s recently retooled Thursday night comedy block.
Uncertain futures
“Big Day” (Tuesdays, 8 p.m., ABC): After a few episodes, viewers have emphatically said “we don’t” to this “24”-style nuptial comedy – but it’s still early in its run.
“The Nine” (ABC; on hiatus): The post-hostage-crisis serial has been benched “indefinitely,” which likely means you’ll only be able to see remaining episodes online.
“Six Degrees” (ABC; returns in January): Removed in November from its post-“Grey’s Anatomy” perch, ABC says it plans to bring the show back this month.
“Standoff” (Fox; on hiatus): The romantic crime dramedy starring Ron Livingston has bled viewers since its strong debut. The network says it will be back in the spring.
“‘Til Death” (Thursdays, 7 p.m., Fox): Brad Garrett comedy received orders for nine new episodes in November. If numbers aren’t up when that run is done, kiss it goodbye.
