The pink slips will be out soon, and fans are lobbying the networks to spare their favorite TV shows. The opinions of critics have less to do with the decisions than the financial and product-placement considerations.
Still, if I could choose, there would be a handful of series I’d rescue.
• “Chuck” (NBC). I know, it’s had two seasons to become a hit and hasn’t, but I’d argue for a third. The funniest, most cleverly executed series with the biggest heart of the whole NBC lineup.
• “Samantha Who?” (ABC). Christina Applegate is endearing, the comedy is cute, and sometimes that’s enough.
• “The New Adventures of Old Christine” (CBS). An interesting case because, if CBS cancels the Julia Louis-Dreyfus comedy, it’s been reported ABC would pick it up.
• “Fringe” (Fox). Sure, it’s uneven and strains credulity, but this sci-fi thriller keeps putting Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson in bizarre situations and stringing us along.
Good riddance to “According to Jim,” “Worst Week,” “The Ex List,” “Kath & Kim,” “Knight Rider,” “The Game,” “Do Not Disturb” and “Dirty Sexy Money,” — all presumed canceled.
I won’t mourn the loss of NBC’s “Life,” Fox’s “Dollhouse” or Fox’s “Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.”
The determinedly goofy “Unusuals” isn’t to my taste, although ABC is pushing repeated airings. ABC should also pull the plug on “Surviving Suburbia,” “Castle,” “Cupid,” “In the Motherhood” and “Better Off Ted.” And “Scrubs,” resuscitated for one season, is scrubbed.
CBS should put “Without a Trace,” “Cold Case,” “The Unit,” “Gary Unmarried” and “Rules of Engagement” out of their misery.
NBC’s new Amy Poehler sitcom, “Parks and Recreation,” isn’t doing any business but NBC will likely pick it up. “Kings” will be dethroned — it was grandiose but ultimately unsatisfying. And here’s some suspense: John Wells’ “Southland” may get a reprieve. Fox’s latest, “Sit Down, Shut Up,” should go away quietly.
The question mark at CW is “Privileged.” While “Privileged” has its youthful, advertiser-friendly fans, “Reaper” was a better series, and it’s presumed dead. Again, creative financing may be more critical to a decision than the quality of the scripts, direction or acting. Depending on how deep their bench is, the network will likely let both shows go. “Everybody Hates Chris,” a comedy connoisseur’s delight, will bow out with dignity.
Among the likely renewals: ABC’s “Brothers & Sisters,” CBS’s “Big Bang Theory” and “The Mentalist,” Fox’s “Lie to Me” and CW’s “Gossip Girl.” All would seem to offer hope for larger ratings to come.
Stick a fork in ’em: “Boston Legal,” “Life on Mars,” “Eli Stone,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Eleventh Hour,” “The Ex List,” “Crusoe,” “Lipstick Jungle,” “My Own Worst Enemy,” “Prison Break” and “The Game.”
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
