Are visiting hours over for the aliens of “V”?
Will “FlashForward” live to see a future?
Are you losing sleep because your favorite TV show is “on the bubble”?
For TV watchers, as well as for casts, writers and producers in the industry, this is nail-biting time.
As current shows wrap their finales, the fate of a number of TV series is up in the air. These aren’t clear hits or duds but somewhere in the mediocre middle in terms of ratings and cost. They aren’t assured a renewal for next season; they aren’t clear choices for cancellation.
They’re on the bubble.
The networks unveil their new schedules at “upfront” presentations, in which advertisers are encouraged to buy spots ahead of the season, beginning May 17 in New York.
What critics say at this point doesn’t count for much. But just in case, as the networks prepare to clear the stinkers from their new lineups, we humbly put in a request for the renewal of a few favorites.
NBC, please keep “Chuck” kicking. The spy spoof is more sophisticated, multilayered and romantic than “Get Smart,” with a similar vibe, plus the big-box-store parody.
CBS, it’s time to step up to better, smarter comedies. Get rid of the middling “Gary Unmarried” and “Accidentally on Purpose.” While nobody would be surprised to see “The New Adventures of Old Christine” end after five solid seasons, that’s a better- written show than the other two and might be a keeper.
And, Fox, please agree that “Human Target,” with the likable Mark Valley in the cross hairs, hasn’t yet reached its potential and deserves time to build. Viewers are getting burned out on the heavily serialized, obscure plot threads of so many dramas. A contained hour like “Human Target” feels like a relief. Meanwhile, the trades say the likable “Sons of Tucson” is a long shot for a return.
I’m less attached to “V” and “FlashForward” — either one could eke out a renewal from ABC — but “FlashForward” is a tougher sell because it is so densely serialized. At least “V” knows how to entertain week to week.
NBC’s “Mercy” and Fox’s “Lie to Me” might as well be left for dead while we move ahead to see whether procedurals or mysteries, comedy hybrids or sci-fi thrillers will rule the coming season. With all the space in prime time now that the ill-advised Jay Leno experiment is over, NBC needs to add some well-crafted programs and clean house: ditch “Heroes” (goodbye, already) and “Trauma” and try something else.
After a surprisingly long run, CBS should count “Numb3ers” out.
CW should listen to critics and give “Life Unexpected” a reprieve.
And a tougher one: Even as it begins another rich cycle of strong stories and credible characters, it’s about to be lights out for “Friday Night Lights” NBC. New episodes begin May 7; don’t expect a pickup beyond this fourth season.
Time’s run out for “24” on Fox (see you in the movies, Jack Bauer). And the CW’s heavily promoted “Melrose Place” remake turned out to be unworthy of the hype.
Trade talk says “Medium” and “Ghost Whisperer” have slim chances of renewals. And that’s as it should be.
It’s always amazing how, after long seasons of low ratings and zero buzz, some nixed shows are mourned by outraged fans who swear everyone they know was a devotee.
“Medium” and “Ghost Whisperer” are prime examples of forgettable niche shows with ardent followers who think they should run forever.
Before the hand-wringing starts, let’s agree on the first rule of television: Nothing is made to run forever.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
