This is crunch time for the broadcast networks. It’s time to decide: Which shows will return in the fall?
Some of your favorites have probably already been renewed. Others, also maybe favorites, have long since been canceled.
Still others remain “on the bubble.”
The networks will announce their fall lineups the week of May 13. Until then, here’s a look at where they stand, with educated guesses about prospects.
NBC
In this difficult season for NBC, only “The Voice” has been a stand-out success. Look for two seasons a year for the near future.
A more recent success is “Hannibal,” which grew in viewership from its first episode to its second, always a good sign. At the moment, a second season is looking good.
“Revolution” and “Chicago Fire” look likely to get second seasons on NBC, and “Grimm” is sure to be renewed. So is the last surviving member of the “Law &Order” family, “SVU.”
Matthew Perry’s “Go On,” the most successful of the new comedies, is also more likely than not to be renewed.
“The Biggest Loser” probably will return; “Celebrity Apprentice” might not be (although how NBC will ever escape Donald Trump is uncertain).
“Smash,” which is being burned off on Saturdays, almost certainly won’t be back.
Series on shaky ground include “Parenthood.” However, I’m betting that the network will realize how passionate “Parenthood” fans are about the show and give it another season.
Another relatively low-rated NBC series with passionate fans is “Parks and Recreation,” and I choose to believe there, too, that NBC will order another season.
That brings us to “Community,” for which renewal would be a (happy) surprise.
If NBC decides to bring back “Whitney,” “1600 Penn,” “Guys With Kids,” “Deception” or (to a slightly lesser extent) “The New Normal,” the decision would make news.
“Up All Night” is highly unlikely to be back. “Animal Practice” and “Do No Harm” have already been canceled.
CBS
CBS has renewed a big chunk of its lineup: “The Big Bang Theory,” “Blue Bloods,” “CSI,” “Elementary,” “The Good Wife,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “The Mentalist,” “Mike &Molly,” “NCIS,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Person of Interest” and “2 Broke Girls.”
Only a contract impasse would keep “Two and a Half Men” from returning.
“The Amazing Race” and “Survivor” have also been picked up for additional seasons, as has “Undercover Boss.”
So what isn’t in the clear? “Criminal Minds,” “CSI: NY,” “Golden Boy,” “Vegas” and “Rules of Engagement.” (Also “Unforgettable,” which airs this summer.)
CBS, with so many strong shows and so little space for new entries, doesn’t tolerate even marginal performers. I’d expect “Criminal Minds” to be back, but none of the others.
“Made in Jersey” and “Partners” have already been canceled.
ABC
Many of ABC’s shows are as good as picked up for next season. They include “Castle” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Middle,” “Modern Family,” “Once Upon a Time” and “Scandal.” “Suburgatory” is also likely to return.
Newcomer “How To Live With Your Parents (for the Rest of Your Life)” could be back if its ratings hold up. “Happy Endings” seems unlikely to have a happy ending.
Unless there’s a shocker, ABC will bring back “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette,” “Dancing With the Stars” and “Shark Tank.”
ABC shows “on the bubble” include “Body of Proof,” “Last Man Standing,” “Malibu Country,” “Nashville,” “The Neighbors” and “Revenge.”
I don’t have a guess, but Tim Allen’s “Last Man” is a better bet than Reba McEntire’s “Malibu.” “Nashville” has been a bit of a disappointment both creatively and in the ratings, and “Revenge” has lost buzz.
“Private Practice” ended its run on ABC. “666 Park Avenue,” “Don’t Trust the B- in Apt. 23,” “Last Resort,” “Red Widow” and “Zero Hour” were canceled.
Fox
Top shows on Fox have already been renewed: “American Dad,” “Bob’s Burgers,” “Bones,” “Family Guy,” “The Following,” “Glee” (for two seasons), “The Mindy Project,” “New Girl,” “Raising Hope” and “The Simpsons.”
“American Idol,” “Hell’s Kitchen” and “The X Factor” will also be back; “Kitchen Nightmares” is unconfirmed.
“Touch” is not likely to return; neither is “The Cleveland Show.”
“Fringe” ended its run on Fox this season. “Ben and Kate” and “The Mob Doctor” were canceled.
CW
Early renewals on the CW went to “Arrow,” “Supernatural” and “The Vampire Diaries.”
On the bubble are “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Carrie Diaries,” “Hart of Dixie” and “Nikita,” with “90210” and “Gossip Girl” ending their runs.
“Cult” and “Emily Owens, M.D.” have been canceled.
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