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 across the TV spectrum suffered a swift pull of the plug before fall even officially began.
With the calendar now turning to 2007, where does your favorite freshman series stand?
The healthiest:
Shows most likely to return for season 2
“Brothers &Sisters” (10 p.m. Sundays, ABC): The dysfunctional-family drama starring Sally Field got off to a slow start but has steadily gained viewers, thanks in no small part to its “Desperate Housewives” lead-in.
“Heroes” (9 p.m. Mondays, NBC): “Save the cheerleader, save the world” – this ensemble drama may have helped save the Peacock. The show returns from hiatus Jan. 22, when it will begin airing 11 new episodes.
“Jericho” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, CBS): Faux fear sells, if the success of this nuclear-terror serial starring Skeet Ulrich and Gerald McRaney is any indication. The show returns from hiatus Feb. 21.
“Shark” (10 p.m. Thursdays, CBS): The series about a Los Angeles lawyer on top of his game (James Woods) has held its own against the resurgent “ER” and other strong Thursday competition.
“Ugly Betty” (8 p.m. Thursdays, ABC): The dramedy about an underdog fashion assistant has morphed into quite the ratings swan – paired with “Grey’s Anatomy,” it’s given ABC almost overnight powerhouse status on Thursdays.
In decent shape:
Shows that have received a full-season order
“Friday Night Lights” (8 p.m. Wednesdays, NBC): Many critics adored this series set in a Texas football town, but so far, the public has punted. It’s now in its third time slot.
“The Class” (8:30 p.m. Mondays, CBS): A time change didn’t do much to improve the show’s so-so ratings, but it’s here to stay for the season. It returns with new episodes Feb. 5.
“The Game” (9:30 p.m. Mondays, CW): The Tia Mowry comedy dissecting the lives of football trophy wives (and girlfriends) wouldn’t have stood a chance on other networks.
“Men in Trees” (10 p.m. Thursdays, 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” (10 p.m. Mondays, NBC): Perhaps the season’s biggest ratings letdown, NBC nevertheless gave the Aaron Sorkin drama a vote of confidence.
“30 Rock” (9:30 p.m. Thursdays, NBC): The Tina Fey-Alec Baldwin comedy has gained some new life as part of NBC’s recently retooled Thursday night comedy block.
In Critical Condition?
Underperformers with uncertain futures
“Big Day” (9 p.m. Tuesdays, 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.
“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” (8 p.m. Thursdays, Fox): The Brad Garrett comedy received orders for nine new episodes in November. If the numbers aren’t up when that run is done, kiss it goodbye.
Rest in peace:
Casualties of the fall
“Day Break” (ABC): The Taye Diggs deja vu drama outperformed the season premiere of “Medium” in its debut but foundered quickly after that.
“Help Me Help You” (ABC): The week before Christmas, the comedy starring Ted Danson as an egocentric therapist received the rudest gift of all: the ax.
“Justice” (Fox): The Jerry Bruckheimer courtroom drama died quietly, finishing its 13-episode run in December. No new episodes are coming, the network says.
“Kidnapped” (NBC): The serialized drama with Jeremy Sisto was banished to Saturdays – then it was canceled outright before it could wrap up its run.
“Runaway” (CW): The Donnie Wahlberg drama about a family on the lam never stood a chance on hyper-competitive Sunday night.
“Smith” (CBS): The crime drama starring Ray Liotta and Virginia Madsen was the season’s first cancellation, dead after three episodes.
ABOVE: Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher star in “‘Til Death.”
LEFT: Gale Harold (left), Ming-Na and Lisa Lackey appeared in “Vanished.”
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