Television networks with an ax to grind

To renew, or not to renew? That is the question . . . and a question asked often by network execs. Major decisions like these in television are almost always dictated by finance. When the time comes to make cuts, only the strongest survive. The process of picking a show is long and arduous, but even after a show is deemed worthy and potentially financially viable, the fate of its continuing seasons remains a mystery until confirmation of its renewal.

It seems that networks are clinging tight to their acclaimed shows these days. Before the final count was finished for audience numbers on the first episode of HBO’s new gem, Treme, the network already announced the second season confirmation. Relying on the rave reviews from critics, HBO made a risky decision without checking first on the full scale of the show’s popularity.

But premium channels like HBO or Showtime have the advantage when deciding on project renewal. Major networks are slaves to ratings, relying heavily on the popularity of a show to decide on its renewal. Other factors come into play, of course, like budget issues or talent unwilling to return, but the bottom line in network television is the ratings. With a slew of confirmations coming out now, we can see which shows are returning to their coveted network positions and which ones get the ax.

All eyes are on NBC this season, as the struggling network giant returns with shows new and old, hopeful to bolster their slumping ratings in the wake of the Leno-O’Brien fiasco earlier this year. Parenthood, the NBC answer to the popularity of ensemble casts on successful shows like Modern Family, is scheduled to return with a second season. 30 Rock, The Office, Parks &’ Recreation and Community are the other confirmed renewals for NBC, sticking to the fan favorites as they hold tight to their Thursday night comedy lineup.

ABC is cleaning house for next season with four confirmed cancellations: Ugly Betty, Hank, Scrubs and Eastwick. With the ratings-giant LOST on it’s way out, ABC should be looking for another show to fill those shoes. However both of the already similar sci-fi epics, V and Flash Forward, have yet to be confirmed renewals. On the list of returning shows are the Wednesday comedy gold mine discovered by ABC this past season with favorites like Modern Family, The Middle and Cougar Town coming back for round two.

Following in suit, CBS is eager to hang onto its popular comedies, renewing The Big Bang Theory, Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother. Also confirmed for CBS is the new spin-off NCIS: Los Angeles, with its parent show, NCIS, still unconfirmed but likely to be renewed.

Notorious for prematurely canceling shows, FOX is showing no mercy for its floundering shows. With the Sunday night classics set in stone (shows like The Simpsons, Family Guy and The Cleveland Show) the rest of the week seems to be opening up as the network says goodbye to Dollhouse, Brothers, Til Death, Past Life, Suns of Tuscon and of course 24. It’s enough to make you wonder, what’s left?

The trends certainly make one thing clear, comedy is king on the networks right now, and those shows are thriving. With many more renewals and confirmations on the way, the lineup for next season is still to be determined, but thanks to the heads-up, many fans can now sleep well knowing their favorite shows are here to stay . . . for now, at least.