Hanging By A Thread: The Bubble Shows

Tis the season for pilots to be cast and filmed followed by the networks making the decisions as to which pilots will be picked up for their respective fall prime-time line ups. At the same time, the fate of shows that are currently hanging by a thread – aka the bubble shows, or more to the point the shows that are on the bubble of possible cancellation – are being made based on more factors than just ratings.

Many critics have recently made their predictions about which bubble shows could possibly make it through to another season and which ones won’t be so fortunate. Much like the critics, I am making my predictions and given how I feel about the shows that follow, I sure hope that my wishes come true.

NBC:

As an avid fan of the series Chuck since its debut at Comic Con in 2007, I have fully endorsed this wonderfully engaging spy-spoof series because of its great blending of action-adventure with comedy. The cast has captured the hearts of countless fans, but the series has always struggled with getting high enough ratings (especially those in the much-coveted 18-49 demographic) to keep it from being on the bubble. Yet each season since its series premiere it has had a difficult uphill climb. With the recent fan outcry over having the hero and heroine of the show – Sarah and Chuck – “partnered” with new love interests, the shows future could be jeopardized by the one group that endeavored to keep the show on the air last season: its fans. I want to believe that despite the fanatical fringe of fans who seem hell-bent on boycotting the series simply because the writers are not writing the story the way they want it will not become a detriment to this superb spy series. (Yes, I’m using the alliterations deliberately). And, given the fact the network has suffered significantly because of a lapse in judgment (i.e. giving over 5 hours of weekly programming to Jay Leno), they will need all the shows they can get especially one with a built-in audience (even the ones who are perturbed with the current direction of the storyline).

ABC:

After watching the original 80’s version of the series V, I was very interested to see where the new and improved 2009 version would go, especially given the major advancements in CGI technology and the overall ability to sell the concept much better than its earlier rendition. The network, however, has not made it easy on the show giving it only a 4-episode run before languishing it to hiatus status until after the Winter Olympics have aired. Nor have the behind-the-scenes drama of multiple show runners made things any easier on the show. But, I want to believe that this new tale of lizards in disguise coming to Earth on a seemingly peaceful mission to replenish their supplies of “needed resources,” will be given a fair chance by viewers once it returns at the end of March by new viewers and fans of the original. I’m sure it also doesn’t hurt to have the kind of cast that this show has such as Elizabeth Mitchell, Morena Baccarin, Morris Chestnut, Scott Wolf and Joel Gretsch just to name a few. Eye candy is always important in any series, but this one seems to take the cake in terms of truly beautiful human and not-so-human beings.

CBS:

This is probably the only network that really isn’t suffering in terms of shows that are really performing badly. While the network hasn’t formally announced the cancellation of Numb3rs, it does seem a certainty. Given that fact, Medium is the only drama that could potentially be on the bubble, but it has maintained decent ratings since its move from NBC to CBS as well as the dreaded Friday night time slot. The only chance of Medium falling by the wayside would be for the network to pick up some really incredible new pilots that blow every other show out of the water.

FOX:

Most viewers would say that Fringe is the show to be concerned about and that is probably more likely true than anyone wants to admit; but it’s the new show Human Target for which I am rooting. While it may not be of the same caliber as 24, I honestly think this show could keep the action and adventure on the network and it deserves to stick around for at least another season or two.

The CW:

A number of critics have stated their, albeit unnecessary, concern over the future of Supernatural and Smallville, but I have a feeling that the network honchos will work out some sort of agreement with the creative teams and cast for both shows to continue for yet another season. Therefore, the show I am most concerned about is the new series Life Unexpected, which garnered terrific buzz from bloggers and critics alike, but has yet to gain the kind of numbers that will entice the network to keep it around for longer than just one season. I am hopeful that the remaining episodes will change this fact and the network gives the show a renewal.

Of those shows that are on the bubble, what shows do you want to see stick around for another season?