Sci-Fi News and Reviews

Sci-Fi Shows in Danger

It's that time of year. Sure, a bunch of shows already know if they will be back (or, in most cases, will *not* be back), but the final word on several of our favorite Sci-Fi shows will be announced in the near future. TV.com published a list of ten shows that they thought were in danger of cancellation. I extracted the Sci-Fi related shows on their list (which turned out to be 7 of the 10) and grouped them by network. (And, yes, CBS was left off on purpose, as they are currently a no-Sci-Fi zone).

ABC

First, let me comment on "Castle" (the only-non Sci-Fi show on my abbreviated list). Obviously, I included the "Moonlighting"-like cop/writer drama on the list because of Nathan Fillion. Once a Sci-Fi actor, always a Sci-Fi actor!

The ratings for "Castle" were decent. It's not anything that will be on my 'top viewing' list, but Fillion is engaging and the show is good, light entertainment. There is enough there that I think it will get a renewal.

NBC

NBC had three shows on the TV.com list. I consider two of them locks for cancellation, with the third a heartbreaking possibility.

I honestly thought "Knight Rider" was already cancelled. But, evidently, it's not dead yet! There is a fairly well-organized effort to save the show underway. That said, in my opinion, it's the worst of the shows on this list - by far. I proactively removed it from my TiVo months ago. I'd say it has no chance of renewal

The second NBC show on the list, "Kings", falls in the "I'm not watching it" category. The TV.Com article says that it is "...totally original, looks fantastic, and has some great acting talent". But, they also note "...nobody watches it". Although it should be considered Sci-Fi in an alternative history sort of viewpoint, it never captured my attention. I don't see "Kings" getting a renewal.

Finallly, the list includes one of my favorites - "Chuck". The ratings are not stellar, to be sure. But, I'd argue that this show is superior (in every way) to "Heroes", which is ostensibly coming back next year with similar ratings. "Chuck" is light fare, but it is always entertaining. My hope is that it returns - but it is certainly in danger.

The CW

"Reaper" has returned, and I suspect many of the fans have not noticed, because the rating number have been miniscule. However, the show is still creatively solid. "Supernatural" was renewed, and, for me, "Reaper" would make a nice thematic lead-in for my favorite show. However, one of the lead actors, Tyler Labine ("Sock") has already signed on to another show, so I am betting the chances are slim for a renewal.

FOX

Ahh, FOX. They keep green-lighting shows with great promise, then do everything that they can to kill them off. I thought that they have changed their methods with the relatively good treatment of both "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and "Dollhouse".

But, now, it's judgement day (sorry, I couldn't resist!). FOX has to know that they need to give genre shows time to mature. Even though the overall ratings are pretty bad, reports say that both shows are doing well in the intended demographics. If this is the case, FOX needs to ante up and give them another 13 episodes each.

Summary

Every year, we know there will be shows that don't make it. If I could only choose one show from this list to survive, it would be "Chuck". That might surprise you - but I really feel that "Chuck" is the most solidly entertaining show on this list. I am a huge Whedon fanboy, but even I acknowledge that "Dollhouse" has not hit stride yet. "Sarah Connor" is solid, as is "Reaper", but I always watch "Chuck" before those shows.

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Posted by Fred on April 6, 2009 4:24 PM
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