TV Feature: What Will Happen to Your Favorite Network Shows

CHICAGO – It’s that crazy time of year when network executives have to make the tough decisions. What do they cancel? What do they give another chance? What do they move? These are no small choices. Not only do they impact your favorite shows, but they can also determine the overall success of a network and lead to millions of dollars made or lost. If a network renews a bubble show and it takes off, their entire fortune can change. But what if they cancel the wrong one? Every major network is currently working on finalizing these huge decisions for their 2012 fall seasons. And it’s inevitable that some hearts will be broken. Will it be yours? Let’s take a look at the choices facing the major networks at the moment.

CBS

We might as well start at the top. The #1 network in terms of total ratings had a strong 2011-12 season but not an overwhelming one. The breakout hit was “2 Broke Girls” (which just proved that it doesn’t even need a strong lead-in like “How I Met Your Mother” as the hour-long season finale last night matched ratings for the finale episode of “The Voice”). “2 Broke Girls” is one of those shows that feels like it will be on for years. And “Person of Interest” delivered solid numbers, even if it’s not a “Lost”-esque phenomenon. In fact, they have both been renewed already along with a number of hits. Don’t worry about the following shows:

Rob Photo credit: CBS

“2 Broke Girls”
“The Amazing Race”
“The Big Bang Theory”
“Blue Bloods”
“Criminal Minds”
“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation”
“The Good Wife”
“Hawaii Five-0”
“How I Met Your Mother”
“The Mentalist”
“NCIS”
“NCIS: Los Angeles”
“Person of Interest”
“Survivor”
“Two and a Half Men”

What does that leave on this network of smash hits? Let’s get the bad news out of the way first — fans of “A Gifted Man,” “NYC 22,” and “Unforgettable” should let them go (and “How to Be a Gentleman,” which will burn off episodes that were already shot soon, was already canceled). I would be stunned if any of them were renewed.

It leaves four major question marks or “on the bubble” shows — two comedies and two stalwart mystery shows — “CSI: Miami” & “CSI: NY” and “Rob!” & “Rules of Engagement.” While all of these shows get reasonably strong enough numbers to warrant renewal, CBS is going to want to bring out some new programming that could do better. A lot depends on whether or not they open a new night to comedies, which would be good news for Rob Schneider and David Spade. If not, both of those shows could go.

I think they’ll hold “Rules” as a mid-season replacement and cancel “Rob!,” looking for another partner for “The Big Bang Theory” on Thursday nights. I also think, believe it or not, that both “Miami” and “NY” will go. The network has a history of canceling old mystery shows (“Cold Case,” “Without a Trace”) that they feel are past their prime. I also think they’ll move “The Good Wife” out of Sunday nights, maybe even pairing it with “Blue Bloods” on Fridays along with opening a new hour to comedy, maybe even on Sundays.

Predicted CBS Renewals:

“Rules of Engagement” (mid-season)

Predicted CBS Cancellations:

“CSI: Miami”
“CSI: NY”
“A Gifted Man”
“NYC 22”
“Rob!”
 “Unforgettable”