CHUCK
Working in its favor: The first step in NBC’s image rehabilitation following the messy Conan/Leno Late Night debacle probably doesn’t include canceling this critical and fan favorite.
Working against it: You mean aside from a disappointing average of 6.8 million viewers per week? The production of a second high profile spy series called UNDERCOVERS by some guy named J.J. something-or-other.
Renewal Odds: Positive.
HEROES
Working in its favor: The fact that NBC allowed Tim Kring to end the season off on a cliffhanger has us thinking that they’ll give the show thirteen episodes to wrap things up next season.
Working against it: How many people would really care if they didn’t find out what happens next?
Chance of renewal: Positive.
COMMUNITY
Working in its favor: The show seems to get funnier week after week. Plus, if there’s one thing NBC does do right, it’s nurture ratings anemic freshman comedies (see: THE OFFICE, PARKS AND RECREATION and 30 ROCK)
Working against it: Emphasis on ‘ratings anemic,’ with COMMUNITY averaging a mere five million viewers and regularly coming fourth in its timeslot.
Renewal Odds: Positive.
TRAUMA
Working in its favor: NBC may be scrambling to come up with enough programming next season to make up for the void left by the failed Jay Leno experiment.
Working against it: Its 3 million dollar per episode price tag combined with the fact that we have yet to meet one person who watches this show.
Renewal Odds: Don’t hold your breath.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
Working in its favor: DirecTV, without which this show would have been cancelled two seasons ago.
Working against it: A certain in-the-know TV journo who we may-or-may-not have a massive friendcrush on all but canceled the series last week. Talk about your downer Smurf.
Renewal Odds: Not good.
MERCY
Working in its favor: High profile guest stars and the addition of DAWSON CREEK alum James Van Der Beek have kept this show from flat-lining.
Working against it: If NBC is serious about reclaiming respectability in the creative community, it’s gonna need to do a lot better than a less interesting version of GREY’S ANATOMY.
Renewal Odds: Since we always bet on the ‘Beek,’ we’re gonna go out on a limb with this one and say positive.
Be sure to tune in tomorrow when we put ABC under the microscope. Same Bat Time, Same Bad Channel.