BLOGS

TWoP 10: Shows That Should Return Next Fall (But Might Not)

We've already put out our plea for bubble show Chuck to return next fall, but plenty more of our favorites are in danger of falling through the network programming cracks. Here's nine more series that deserve another season, but may not get one. We know, we know, wishin' and hopin' didn't do Pushing Daisies any good, but we're sending out a prayer to the TV powers-that-be anyway: when upfront time rolls around in a month or so, please let at least some of these shows reappear on your schedules.

1. Chuck
As mentioned, we already wrote up our seven reasons that Chuck deserves to get a third season, but in short, it is clever, all-around fun, with a great cast, stellar writing and lots and lots of heart.

2. Life
Charlie Crews, the fruit-loving L.A. detective with a Zen attitude, has become one of our favorite TV cops ever in just under two years, thanks to Damian Lewis' deceptively placid, quirky charisma. This season, the weekly cases got more creative, the supporting cast got stronger (partly due to the addition of Donal Logue and Gabrielle Union) and the underlying conspiracy plot got twistier. Best of all, Crews' relationship with partner Dani Reese managed to deepen without any lame manufactured sexual tension. We need this life journey to continue.

3. Fringe
We tuned in because of Joshua Jackson, stuck around despite a slightly sluggish start, and were finally rewarded with some fun science fiction. We're just getting to the interesting mythology, and we're finally warming up to Anna Torv, mostly because she kicks butt. It's a little bit of Alias and a little bit of X-Files, with some really gross/awesome monsters of the week, and what's turning out to be a pretty enjoyable action series.

4. Better Off Ted
We need a good workplace comedy to make us laugh again, since The Office has been disappointing us lately. This one is more akin to Andy Richter Controls the Universe and is filled with that quirk and innate silliness that turns off the general public who prefer the more straight-forward sitcoms like Rules of Engagement. So, with low ratings, we're sure it's not long for the world, but we can dream, can't we? Or at least hope that they can put the show into a cryogenic chamber until a time when the masses will appreciate it?

5. Dollhouse
We're still iffy on this show, but it took a while for Angel to really hit its stride, too. Even Buffy had some less-than-stellar first season episodes. Perhaps that's just part of Joss Whedon's style. It seems like Joss and Co. are making an active effort to work out the kinks (while making nice with the network at the same time) to really get this series to meet the high standards his fans hold him to. It's getting there, but without a second season, we may never get to see that vision realized because the likelihood of there ever being a Dollhouse movie (like Serenity) is slim to none.

6. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
We've already lost one show with robots this season with the end of BSG. Don't take our other one away from us. We need some badass robots kicking butt to really round out our weekly TV viewing. Seriously though, we love the idea of this show and every time it starts to wear our patience thin with family drama, they hook us again with more cool Terminator technology.

7. Kings
This ambitious series is bringing a whole world to life, and the twisted tale just started to get really juicy, with backstabbing and dirty deals. It may be based in history, but this tale of a rich, powerful, corrupt monarchy has an epic feel about it that shouldn't be confined to just a few episodes. Plus, we're so grateful to have Ian McShane back in a starring role again; to take the show away now would just reopen our old Deadwood wounds.

8. Rock of Love
Sure, Bret said that this Bus installment was his last chance at finding love, but we're not sure we love, or even like, any of the girls that are left. He can do better than that, for sure. And even if he can't, it would be great for us to see him try, because there's something disgustingly engrossing about his sweet nature and the skanky girls who compete for him. It's our weekly exposure to this trashy world and we'd be a little lost without it.

9. Celebrity Apprentice
The Apprentice was getting to be a tired format. The addition of celebrities makes it infinitely more interesting, and these last two seasons have succeeded in making us actually enjoy this franchise again. But apparently we're in the minority, since the ratings are shrinking. Perhaps the problem is that they need a higher profile of celebrities to draw more viewers in the future, although the C-listers and sports stars (aside from Dennis Rodman) seem to be a scrappier bunch, willing to do what it takes to get 15 more minutes of fame. Maybe if they renewed it they could mix it up a little more.

10. Southland/The Unusuals
Neither of these shows have even premiered yet, but while they both have promising pilots that have us hooked, it is unlikely that they'll actually last. Unusuals has police cases with a healthy dose of comedy, which might be a little too oddball for the general public. And Southland is twisted and gritty, but with NBC's new schedule next fall, there's not really a lot of space for this show that needs to be in the 10 PM hour. We like them, but we're worried that they're doomed before they started.

Your thoughts? What would you like to see back in the fall?

112 Comments

April 3, 2009 4:48 PM
Megha
Reply

It saddens me to have Kings on the same list as Rock of Love. Of course, I am a snob who has never Rock of Love, but I imagine it is awful.

I am looking forward to The Unusuals. I am already sick of Southland and it hasn't even started yet. NBC promotion: too much (Southland) or not enough (Kings).

April 3, 2009 5:14 PM
Kris
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Could not agree more with the majority of this list. I heart Chuck so much, Better of Ted is simply deligthful & hilarious, love Kings & Fringe as well. Here's hoping...my finger are crossed!

April 3, 2009 5:15 PM
Kris
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Could not agree more with the majority of this list. I heart Chuck so much, Better of Ted is simply deligthful & hilarious, love Kings & Fringe as well. Here's hoping...my finger are crossed!

April 3, 2009 5:16 PM
kricka
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Thank you for including Life! I freakin' love that show, which is usually the kiss of death for it. It doesn't hurt that Damien Lewis and Sarah Shahi are two of the hotttest people on TV. *LeSigh*

There are some others on your list that I would also love to see more of - Fringe, Dollhouse, Chuck and The Terminator. *fingers crossed* that at least a couple of these make it.

April 3, 2009 5:16 PM
Kieran
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That's a definite yes on Chuck and Terminator. They are surprisingly good, especially Chuck.

Fringe I would miss but not too much. I'm not sure how I feel about Kings yet, but at least there were some good new shows this year. I have to echo Megha about the lack of promotion. Were it not for Twop I wouldn't even have known about it.

Dollhouse I am really getting into, even though I've only sporadically watched the other Whedon shows.

April 3, 2009 5:19 PM
Brixtonville
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@Megha It saddens me to see Kings on the same list as Rock of Love also. Skanks of Love: Tour Bus is much more entertaining.

When Ian McShane is serving cooter shots and rapping off of an informational gonorrhea pamphlet maybe I'll tune back in.

April 3, 2009 5:35 PM
MaggiSaar
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I'm totally game for Life lasting a long, long time. I love that show. It's quirky, silly, smart, and very good at what it does.

And Damian Lewis is a FOX, so that helps too.

April 3, 2009 5:57 PM
Bissrok
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Glad to see Better Off Ted on the list. I wasn't sure anyone else besides me was even watching it. But its one of the funniest shows I've seen since Arrested Development, though, and that means its guaranteed to get shot down any day now.

Only thing I disagree on is Dollhouse. I've been cheering on that show's death since the start. Was hoping it died quick, so Joss could go back to work on a Dr. Horrible sequel. Or, ya know, a series with a less terrible cast and premise.

April 3, 2009 6:09 PM
JPizzle
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Where's the love for Privileged? One of the funniest, warmest and best-looking shows of the new season and no love? Though I really enjoy JoAnna Garcia as Megan, less of her and more of Lucy Kate Hale and Ashley Newbrough would really make this show a home run.

I really want a second season for these characters to grow up, because with the proper promotion, this show won't be another Gossip Girl - it's another Gilmore Girls, and that's something we'd all like, right?

April 3, 2009 6:27 PM
Alia
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The only two on this list that I care about are Chuck and Dollhouse, which are actually both in my top-five, must-be-watched-live list of TV Shows. I'm actually hoping that Life, Kings, and Southland all fail, just so that Chuck has a better shot at a timeslot in the new, Leno-ravaged NBC landscape.

April 3, 2009 6:41 PM
mary
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Life! Thanks for including it on your list. A bunch of my friends and I love that show and talk about it every week.

It's currently my only must-see, non-timeshifting, can't wait till next week show.

April 3, 2009 6:48 PM
Toni
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I'm really enjoying Castle, so I'm praying it stays on the air.

April 3, 2009 7:31 PM
Twilight Man
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"Cold Case" is also being threatened with cancellation, despite always being a ratings winner.
Meanwhile, over at NBC, they'll be cancelling several shows to make way for Leno, who probably won't fare well at all. What a waste.

April 3, 2009 7:32 PM
tg
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chuck sucks too stupid. characters are lame and premise is just awful. but better off ted is funny and smart. it is too bad if it gets canceled. I really like it. I has good characters, a funny premise, and interesting potential. We'll see. Kings is so mediocre. Ian McShane is great. But the writing is awful and unbelievable. Plus, David is a total dork. I like the premise, but wtf? Let's get moving already.

April 3, 2009 7:53 PM
Sabina82
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I've got to agree with Dollhouse. The first few episodes were kind of hit or miss (usually until the very last bit of the episode when Echo would have some sort of memory tick which was generally amazing). The last two episodes (and I expect, the episode tonight) have ROCKED. I'm an old-time Buffy fan though, so I might be a bit biased towards Joss. Though I never watched Serenity or Firefly and only mostly-loved Angel.

April 3, 2009 8:10 PM
Mary
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The Apprentice in any form needs to die. Donald Trump has had WAY more than his 15 minutes.

April 3, 2009 8:26 PM
boa
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Reaper should have made this list- it's in a crap time slot, got slipped in mid-season, and is probably doomed, but it's really one of the few things on the CW worth watching.

April 3, 2009 8:55 PM
JTMacc99
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Losing Chuck would hurt. It's just such a shame that not enough people gave it a chance or even tuned in at all.

BTW, I watched every season of The Apprentice up until this one, and the very clear reason I'm out this time is the two hour format. If I've got two hours to watch the same thing, why wouldn't I just watch a movie?

April 3, 2009 9:27 PM
capoeira girl
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i love sarah connor so much especially now that it's really getting good with the john henry twist.

April 3, 2009 9:34 PM
ratman
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I can't stand any damned Apprentice, and don't get MTV, but I love all of the rest of the listed shows (and am looking forward to the ones not yet aired).

Which, of course, means they will all be summarily canceled.

April 3, 2009 10:09 PM
kerin34
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I didn't start out watching Dollhouse, but after reading the recaps on TWOP, I decided to give it a go. I'm watching it now - but I don't know if it's only because of Helo who is my imaginary boyfriend. But I'm becoming more interested each week.

April 3, 2009 10:26 PM
tam1Mi
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Isn't it telling that of the eleven shows listed here, 5 are on NBC? I am really hoping LIFE gets another shot to find an audience, and am rooting for CHUCK as well.

April 3, 2009 10:33 PM
Chris
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Not Chuck, please not my Chuck! There's just something so endearing about this show that's not found in many other network dramedies. If we lose this show, my world will be just that much darker.

April 3, 2009 11:12 PM
wolfdreamer
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Sorry don't watch a single one of those shows so I don't care one way or another about them.

April 3, 2009 11:49 PM
Lauren
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I absolutely adore life and it will break my heart if it's canceled! I looooove Damian Lewis! Chuck is also one of my favorites, and I'm really getting into Kings. Basically, it's looking like I need to hijack NBC and force them to keep my shows!

April 4, 2009 12:46 AM
Kristin
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Chuck and Life are fan-frickin-tastic. Definite appointment television for me. I pray the TV Gods who renewed FNL also save these two shows. Dollhouse has been great the last few episodes as well.

April 4, 2009 12:47 AM
jords
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Fringe: I loved it from the pilot, and can't wait for these 6 new eps. Because I really really miss Walter and Gene.

Dollhouse: This show gets better and better every week. I actually liked the pilot, but feel these last few weeks have vindicated my faith in M.E. Fox, please don't let me down.

Hey, TWOP - why no Castle shout out???

April 4, 2009 1:49 AM
Katchoo
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Sarah Connor Chronicles fans can find info on what's being done to save the show by going to http://www.savethescc.com/

I've been sending FOX head honchos letters and postcards and bugging my friends to to do the same. Let's make a lot of noise, folks!

April 4, 2009 2:04 AM
Alex
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Castle is growing on me. I hope it comes back.

April 4, 2009 4:35 AM
Steven
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I am amazed at how many of the shows on your list I watch and very much enjoy (read: everything but Rock of Love and Celebrity Apprentice...and The Unusuals, since I have not actually seen it yet). Life, however, has a special place on my list. As pointed out, I absolutely love the fact that there is NO "will they or won't they?" bullshit with Crews and Reese, and yet their relationship is already more complex and nuanced than a million other cop-partner shows out there. The story arc of the last few weeks has me biting my fingernails!

The big question on my mind (and most everyone else, it seems) is, does NBC really think that the Leno thing is a good idea? I have yet to hear a single person say anything positive about this plan, except for those bean-counting executives who're extolling the monetary virtue of their decision-and, of course, Jay Leno.

April 4, 2009 8:28 AM
Margaret
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I love Chuck and I will be very upset if we do not get a third season. I also have found myself enjoying Fringe at first I was not sure but by the time they took a break for AI I found myself missing it so I hope it comes back next season.

April 4, 2009 10:22 AM
Ann
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LIFE is the only show I really care about. If NBC doesn't renew LIFE (or another network doesn't pick it up), I will delete NBC from my TV remote's channel menu. Period. Oh, and bravo to Boston's WHDH for deciding not to air the primetime Leno show. I hope other stations follow suit. NBC: Skip Leno, save LIFE! (Besides, Leno is being such a hypocrite! He pays his writing staff through the writers' strike, then takes away hundreds of jobs by hogging 5 hours of weeknight primetime?! What a bleepin' jerk!)

April 4, 2009 11:02 AM
laura
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Im really hoping that fringe and dollhouse get picked up again! Both great shows.......and I do have to admit I do watch rock of love. I know totally cheesy....but its like a car crash you have to watch:)

April 4, 2009 11:05 AM
Sean
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How can you possible include Celebrity Apprentice and Rock of Love and not include REAPER?

April 4, 2009 11:33 AM
anna
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im italian and im following Dollhouse since its premiere. this is one of the best shows we are waiting for here

April 4, 2009 11:53 AM
Temmere
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Fringe was just hitting its stride when it went on break, so I'm pretty excited for it to return. That's the one I'd most like to see come back next season.

Chuck is a lot of fun, so I guess I want that back too. Sarah Connor isn't nearly as good as I had hoped (tooooo sloooooow), but I'd like for it to continue. Life isn't nearly as good as it was in its first season, but I can't seem to quit it on my own, so I wouldn't mind its canellation that much.

April 4, 2009 12:05 PM
Rainy
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Chuck I think will get renewed. Dollhouse I *hope* like hell it will get renewed. TSCC... I think won't get renewed because of the huge drop in ratings. Which I don't get because I've heard good things about the show and since that its a Terminator series, I thought would have a higher rating. The Time-Slot Curse of Friday?? I'd like to add Castle to the list. Great show!

April 4, 2009 12:10 PM
Pop
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KINGS is a masterpiece of television. You really have to watch it.

April 4, 2009 12:31 PM
Gregor
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Life and Chuck are two of the best shows on TV. Personally, I lost interest in Fringe after the pilot. Kings seems to be losing steam. It would be nice to see Trump banished from TV, never to return.

April 4, 2009 12:32 PM
Elaine
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I'm so glad to see Life on this list. It manages to be funny, original, and clever without being gimmick-y, with an interesting partnership to boot. Grrr, NBC. Don't do it!

April 4, 2009 12:47 PM
mirai
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Terminator should definitely be renewed, and if it doesn't I think I will seriously cry..

April 4, 2009 1:14 PM
HoneyBee
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please don't cancel LIFE!!!!

April 4, 2009 1:14 PM
Hannele
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Castle! I cannot get enough of snarky Nathan Fillion.

Also, yes, Better Off Ted and Dollhouse. Maybe someday I'll be awesome enough to have power hair!

April 4, 2009 1:29 PM
packtlikesardines
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Just saw the pilot for Southland, i love it. I know right now it is a replacement for ER but with Leno taking over the entire 10 pm time slot when will this show be on?

I could see this show maybe being on at 9 even though i agree it is pretty gritty. But with John Wells backing this up i don't see them just up and canceling it. If they do another network should foreshore pick it up.

Looking forward to seeing the Unusuals, looks very promising.
So glad Life is finally getting it's due credit.

April 4, 2009 1:42 PM
Raeann
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man how bummed am I that the first 5 shows on your list are ones that I enjoy.
Especially Life. That has got to be one of the best new(ish) shows on TV right now.
Here's hoping the network execs have some semblance of a brain...I know, it's asking a lot.

April 4, 2009 2:06 PM
Philippa
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Absolutely agree about 'Chuck'. We're loving it over here in the UK! So much so that there's a convention including it in a few weeks with Adam & Zach attending. The entire cast of 'Chuck' shines, but especially Zach and Adam.

April 4, 2009 2:10 PM
toonaspie
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As long as Fringe and Kings come back next season, I'll be happy.

It would be nice to also see Castle amd Chuck again next season too.

April 4, 2009 3:25 PM
Melissa
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I *love* Life. (that sounds weird to type. So hoping it stays on the air... the story and characters are great. And, PS? TWOP, you should totally be recapping it!

April 4, 2009 4:31 PM
Sabrinatee
Reply
replied to comment from Ann

YES. Life is the only show on that list worth saving (I have no idea what anyone sees in Dollhouse, SCC or Chuck - the casts of all those shows (with the exception of Garet Dillahunt on SCC) make me want to gouge my eyes out). Lewis is much better as an American than he is as a Briton, Shahi has improved enormously in the second season, and I've been greatly amused by the recurring guest role played by Lewis's wife, the droll Helen McCrory. SAVE LIFE (everything else can go down the tubes).

April 4, 2009 5:06 PM
Elithe Pelton
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Project Runway! Get the stupid legal stuff worked out so that we can see season 6!

April 4, 2009 5:25 PM
Jared
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Please don't cancel Chuck. I just got into it and am thoroughly devoted now. I just love that show

April 4, 2009 7:23 PM
Ladidah
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I've been watching less TV this season only because I don't have time and my internet is on the fritz all the time and I am too cheap to get a DVR. So, I will say thanks for this list, for reminding me of the shows I used to love and would love to get back into (Life especially; would also love Reaper; hope Fringe is still good when it comes back!) and news shows to get hooked on (Kings, Unusuals, Southland, etc). But I pray TSCC doesn't get cancelled, and even Dollhouse is growing on me.

April 4, 2009 8:15 PM
Michael
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I think I see a glimmer of hope for some of the NBC shows. They might get a midseason return deal, because there are a lot of affiliates who are unhappy with the Leno deal. Their Boston affiliate has said they aren't going to run it and will just have local news in that spot instead. That's a big market station taking that stand, and it sends a big message to the NBC brass.

April 4, 2009 9:38 PM
Ottis
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Please keep Chuck going. Gave up on Fringer after 6 eps. Celebrity:Apprentice was interesting when it was about the tasks, but now it is just about whose friends show up with the most money.

April 4, 2009 9:43 PM
M'Lynn
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I feel so dirty, but I don't want to live in a world without Rock of Love. How else can I know wassagoinon?

April 4, 2009 10:23 PM
Rene
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Love love love love love Chuck! We never miss it. I don't watch the others.

April 4, 2009 10:48 PM
GennyMartel
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Add me to the list as a big fan of Life. And I also enjoy Chuck and Fringe. TV is going to be a boring place without those shows. I'll give up totally on NBC after that.

April 4, 2009 11:18 PM
Ashley
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Fringe just wasn't given a chance. It's taking awhile and sure Josh Jackson was the only reason I watched in the first place, but it's only had a few episodes and then had to go on hiatus because of stupid American Idol. Also, Kings is the best idea I've seen on TV yet. I'm hoping it turns into a success because I would love to see how this biblical story gets re-interpreted. It's hard to see why good shows like these are always on the bubble, but they manage to keep crap reality shows or crap shows like Desperate Housewives and Heroes.

April 5, 2009 6:15 AM
citosol
Reply

THEY HAVE TO SAVE LIFE!

Wonderful music, awesome actors, great plot...it's a pleasure for eyes and ears.
It deserves to be renewed!
So...go here and vote for Life!
http://blogs.kansascity.com/tvbarn/2009/03/tell-me-what-tv-show-you-want-me-to-review.html
Any support it can get is a worthwhile one, don't you think?
:)

"gimme Life or gimme death!"

April 5, 2009 12:41 PM
dshermanator
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I am hoping Rock of Love comes back for another season. I never watch it, but I love Potes' recaps! I look forward to those ROL recaps more than any other recap (Survivor and ANTM coming in a close second).

Celebrity Apprentice is ok. I really hope Fringe comes back. I was disappointed when My Own Worst Enemy was canceled. I think it would have come into it's own.

April 5, 2009 2:24 PM
Number X
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Well,I hate(actually not) to bring you the bad(not really) news that T:TSCC is dead in the water according to this - http://www.fmqinc.com/terminator-cancelled/

April 5, 2009 3:18 PM
K
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You had me till Rock of Love. That show makes me die inside (I have to watch it for work sometimes). People, please stop watching it so I don't have to.

April 5, 2009 5:40 PM
Dan
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Verry tellingly, there are NO CBS shows listed. Apart from How I Met Your Mother, I don't understand why CBS is the #1 network. Even their blatant copies of other shows do better in ratings than the originals. Maybe it's because their viewers are the least techno-savvy?

April 5, 2009 10:39 PM
KRC
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Castle.
It's brilliant, watch it.
Nathan Fillion. Do I really need to say more?

April 5, 2009 10:59 PM
CandyMaize
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I'm completely in sync with you for #s 1-6 (love these shows!!) and agree that #10 shows look promising.

April 5, 2009 11:16 PM
Jason (Lantern7)
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Just so I'm clear, The Amazing Race is no longer considered a bubble show?

As much as I like watching TTSCC, I think it's a goner. They've lost four major characters, so it feels like it's going into a suicide spiral, taking everybody with it . . . emo would-be saviors, asskicking robots, and redheaded chicks turned chilly T-1000s.

Celebrity Apprentice? C'mon, Trump is Trump. Shouldn't he go, even if NBC can't find anything better?

April 5, 2009 11:23 PM
JJSmith
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I appreciate the spirit and the letter of most of these recommendations. Chuck is bar none my favorite show remaining on television. I always DVR Life and thoroughly enjoy it (I'm even starting to enjoy Donal Logue and I didn't think that was possible). Both deserve full third season orders.

I like Kings okay but it walks the line on being an epic and I don't see it appealing to a wide base (because those who might be drawn to the source material would throw hissyfits about the creative license taken). I honestly think any flight of the Apprentice or Rock of Love is wasted space. I really tried to get into Terminator last season, but it just didn't take.

Southland has some gritty potential, but I think that the necessary character development will require more time than the show will be given. My first reaction to The Unusuals was that they'd managed to build an entire New York precinct to deal with the wonky Belker cases from Hillstreet Blues.

April 5, 2009 11:48 PM
Saeward
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I'd care about these shows if I'd ever watched them (I have seen Better Off Ted, and it's pretty good, but no way will they renew it). I don't even know what Rock of Love is, and I've obviously never seen the ones that haven't been shown yet. In a way, it'll be good when they cancel a lot of them like Chuck, just to see those fans who can't praise their "underappreciated" favorite without trashing successful shows get what's coming to them.

April 5, 2009 11:53 PM
NightNymph
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I agree with boa. Reaper is fun and I'll be annoyed if it gets canceled before all of the mysteries get revealed.

I also totally agree with Dan. I watch exactly 1 CBS show - sometimes - 60 minutes. I too hate how the blatant copies CBS has do better. Even when their show is first, I still usually prefer the other networks versions. I watched a few CSI episodes, but was unimpressed (the insect stuff they used was totally wrong to a laughable degree). I much preferred Crossing Jordan even though it was less popular - and sadly it too was on NBC and therefore given wretched time slots and then canceled after one of its best quality seasons.

April 6, 2009 4:43 AM
Katie
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I will quite possibly give up on watching tv entirely if terminator, life, fringe, dollhouse and chuck get cancelled. i've already lost bsg this season - have some heart!

April 6, 2009 10:18 AM
Catherine
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The only ones on the list I care about are Chuck & Fringe. But I do love Castle, and I really, REALLY hope they don't cancel that! Not that I have any faith in ABC...

April 6, 2009 12:52 PM
Lyle
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I'm in for half - Life, Fringe, Kings, Terminator, and Dollhouse (sort of). Life is my wife's favorite show right now; sure hope it stays.

April 6, 2009 5:32 PM
Otl
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Hope they bring back CHUCK and LIFE. I watch and tape these two no matter what else is showing. Like BUFFY and PUSTHING/DAISIES, the dialogue and acting is worth repeating.

April 6, 2009 5:39 PM
DJ
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Castle and Dollhouse! Joss knows what he's doing... If anyone, he deserves a little slack. As for Castle, well, Nathan Fillion.... What more could you ask for?

April 6, 2009 8:17 PM
Gunngirl
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I agree with Boa and Hannele with Reaper and Castle. If I didn't know better I'd think Joss had a hand in some of the writing on Castle. SO happy Reaper is back too. Rounding out my list is Life, Dollhouse and Fringe.

April 6, 2009 9:49 PM
AKF
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After tonight they have to bring Chuck back for another season. It is just getting better and better with each season! I will be so hugely disappointed if they don't bring Chuck back. I may never watch NBC again!

April 6, 2009 9:50 PM
AKF
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After tonight they have to bring Chuck back for another season. It is just getting better and better with each season! I will be so hugely disappointed if they don't bring Chuck back. I may never watch NBC again!

April 6, 2009 10:11 PM
Matt
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Survivor (Bataan Death March).

April 6, 2009 10:49 PM
Melissa
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I think that a part of me while wither away if they cancel Kings.

April 6, 2009 11:17 PM
Troy
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Better Off Ted?! Really? It was cute and all, but come on...

April 7, 2009 1:00 AM
Richard Steven Hack
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TSCC is doomed, there is absolutely no doubt. Friedman has burned down the franchise in less than two seasons. How anybody could screw up TERMINATOR, a guaranteed spinoff of a major movie franchise, that badly is beyond me.

Dollhouse is doomed if it does not trend significantly upward in the remainder of the episodes.

The last 2 episodes of Dollhouse were weak - trying to make DeWitt funny two weeks ago was simply ridiculous. Last week's episode had some good moments, but ultimately went no where - which is the kiss of death in a new show.

A new show HAS to GO SOMEWHERE! It has to have momentum, tension, story arc development. Dollhouse episode 6 was very good in that respect. The last two episodes have slowed the momentum.

My guess is Dollhouse is doomed.

Fringe is very likely to be renewed.

Chuck is iffy.

April 7, 2009 12:33 PM
KtotheSmith
Reply
replied to comment from Brixtonville

What's a cooter shot?

April 7, 2009 12:36 PM
KB
Reply

I love Life so much, too, and this really has been a good season. I loved the moment when Dani and Crews both decided to trust each other and not believe the pictures. Great moment. The Mentalist is getting all the buzz as the new cop show, and it's cool, but I think Life has so much more depth and I wish it got more attention.

And Fringe, "We tuned in because of Joshua Jackson." Haha SO TRUE! I'm so glad I tuned in that first time, though, because I love it now.

April 7, 2009 12:38 PM
KB
Reply

Oh yeah, and I'm so looking forward to the premiere of The Unusuals. It looks awesome.

April 7, 2009 3:21 PM
Jen
Reply

I adore LIFE. I managed to miss it at first, then got hooked on the first season through Hulu. I am clinging to the faint hope of a third season.

April 7, 2009 10:20 PM
Steph
Reply

Life Life Life Life Life Life Life Life!

If you're not watching this show, you're missing out.

Fantastic writing!

(and Damian Lewis is super hot)

April 8, 2009 1:23 AM
Bunny
Reply

We never miss Life, Dollhouse, and Fringe -- the rest of them we don't watch. Reality shows have jumped the shark, and the high tension cop dramas will suffer due to the high tension people are feeling generally. More fantasy, please. (And who says The Office isn't funny? It KILLS.)

April 8, 2009 4:30 AM
WarYap
Reply

Time for a reality check, people.

Life, Better Off Ted, Terminator, and Kings have no chance of coming back. They're all great shows, but their ratings are horrible. Life is the only one of those with any excuse, being in a brutal time slot going against Criminal Minds, Lost, and now American Idol. Still no way it's coming back.

There's no way Fringe doesn't come back. I don't know why it's even on this list.

Chuck would likely come back if not for Leno. But as it stands it's on the bubble. Dollhouse has terrible ratings, but I give it a small shot at coming back. Not very likely, though.

A lot of people have mentioned Castle, which, unlike all the other shows I've mentioned, I don't think is very good. It's likely doomed as well. It had OK ratings for its premiere, but has dropped in every episode since.

April 8, 2009 4:58 AM
ljande
Reply

I love Chuck and Fringe. Have watched a couple of episodes of Kings and enjoy that one too. I've been looking forward to the Unusuals, but now I'm afraid to start watching. Oh, who am I kidding? I've watched Amber Tamblyn since she was Emily on GH and then followed her to Joan of Arcadia, so I'm sure I'll watch. sigh

April 8, 2009 8:19 AM
Cat
Reply

Chuck, I would definitely miss. I wanted to watch Fringe but they played around with it too much. Yet I want to stay around so I can get a chance to see the show as a whole, instead of stop and start. I have actually watched a couple of episodes of Life, and found it a good show. The rest I haven't bothered with. ROL, I can't stand Brett Michaels, and feel he and Trump have more than had their 15 minutes of fame. Southland is getting on my nerves with the commercials, so way to go NBC for making me not want to watch a show before it even airs. The rest, I have no intrest in, but I would like to see several of the shows that have propped up regular tv go away because they reached their done time. Not gonna mention any but there's a reason I'm not watching them.

April 8, 2009 11:21 AM
Nick
Reply

I really hope dollhouse makes it to its second season! It is so creative and I love the plotlines and characters. I also hope that the networks give the unusuals and southland a fair shot, because they both look fantastic and its really not fair to premier them right at the end of the regular season.

April 8, 2009 4:07 PM
Brandon
Reply
replied to comment from Temmere

i love fringe but doesnt even compare to how much better of a scifi show Terminator is, i mean i like fringe but sometimes its too corny and it bites from xfiles alittle, but i like olivia dunham, but summer glau or cameron is way hotter and a way way way better actor in terminator and in firefly...

April 8, 2009 4:09 PM
brandon
Reply

OMG i hate dollhouse, its sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Boring cancel it now keep TSCC and Fringe and ill be a happy clam...

April 8, 2009 5:07 PM
Jennifer
Reply
replied to comment from Megha

I have loved Chuck ever since its first episode and have been thrilled to watch it get better as it goes on. It would be extremely disappointing to see it go, but at least I hope if it doesnt make the cut, they can bring it to a nice close instead of just leaving us hanging like they do with most shows they take off the air.

April 8, 2009 8:11 PM
bebe
Reply

I love Chuck so much!!! it's the best show ive watched in a long time, if it's canceled i'll be very upset. dollhouse and better off ted are really great as well. I really hope they don't cancel these shows!

April 9, 2009 2:38 PM
Diana
Reply

I love Chuck so much, and I'm finally really enjoying Fringe (slow start, I agree). Wish Reaper had been included on this list, it's a snarky, funny show and it deserves a larger audience.

April 9, 2009 7:12 PM
Paul
Reply

This article is lacking in substance. The article is premised on the assertion that these shows are in danger of not returning next season. Yet, it gives no information as to why each show may be at risk (e.g., poor ratings, a main actor leaving).

April 9, 2009 10:44 PM
lynne
Reply

Chuck and Life are favorites of mine. I really, really, hope they stay. Can't say the same about Kings. It had its moment in the pilot now it is just bad.
I am sorta getting into Dollhouse but I would much rather have My Own Worse Enemy.

April 9, 2009 11:23 PM
Mike
Reply

Fringe is not being canceled. It got picked up for a 2nd season. Please get your facts straight before you post stuff like this.

April 10, 2009 1:39 AM
bob
Reply

"Life" is great, as is "The Unusuals." Both shows need some time to level off, that is, to allow their unusual characters to find a groove that doesn't get too caricaturish, and both are working with really strong casts. (Did anyone notice that stars in both "Life" and "Southland" were both in "Band of Brothers"? And one of "Unusuals" was in "Saving Pvt. Ryan"?
"Terminator--Sarah Connors" is excellent some episodes, but uneven. This show's writers need to seek their own level, too. I saw "Southland"-- Cudlitz, as the tough veteran cop, needs to avoid trying to imitate Denzel's role in "Training Day." Movies can get rid of the bad guy at the end, but a series like "The
Shield" gets tiresome.
I like "Chuck," but find "Better Off Ted" a riot.

If only we could get rid of "reality" shows . . . .

April 10, 2009 9:46 AM
tvmovielover
Reply

Whew! Glad to hear Fringe is ok for another season since there is more story to tell there. I see lots of love for Chuck, and Terminator. I have mixed feelings about both Southland and The Unusuals. Great casts but the Unusuals needs to get a little less quirky fast and though I liked Southland, it is not different enough to stand out in the fight for later hours on NBC. Jay Leno earlier is going to cut some shows with small but loyal followers.

April 10, 2009 11:53 AM
Buggy
Reply

Chuck is a great show. It deserves more than two seasons.

April 10, 2009 1:07 PM
Jessica
Reply

I would hate to see Dollhouse go - it's an interesting concept... and entertaining... and who is hotter than Eliza Dushku ! It's great to have her back to drool over!

April 10, 2009 1:39 PM
shoeychocolat
Reply

i hope fringe dosnt get cancled i just started getting into it. plus the picture up there, in the middle, the woman, she looks like a girl i knowl.

April 10, 2009 1:47 PM
Chris
Reply

I don't watch alot of T.V.,but when I do I'm watching Life, Fringe, and Kings. Chuck is pretty good too. Go figure... hoping for the best.

April 11, 2009 9:05 AM
Katie
Reply

Thank you Paul. I can understand Life, Dollhouse being cancelled but come on, Fringe? This show did better than half of the new shows that are airing. You might as well put The mentalist on here, too.
BTW, people are going crazy now thinking their show is going to be cancelled because of this one article. good going.

April 11, 2009 2:44 PM
Sunhov
Reply

I hope life come back, it is the best show out there since the 3 law & order started... I love this show, my husband & I put our son to bed early on Weds. Just to have a quiet date watching the show so please NBC bring it back....

chuck & terminator also deserve to come back...

As to the Jay Leno stuff please NBC dont be stupid to cut an entire line up of shows just for this arrogant guy. I hate his show now imagine if it goes to primetime...

So we need more LIIIIIIFFFFFFEEEEE

April 11, 2009 2:45 PM
Sunhov
Reply

I hope life come back, it is the best show out there since the 3 law & order started... I love this show, my husband & I put our son to bed early on Weds. Just to have a quiet date watching the show so please NBC bring it back....

chuck & terminator also deserve to come back...

As to the Jay Leno stuff please NBC dont be stupid to cut an entire line up of shows just for this arrogant guy. I hate his show now imagine if it goes to primetime...

So we need more LIIIIIIFFFFFFEEEEE

April 12, 2009 7:45 PM
nic
Reply
replied to comment from boa

l agree reaper is awesome I hate tv because most of my fav tv shows always get cancelled like chuck a whole lot and better off ted

April 13, 2009 2:14 PM
DKB
Reply

Terminator rocks and after the season 2 finale we need it back more than ever!

April 28, 2009 7:48 AM
greg
Reply

I think Chuck should DEFINITELY stay next season. The show is so awesome and now that Chuck all of a sudden has super powers by updating the new intersect inside his head I can't wait to see what happens now and how much more awesome he will be though the project is already over so I am eager to find out what the new premise will be.

May 15, 2009 10:02 PM
Gabrielle
Reply

I love chuck so much dont take it away from us

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