The big TV news this week is Charlie Sheen’s bizarre conflict with Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre and other “Losers.” After nearly a decade as TV’s top sitcom, its future is unclear. Will it return with a replacement? Can Jon Cryer and the Half Man carry the show by itself? Only time will tell…
For now, let’s take a look at this year’s newest shows: which ones are safe for a season 2, and which are in danger of cancellation?
CBS
Speaking of CBS shows, The Eye was the only network to give all of its new offerings a full season order. However, that distinction does not ensure life beyond season 1.
S#*! My Dad Says – 
This one could go either way. The William Shatner sitcom inspired by the popular Twitter account isn’t exactly burning up the ratings, but it does consistently out-perform veteran comedies on NBC, which is quite sad if you think about it.
Season 2 Outlook – Good?
The Defenders – Jerry O’ Connell and Jim Belushi love schilling for the inspiration of their legal drama, as evidenced here. But will that help them get a season 2? Earlier this month The Defenders moved to Fridays at 8, known in some circles as “The Friday Night Death Slot.” Sometimes this move can benefit a show (TGIF anyone?), but more often than not it results in a swift, albeit painful death.
Season 2 Outlook – Not good.
Blue Bloods – 
I like Tom Selleck. I just wish he and his great mustache would do something more in the vein of Magnum P.I., or even a straight-up comedy. Selleck always brought the funny when he was on Conan back in the day. But for now I’ll have to do without watching his new show, Blue Bloods, another Friday night contender. According to TV By The Numbers, Blue Bloods won its most recent Friday night. If that trend continues, this rookie cop show should return.
Season 2 Outlook – The ‘Stache Will Be Back
Hawaii Five-O – This re-make of the long-running classic has performed well for CBS. Actor Scott Caan received a Golden Globe nod, and hey, people like it, too: in January, Five-O won “Favorite New TV Drama” at the People’s Choice Awards.
Season 2 Outlook – Book ‘em, Danno! (Book them for a season 2 renewal, that is)
Mike & Molly – 
Chuck Lorre is kind of the man right now. He’s handling the whole Charlie Sheen mess with wit and restraint and now there’s talk that his latest sitcom (Mike & Molly) has a chance of replacing Two and a Half Men if the show doesn’t return. Fat jokes are popular!
Season 2 Outlook – Definitely coming back.
NBC
And what of the Peacock?
Chase – 
Doesn’t look like Super Producer Jerry Bruckheimer produced a super hit this time. Earlier this month, the police drama about chasing down fugitives was replaced with Guy Fierei’s insufferable Minute to Win It. Never a good sign when the frosted tipped, former spokesman for TGI Friday’s replaces you.
Season 2 Outlook – Not good. You didn’t “Chase” this one hard enough. (sorry)
The Event – The Event, or as it’s more annoyingly referred to as: THE EVƎNT, was an attempt to fill the gap left by LOST. This one had aliens, though, and also all of the characters have Twitter feeds. So viewers can pretend that’s cool. Despite a big premiere, The Event has lost steam in subsequent weeks.
Season 2 Outlook – Not good.
Law & Order: Los Angeles – 
Fans of the original Law & Order franchise were dismayed when NBC canceled the seminal series on the eve of its record-setting season. Did Law & Order: Los Angeles, aka LOLA, manage to assuage any of that ill will? It’s a little soon to tell. Complicating matters: a major shake-up with the cast earlier in the year that may or may not help its chances.
Season 2 Outlook – I’d bet on it.
Outsourced – I thought this workplace comedy was going to be the first canceled out of all of 2010’s new shows. I was wrong. I don’t think it’s going to return next year, but to be safe, I’m going against my own mind and say that it WILL return next year.
Season 2 Outlook – It will be back (but I’d be okay if it didn’t)
FOX
FOX has had a rough one. Lone Star was the first network show to be canceled, while Mitch Hurwitz’ and Will Arnett’s Running Wilde failed to become the next Arrested Development. One thing the network can be proud of is Raising Hope, the latest single-camera comedy from My Name Is Earl creator Greg Garcia, was renewed for a second season back in January. This is great news for everyone who loves Raising Hope and terrible news for everyone who hates it.
ABC
Like FOX, ABC’s new shows haven’t fared too well this year. The Whole Truth and My Generation were quickly canceled, and now the general consensus seems to be that its other new shows will meet similar fates.
Detroit 1-8-7 – 
Michael Imperioli should find a way to join up with his fellow Sopranos ex-pats on Boardwalk Empire, ‘cause no one is watching Detroit 1-8-7. Unless they can work in a subplot about Detroit getting a Robocop statue, it doesn’t look like anyone will.
Season 2 Outlook – Not this one. It would be crazy if the final case the team from Detroit 1-8-7 will be involved in is its own 1-8-7 at the hands of the ABC network.
Better With You – This safe, generic sitcom has been doing pretty well so far this season. I’m thinking it’ll settle comfortably into the kind of show Yes, Dear and According to Jim became. The kind that airs four times in syndication every night but you sit through anyway because what else are you going to do before Jeopardy! comes on?
Season 2 Outlook – Yeah, it’ll be back.
No Ordinary Family – 
Maybe viewers are experiencing superhero fatigue? Since premiering in the fall, reception among critics and audiences has been pretty ordinary. Which is a little surprising given the show’s cast is one of the strongest on TV right now. Hopefully Romany Malco finds a project worthy of his talents after this one falls through.
Season 2 Outlook – Not good.
What say you, friends? Has the 2010-2011 season been a good one? Do these shows deserve their fates? Let us know in the comments
