Networks Announce Post-strike Decisions

After opting to cancel its long-running sitcom "Girlfriends" and scrapping production on the remaining 9 shows of its scheduled 22 this year, the CW is reportedly considering ways to give the show "a proper sendoff," perhaps via a clip show, reports Variety.

As previously reported, Monday night's two new episodes marked the end of the road for "Girlfriends." Hours earlier, the CW told writers that the show would not return for a ninth season.

"Girlfriends" star Tracee Ellis Ross also made her directorial debut on the 9:30 p.m. episode, which ended up being the series swan song.

The CW has also cancelled its freshman drama "Life is Wild," but will quickly resume production on five or six episodes each of dramas "Smallville," "Gossip Girl," "One Tree Hill," "Reaper" and "Supernatural."

On the CW comedy front, "Everybody Hates Chris" had wrapped production of a 22-episode season before the strike kicked in. And the network is looking to crank out eight or nine more episodes of "The Game."

ABC renewed nine series for fall. Freshman dramas "Dirty Sexy Money," "Private Practice," "Pushing Daisies" and "Samantha Who?" all received 13-episode pickups, while 22-episode orders were given to "Brothers & Sisters," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost" and "Ugly Betty."

CBS has renewed all three editions of the "CSI" franchise, "NCIS," "Without a Trace," "Cold Case," "Numbers," "Criminal Minds," "Ghost Whisperer" and "Moonlight." Comedies given a green light are "Two and a Half Men," "How I Met Your Mother" and "The Big Bang Theory." So far, CBS hasn't asked for more episodes of dramas "Shark" or "The Unit," starring Dennis Haysbert. Both programs are on the bubble for a return next fall. As for the new Latino family drama "Cane," CBS said no more episodes will be produced this season, however, the series remains a contender for renewal next season.

NBC is expected to bring back most of its Thursday sitcoms, including "My Name Is Earl," "The Office" and "30 Rock." It's not yet clear how many more episodes of "Scrubs" will be produced. NBC is contractually obligated to produce more "ER" episodes this season, and it seems likely at least four to six of those will air starting in April. "Law & Order: SVU" should also resume production on new episodes, while "Medium" is gearing up to come back to finish out its season. "Chuck" is a favorite at the network, but the odds are that the show won't return until late summer (after the Olympics) or early fall. "Heroes," with its elaborate serialized storyline, is also expected to take the summer to regroup. No new episodes of "Las Vegas" will be produced this season, but it's still on the bubble for renewal. NBC execs are looking for a way to bring back "Friday Night Lights." NBC's "Saturday Night Live," the only late-night show completely shelved by the writers' strike, is planning a Feb. 23 return if the writers ratify a contract agreement.

FOX has decided to extend the regular TV season in order to take advantage of late-delivered episodes from shows including "House." Originals of certain shows could continue airing into June, insiders tell Variety, or else in August. Serialized series won't return until next season, however; the net felt that producers -- not to mention viewers -- may have trouble getting back into those shows' storylines at this late date. The network has decided to begin the new season of "24" in January instead of trying to force a full season of the Kiefer Sutherland drama at this late date. [x]

They renewed most of my favorite shows: Pushing Daisies, Moonlight, Ugly Betty, Medium, Heroes and etc. Unfortunately, Friday Night Light's fate is still up in the air. I really hope they renew it, or find a cable network that'd be interested in airing its third season. It is by far the best drama on TV right now. Yea bitch, I said it.