Originally Posted by
dad1153 
Nielsen Notes (Broadcast)Dim outlook for a longtime staple: CopsTwo of the top police procedurals are at risk of cancellation
By Toni Fitzgerald,
Media Life Magazine - Feb. 15, 2012
Years ago it seemed the networks couldn't air enough police procedurals like "Law & Order" and "CSI," but that is no longer the case.
While the "NCIS" programs continue to thrive, the only broadcast show left in the "Law & Order" franchise may be canceled this May, and at least one, if not two, "CSI" editions are also in danger.
All three shows have put up series-low numbers this season. NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is averaging a 2.1 adults 18-49 rating this season in the Wednesday 10 p.m. timeslot, third among the Big Three in the hour.
"CSI: NY," now in its eighth season, is averaging a 1.7 rating on Friday night, where it is tied for first in its 9 p.m. timeslot with NBC's "Grimm."
And "CSI: Miami" is averaging a 2.2 at 10 p.m. Sunday, down a full point from what it averaged two seasons ago, when it aired on Mondays.
Shows become more expensive to produce as they age, with stars' salaries and production costs rising. When ratings start to drop into the low 2s and high 1s, most aging shows are no longer worth the price.
If any are canceled, it should come as no surprise.
CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler said during the Television Critics Association tour last month that "CSI: NY" could be gone after this season, because it's simply not pulling strong enough numbers.
Bob Greenblatt, who took over as NBC Entertainment chairman last year, does not have a history with "SVU," which had been running for a decade before he took over the network. And Greenblatt already canceled one "L&O" show, "Law & Order: Los Angeles," last May.
"CSI: Miami" has the highest ratings of the three and so might be safe for one more season. But it seems doubtful that two more seasons are a possibility, not with ratings dropping the way they have.
Of the three, "SVU" seems most likely to be axed. The show lost its male lead last year, Christopher Meloni, and the drama has undeniably suffered creatively without him.
Should "SVU" be canceled, it would mark the first time in more than two decades that NBC has been without a "L&O" on its schedule.
"NCIS" is the only cop franchise that continues to thrive, and one reason is because the original is much younger than the original "CSI" and "L&O," as is its spinoff.
http://www.medialifemagazine.com/art...taple-Cops.asp
11 of my season passes are on the Canceled, Certain Cancellation or Likely Cancellation list
4 are on the bubble and 11 are on the Likely Renewal or Certain Renewal list.
