Notable Shows Missing in NBC’s Fall Lineup
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
NBC announced its fall schedule yesterday ahead of its network competitors, but the struggling network made news more for what’s not on its autumn agenda: It canceled “Crossing Jordan” and the high-profile flop “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” “Friday Night Lights,” which has also garnered favorable reviews but only a small audience, was renewed. “Law & Order” will be back for its 18th season and “Medium” will return in January.
In a surprise move, NBC kept its Thursday night comedy lineup intact. “30 Rock” and “The Office,” though loved by critics and a small core audience, have left NBC stumbling on a night it once dominated. The network seemed to be on the rebound a year ago when it offered a new slate of high-gloss programs, but in the spring, it had its least-watched week in at least 20 years.
