Network Upfront Notes CONTINUED

Don't you just love Upfront Season? I do. With the spirit in the air, more information is being uncovered by all the networks.

First up at ABC, some sad news - Samantha Who? has been cancelled. The comedy, starring Christina Applegate, was expected to get a renewal by the network. ABC had problems with it this season, as it was expensive to produce. They were in talks to cut the budget in a possibly format change, but I guess the talks fell through, and ABC just couldn't afford to keep it around. Who? was seen as a strong contender last season, but has since fallen off, and saw a steep ratings decline.

Source: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003871.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

Lastly, The CW has picked up Vampire Diaries, their only drama pickup so far. Also expect the new Melrose Place to get a pickup at their upfront. It will definitely be airing this fall. Any other pickups or renewals are still unknown at this point.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/05/cw-picks-up-new-drama-vampire-diaries.html

At NBC, Chuck is now officially renewed, according to multiple sources. But, some bad news as well: budgets have been big-time cut. One of the main starrers is expected to be cut, and regulars will be scaled back to recurring. Also, 2 members of the writing staff are also expected to get the cut. 13 episodes have only been ordered, which may be the max for this show.

Source: http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/05/its-official-nb.html?xid=rss-ausiellofiles-It%27s+official%3A+NBC+renews+%27Chuck%27+%28but+there%27s+a+catch%29

Also at NBC, Medium is expected to get a renewal, still, but ongoing talks between NBC and CBS Entertainment are pulling the renewal from going forward. NBC is looking to get cuts on the show, by only ordering 13 episodes. But, CBS is consistent in wanting a full 22 episode season, and they don't want to give NBC any budget cuts. Patricia Arquette is also wanting a full season from the network. If anything, the show may end up on CBS, making it a prime target for Fridays at 9pm. So, stay tuned for this - while the show will be renewed in someway (CBS doesn't want to end it yet), where will it end up?

Source: http://www.tvweek.com/tvmojoe/2009/05/medium-could-be-on-the-move.php

Over at CBS, pilot orders have been announced: The Good Wife, Miami Trauma, Three Rivers, NCIS: Legend, Accidentally on Purpose, and reality show Undercover Boss have all been picked up for next season. Accidentally remains the only sitcom pickup thus far, and is seen as a perfect match for Old Christine next season. Not sure where Undercover Boss will end up - maybe Saturdays? Also, Without a Trace is seen as just about cancelled, which would be a huge mistake in my opinion. 13 million viewers and they're going to cancel it?

Source: http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/primetime-pilot-panic-cbs-official-pickups/