Upfront Talk: “Aliens” and “Back to You” Get the Ax; “Reaper” Saved

I’m going to be heading to NYC on Monday for the network Upfronts. It’s the week where traditionally the networks reveal their Fall lineups to potential advertisers. But if we learned anything from this past year it’s that when it comes to TV, nothing is “tradition” anymore.

NBC already announced their preliminary lineup a few weeks back. The rest of the networks are unveiling their schedule this week with a caveat or two. The pilot season had been drastically affected by the WGA strike so expect to hear changes up until the Fall schedule is set in stone.

But word is already starting to leak out about some of the network shows on the bubble. I’ll be passing along the info as I hear it (as well as working on an easy grid for you to keep track of the news), but here are the early rumors on some of the shows. Remember all this is just speculation based on sources – all will be confirmed next week.

The CW
ALIENS IN AMERICA will not be picked up by The CW for a second season. Nor will LIFE IS WILD or GIRLFRIENDS. But REAPER, who started off strong for The CW and never really lived up to expectations will get another chance and will be renewed.

FOX
Fox’s big name comedy, BACK TO YOU, starring Kelsey Grammar and Patrica Heaton will not be back on the Fox schedule. Joining Back to You on the chopping block will be K-VILLE and THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES. But freshman sci fi drama TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES will be back.

ABC
Rumors are swirling that ELI STONE will (thankfully) get a second season pick up. But freshman crime drama, WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB won’t be back. And it should come as no surprise but the alphabet network will also say goodbye to CARPOOLERS, CAVEMEN, BIG SHOTS and MEN IN TREES. More news on the other shows on Tuesday.

CBS
No big surprises here in terms of CBS’s canceled shows. Not returning are JERICHO, WELCOME TO THE CAPTAIN and VIVA LAUGHLIN. They have a few more on the bubble and we should know more next week.

NBC
No rumors here. NBC has already announced which shows they’re axing and picking up next year. Gone are BIONIC WOMAN, JOURNEYMAN (sniff, sniff), and LAS VEGAS. As for NBC’s new shows? Check back on Monday for a full list and a sneak peek at what NBC is giving us in 2008-09.