TV Series Finale

With the writers strike in full swing, the networks have been reluctant to officially cancel many shows this season. They’re desperate for original scripted programming, even if it’s getting less-than-impressive ratings. In that way, the strike’s been good for some series; giving them more time to try to build an audience. Unfortunately, sometimes it isn’t enough.

Here are the 2007 - 2008 season casualties, as well as a few cable and summer series:

The 4400 - USA Network decided to end the series after 45 episodes and four seasons, leaving many storylines unresolved.

Anchorwoman - After one night on the air, FOX pulled this comedy-reality series starring former World Wrestling Entertainment model Lauren Jones. There was talk that another channel might pick it up but that hasn’t happened.

The Dead Zone - USA Network recently decided to end the series after 80 episodes and six seasons. There are currently no plans to wrap up the show’s unfinished storylines.

Emeril Live - Food Network has cancelled one of it’s flagship programs after 10 years on the air. Fans of Emeril can take consolation in the fact that the energetic chef will still be seen on his other show, Essence of Emeril.

Hey Paula - Paula Abdul felt she was unfairly portrayed in the Bravo series and has said that she has no interest in doing another reality show like this one. It would be hard to continue the series without her.

John from Cincinnati - Rather than produce another season of Deadwood, HBO went with this often confusing series from David Milch. Viewership didn’t meet expectations and it was cancelled after one season. The DVD set is coming in April 2008.

Journeyman - Despite following NBC’s Heroes, this time-travel series consistently lost much of its lead-in audience. The network let it’s option to order more first season episodes lapse. Though there’s a possibility that the show could return for a second season, it’s highly unlikely.

The Kill Point - Though the John Leguizamo/Donnie Wahlberg series performed well, Spike TV decided against renewing it, opting instead to pursue reality programming.

Nashville - When FOX pulled this reality show after only two episodes, the network maintained that it would return. Unfortunately, the cast and crew were later informed that it was in fact cancelled. The producers were shopping the series to other outlets but it doesn’t look like they have had any luck.

On the Lot - FOX had high hopes for the Mark Burnett/Steven Spielberg filmmaking competition but viewers weren’t interested. The show was cut to one episode per week and barely made it to its conclusion. The official site’s been taken down and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever see the show again.

Online Nation - The first official network cancellation of the season, this CW Internet clip show was dropped after four episodes and lousy ratings.

Passions - NBC cancelled the soap in January. It was saved when DirecTV stepped in and bought the exclusive rights to air it; hoping fans would subscribe to the satellite TV provider. Things haven’t worked out and now DirecTV has pulled the plug. The last shows will air in August and, understandably, many soap fans feel cheated. Will someone else save the series?

The Showbiz Show with David Spade - Comedy Central opted not to renew the mock-entertainment news program after three seasons. Spade continues to be seen on CBS’ Rules of Engagement.

Traveler - ABC had little faith in this series almost from the start, when the network shortened its episode order and delayed it until Summer 2007. All eight episodes have aired and castmembers have moved on to other projects.

Viva Laughlin - CBS dropped the musical drama after it hit sour notes with both critics and viewers. Eight episodes were filmed but only two have seen the light of day.

How many shows will join this list once the writers strike is finished? Stay tuned!

No sniplet called The the dead zone products