Parks and Recreation, Revolution, The New Normal, Go On: Which NBC Shows Will Survive?

Get ready for E! Online's Save One Show campaign, which lets the fans decide which series should stick around

By Kristin Dos Santos Apr 16, 2013 12:52 AMTags
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation, Matthew Perry, Go On, Billy Burke, Revolution, Andrew Rannells, The New NormalNBC

Holy anxiety, TV fans....Right?

In just a few short weeks, we'll find out which network TV shows will—or won't—live on to see another season. Per usual, some truly deserving shows will be cut. And some diehard TV fans will be ugly-crying in the fetal position. To try to avoid this, we are about to launch E! Online's annual "Save One Show" campaign, where you fans get to weigh in on the one show you want to save from possible extinction—before it's too late!

Now, to help you make an informed decision, we're going to give you the lowdown on each network in the coming days. First up, NBC. We've done our research and talked to inside sources, and here's where we believe the following bubble shows currently stand:

LIKELY TO BE RENEWED

Hannibal: Episode three of this insanely good new drama by Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, Wonderfalls) airs this Thursday, so it's a bit too early to tell. However, Hannibal ratings have been solid and critical response has been favorable (Lost executive producer Damon Lindelof even tweeted his love), so a second season is looking promising.

Law & Order: SVU: Despite the show's age, NBC ordered an additional episode for the current season, and ratings remain decent. According to insiders, this one is expected to stay.

Parks and Recreation: "Unless there's some last-minute change, Parks and Rec will survive," an insider tells us. Although ratings are down 20 percent this season (in part because of schedule shuffling), P-Rex remains NBC's shining star when it comes to critical acclaim, awards-show love and TV fans who love woodworking, mustachioed men . Expect another season. (And if by some natural disaster it doesn't happen, expect the aforementioned ugly-crying to go down in the offices of E! Online.)

Revolution: Averaging more than 6 million viewers, J.J. Abrams' futuristic drama is "pulling in enough viewers to stick around another year," according to one Peacock network insider. The futuristic drama even grew its audience opposite last week's NCAA championship game. No small feat.

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Community: Despite a controversial move to replace creator Dan Harmon, the fans of this cult hit have remained true, keeping Community's ratings hovering at around 3 million viewers. That just might be enough to keep it around, but the show's fate really depends on how NBC's new comedy pilots turn out.

Go On: "Completely on the bubble," says one source. The ratings aren't great, but this Matthew Perry comedy does have some buzz and critical acclaim. And with 30 Rock and The Office leaving the air, NBC needs a strong comedy presence like Perry, so it could squeak through.

Parenthood: Still one of NBC's most critically acclaimed series (and for good reason). And with the high-profile bombing of Smash, that's certainly worth something! If Parenthood is renewed, it likely will be for a shortened season.

The New Normal: Insiders tell us that, barring any last-minute changes, renewal chances are 50/50. Given how incredible that season finale was (the wedding! The birth!), here's hoping for another miracle.

LIKELY TO BE CANCELED

Whitney: Season two's premiere was as low as the lowest-rated season one episode, and the ratings went down from there.

GONE

Smash: Despite heavy promotion and an impressive cast (Jennifer Hudson!), Smash hemorrhaged viewers in season two, leading to its move to Saturday night, where it has sunk even further. The voluptuous lady has sung.

Up All Night: Christina Applegate announced she is 100 percent done with the show, and Will Arnett and Maya Rudolph got new jobs. We know baby Amy is cute and all, but she probably can't carry the show all by herself.