Shows on the bubble (TLF, TW, VAR)

By Nancy Tartaglione

As networks attempt to figure out their pilot orders for next season, the media is out in force today with predictions regarding shows on the bubble - the existing shows that may or may not be renewed. Based on several reports, what follows is a round-up of which shows may boil over into next season and which could soon evaporate.

The Hollywood Reporter estimates that shows with more than a 50% chance of surviving to next season include NBC's "Heroes," "Chuck" and "Community"; ABC's "V," the CW's "Unexpected," "Smallville" and "Supernatural"; CBS' "Medium" and Fox's "Human Target" and "Fringe."

Potentially on the do not resuscitate list, THR pegs: ABC's "FlashForward," "The Forgotten," "Better Off Ted," "The Deep End" and "Scrubs"; NBC'S "Mercy" and "Trauma"; Fox's "24"; the CW's "Melrose Place" and CBS' "Numbers."

At an even 50-50 are CBS' "Accidentally on Purpose" and "Cold Case" while THR says it's too early to guess about "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried."

Meanwhile, The Wrap would like to the following shows saved: "V," "The New Adventures of Old Christine," "Fringe," "Community" and "Smallville."

ABC's "Better Off Ted," "Scrubs" and "The Deep End" are goners, opines TW while "FlashForward" still has a chance at holding on.

At CBS, "Numbers" is a zero-sum game and "Cold Case" has gone...cold. "Medium" seems a good bet to return while "only a truly crappy comedy development season for CBS" could save "Accidentally on Purpose," says TW.

Over on Fox, TW says there's too little info on "Human Target" and "Past Life" but the bet is that the network is happier creatively with the former. "Til Death" and "Brothers" are also expected to shut down.

At NBC, TW says "Heroes" and "Trauma" are over. "Law & Order" and "Chuck" are safe.

As for the CW, TW expects "Life Unexpected" to get a second chance while "Melrose Place," barring a miracle, will no longer be in residence come fall.

For Variety, the biggest questions at CBS include "The New Adventures of Old Christine," "Gary Unmarried" and "Accidentally on Purpose."

"Numbers" is likely to exit while "Medium" is probably safe and "Cold Case" will have a tough time surviving.

Variety considers that a lot is riding on the returns of "FlashForward" and "V" in determining those ABC shows' fates. "Castle" looks stronger, while "The Deep End" and "The Forgotten" are not. "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted" are also out the door, estimates the trade.

As for NBC, Variety says don't count "Heroes" out yet - but don't count it in just yet either.

Between "Mercy" and "Trauma," just one will likely return, according to Variety.

Fox may be ready to let "24" go, while "Fringe," "Lie to Me" and "Human Target" all firmly reside on the bubble for Variety.

And at The CW, "Melrose Place" doesn't seem likely to last beyond this year.