THE BRIDGE: Midseason replacement (???)

Let’s not get too excited just yet until we hear something official, but …. Numb3rs will have 16 episodes this season instead of 22 to make room for a midseason show. There is talk about which shows that will be and The Bridge gets mentioned.

CBS cuts ‘Numbers’ to 16 episodes
‘Flashpoint’ may take over Friday night slot

By: MICHAEL SCHNEIDER
November 4th, 2009

“Numbers” has been given a new one: 16.

CBS confirmed Wednesday that it had reduced the order of the Friday night drama from 22 to 16 episodes. According to Eye execs, net decided to make the adjustment in order to make room for midseason fare.

CBS has few holes on its schedule — but nonetheless has several shows on the bench, including reality skein “Undercover Boss” and fresh dramas “Miami Trauma” and “The Bridge.” Returnee “Flashpoint,” which performed decently for the Eye on Friday nights, is a top contender to take over the “Numbers” slot.

Net execs stressed caution in reading too much into the fate of “Numbers” — it is only November, after all, and a final decision on a “Numbers” renewal wouldn’t come down until May. But episodic reductions are never a good thing, and “Numbers,” now in its sixth season, is a contender for bubble status when the time comes.

Among CBS’ new shows, the fate of “Three Rivers” is still in the air — but a back-nine pickup is unlikely at this point.

Source: Variety

Numb3rs Countdown
By: Andrew Ryan
November 6th, 2009

The end appears to be nigh for the crime-drama Numb3rs. According to a report in Variety, CBC has reduced this season’s show order from 22 to 16 episodes in order to make room for the return of the Canadian-made Flashpoint and the new dramas The Bridge and Undercover Boss. Currently in its sixth season, Numb3rs has been gradually waning in U.S. Nielsen ratings since returning to the Friday-night lineup in September. At the same time, CBS extended the episode order for the new sitcom Accidentally on Purpose, which now joins NCIS: Los Angeles and The Good Wife as rookie CBS shows with full-season pickups.

Source: The Globe and Mail

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