Analysis: The US shows "on the bubble"

In just a few short weeks the major US networks will unveil their lineups for 2008-09. New shows will be born, old favourites will be renewed, and under-performing series will be brutally cast aside onto the big TV scrapheap. While many shows have already learnt their fate - check the US TV Tracker page for the latest - many others are still waiting to hear. Today we look at the renewal chances of those shows hanging in the balance (or, if you speak the lingo, the shows that are "on the bubble").

Bones (FOX/Sky One)

Despite losing the lucrative post-American Idol timeslot, Bones has largely held up in the ratings this last year. A fourth season has yet to be officially greenlit, although filming is already underway on the first six episodes - including a two-hour premiere set in London!
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL

Boston Legal (ABC/Living)

Now in its fourth season, David E. Kelley's legal comedy drama continues to draw decent - if unspectacular - ratings, with an average of 10 million viewers each week.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL

Reaper (The CW/E4)

The freshman comedy, about a young man who discovers he is Satan's bounty hunter, has delivered consistently low ratings for the CW in its Tuesday, 9pm timeslot. Considered a long shot for next season, but still has a chance now that the network has axed WWE! Smackdown from Friday nights.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED

How I Met Your Mother (CBS/Trouble)

The grim reaper would have come for this CBS comedy - now in its third season - were it not for two ratings-boosting appearances from Britney Spears.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL

Shark (CBS/Five)

The James Woods legal drama did decent numbers for CBS on Sunday nights, but has declined on its first season average.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED

Men In Trees (ABC/Living)

The Anne Heche comedy has averaged just over 6 million viewers for its second season thusfar, down from the first season's 8 million average. ABC has attempted to shop the show to cable network Lifetime, which refused to take it up.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED

House (FOX / Five)

With an average of close to 20 million viewers, no doubt exists over the future of the Hugh Laurie medical drama.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL

The Unit (CBS/Bravo)

The military drama has been in constant ratings decline, dropping from 15 million viewers for its first season to 11 million for the second. The third season was cut short at 11 episodes due to the strike, but tellingly, CBS opted not to resume production afterwards.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED

Moonlight (CBS/Living)

While doing uninspiring biz on Friday nights, this vampire drama has a devoted audience - fans are literally giving their blood in support of a second season - and has seen a slight uptick in the ratings since its post-strike return.
Tube Talk prediction: RENEWAL

Cane (CBS/ITV)

No chance.
Tube Talk prediction: AXED