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Bubble Shows 2010: FOX
'Human Target,' 'Lie to Me,' 'Sons of Tucson': Keep 'em or kill 'em?
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With the announcement that this season will be the last for "24," FOX's bubble got a little bit smaller. It's really down to three shows vying for spots on the schedule with whatever new series the network has in the pipeline.A big chunk of the network's schedule will return intact next season: "Bones," "Glee," "Fringe" and the Sunday animated shows will all return, and "House," though not officially picked up yet, is the network's highest-rated scripted show, so it would take something very strange happening for it not to return as well.
That leaves just two shows currently on the air -- "Human Target" and "Sons of Tucson" -- and the summer returnee "Lie to Me" on the bubble. Let's look at each of their chances.
"Human Target"
The case for it: Though its numbers aren't out of this world, it has been a steady performer for the network, averaging 9.4 million viewers (including a couple of post-"American Idol" airings) and a 2.9 rating in adults 18-49. It often wins its Wednesday timeslot.
The case against it: Winning that timeslot at 8 p.m. ET Wednesdays is nothing to write home about. The show's demographic ratings have been so-so at best of late.
"Lie to Me"
The case for it: A decent utility player for FOX, the show is averaging 8 million viewers and a 2.9 demo rating this season. It's produced by FOX's sister studio, 20th Century Fox TV.
The case against it: Its numbers are down significantly from last year (10.1 million viewers), and because it's not scheduled to return until June, it won't have a chance to do anything before the network sets its schedule.
"Sons of Tucson"
The case for it: As the only live-action comedy on FOX's airwaves (not counting the already canceled "'Til Death"), it could be a building block if the network decides to try comedy on another night next season.
The case against it: Star Tyler Labine has a role in a CBS pilot this spring -- never a good sign. The ratings are pretty soft too -- 4.2 million viewers and a 2.0 in adults 18-49.
If you haven't already voted in the ABC and CBS bubble polls, you still can. And watch for breakdowns of NBC and CW bubble shows later in the week.
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Pete Night, please keep "Sons Of Tucson", now that MITM is gone, we need another show like it. I still say MITM could of stayed on the air for another five years. I'am sure you could made the boys look young that much longer. You had a good thing going Mr Night. So please keep "Sons Of Tucson" on, and bring back MITM. I cry everynight because you took a good sitcom off the air.
Correction: Name should be Peter Rice. Sorry about that. Peter Rice of Fox, again please keep SOT and MITM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Human Target and Lie To Me are great. Hope they stick around.
Love the concept of Human Target, but it's really began to creep me out that there is no girl. Yes, there's a flavor of the week but it's beginning to look like a bunch of dudes. Which depresses me because TV should tell me that there is a wonderful man out there who's actually trying to be in a relationship with a woman. Sigh.
Human Target is the type of old-fashioned hero-driven action show we don't see much of anymore. And the fact it's girl of the week adds to the appeal. It just wouldn't work having the same-old, same-old man + woman relationship that every other action show on TV already has.
Human Target is just miscast. Love Chi McBride, but the other guy is from "Stock Action Man Assembly Line Who Works in the Universe of Incredible Luck and Circumstance." Pointless, dull, predictable.
Never have watched Lie To Me, but Tim Robbins is good, playing House. I mean, it is just another version of House.
I like Tyler Labine, but SoT looked dead in the water back at last years Upfronts. He was best in Reapers. That show deserved to stay, you know.
Human Target is good simple (and silly) action fun. The cast is very good.
Never saw Lie To Me but I do know that Tim Robbins is not in it.
Why would anybody hire Tyler Labine? All he does is kill shows.
I do agree with the poster who praised Human Target for being an old-fashioned action show.
I also hope that Lie to Me is renewed, although I don't like its chances. Saving the remaining 12 episodes for the summer screams "burn off" to me. Tim Roth is in LTM, not Tim Robbins.
David, you are a moron.