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Bubble Watch 2011: FOX
'The Chicago Code,' 'Lie to Me,' 'Bob's Burgers': Keep 'em or kill 'em? [Updated]
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UPDATE 4/7: FOX has picked up a second season of "Bob's Burgers," despite a large majority of "Kill it" votes from Zap2it readers. With the pickup, we've closed voting in that poll, but you can still vote on the other FOX bubble shows.Bubble Watch 2011 continues with FOX, whose bubble may be smaller than other networks' because of what we know is coming in the fall.
The network will debut the U.S. version of "The X Factor" in the fall, and if it has the same sort of footprint that "American Idol" does in the spring, it will displace as much as three hours' worth of other programming. Considering FOX only programs 15 hours of primetime each week, that's pretty significant.
So shows like, say, "Lie to Me" or "The Chicago Code" that may have gotten the benefit of the doubt in another year could be in somewhat more precarious positions this time. And with the lower-rated "Fringe" already having locked up a spot for 2011-12, it's going to be tight.
Here are five shows we think are on the bubble. Let us know whether you want FOX to keep or cut them, and sound off in the comments.
"Bob's Burgers"
The case for it: It has fit in pretty well with the rest of FOX's Sunday animation lineup, holding on to a respectable amount of its lead-in from "The Simpsons."
The case against it: That retention hasn't been as strong as "The Cleveland Show" had earlier in the season.
"The Chicago Code"
The case for it: The well-reviewed drama has provided an upgrade at 9 o'clock on Mondays since its February debut and has been a fairly steady performer in a tough time period.
The case against it: The bar for improvement wasn't super-high, and its adults 18-49 rating (2.4) isn't that impressive.
"Human Target"
The case for it: Despite inconsistent scheduling -- several weeks off here, double runs there -- fans still found the show this season, where it averaged 7.6 million viewers.
The case against it: Is that the ceiling for the show?
"Lie to Me"
The case for it: It's been a good utility player for the network, filling holes in the schedule and drawing a fairly consistent audience wherever it's aired.
The case against it: Of the three dramas on this list, it draws the smallest total audience (6.7 million). It and "Human Target" both score a 2.2 among adults 18-49.
"Traffic Light"
The case for it: Tenuous. Even with an "American Idol" lead-in a couple weeks back, it failed to entice much of that show's audience to stick around.
The case against it: All in the numbers: It's averaging only 4 million viewers and a 1.6 rating among adults 18-49, lower than the already canceled "Running Wilde."
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Photo/Video credit: FOX
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Keep Lie To Me (it's an awesome show), Human Target (action = fun, was much better in season 2), and Chicago Code (has potential).
Chicago Code is the best of the bunch. Shawn Ryan is reliable. (RIP Terriers) Human Target had an entertaining cast of characters. Lie to Me? Meh.
lie to me all the way
LIE TO ME IS AWESOME. KEEP IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KEEP LIE TO ME!!!
I love Chi McBride and I think he can do better then Human Target. So kill it and set him free.
Lie to me is a "Must Have" for the fall season!!!!!
Keep Human Target and Lie to Me. Couldn't care less about the rest.
please keep the chicago code its the best thing out of chicago in a long time plus the lovly jennifer beals is in it too which is a bonus
FOX is a waste of time for any show. They are only invested in American Idol which needs to just go away. As well, the fact that they schedule less hours than the other networks needs to be taken into consideration when figuring the ratings. The ratings are not balanced.