Shows That Need a Reboot


Now that the dust has settled, the schedules are out, and the trailers for the new shows have been released, it's time to take stock of what to expect heading into the new fall season. On Wednesday I reviewed some of the new shows, today I look at some aging shows that need to do something if they're to keep going.

A few shows already have expiration dates. "30 Rock," though still hilarious, will wrap up after 13 episodes in the fall. That seems like a good plan to wrap up the show with dignity. And "Fringe," while low-rated, will get a chance to have a proper 13-episode farewell in the fall too. But, undoubtedly, still more veteran shows will see their flames extinguished by next May — whether by choice or by force. Below is a list of some shows that have gone through rough patches. If they bounce back strong, their presence will endure. If not, it could be time to say goodbye in one year's time.

The Mentalist — moving to Sundays at 10 p.m. on CBS
Why: The show just wrapped up its fourth season and is still fairly strong in the ratings. That being said, CBS is moving the show off the popular Thursday night slot it has occupied for four years and dumping it on Sunday nights. This is the path "CSI: Miami" took, and it was cancelled without a proper finale this April. "The Mentalist" has a charismatic lead and, loosely, follows a Sherlock Holmes format. CBS now has an actual Sherlock Homes show that was given the Thursday 10 p.m. timeslot. See where I'm going here. Additionally, the first season of "The Mentalist" was great. The last three have been predictable. Sometimes they have great shows, but it's become too gimmicky. And this is CBS, where the ratings standard is high. If the show doesn't hook viewers, it could become a casualty of the cost associated with an aging show.

Glee — moving to Thursdays at 9 p.m. on FOX
Why: This show has continued to degrade and decline for the past two seasons. Blame over exposure or tired storytelling, but it's just not what it once was. Last week's two-hour episode perfectly encapsulated the problems of "Glee." Some of it was incredibly emotionally resonant, some of it was just stupid. The show seemed to have a chance at rebooting with graduation, but now comes word all the characters are staying. What does a high school show do when the characters aren't in high school but don't leave? Nothing good. And now FOX is putting it in an ultra competitive time slot on Thursday nights. This could be the end for these singing students...

Grey's Anatomy — Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC
Why: When "Grey's Anatomy" moved to Thursdays, it was a power move. ABC moved its best show to take a bite out of CBS. "Grey's Anatomy" is still one of the network's highest rated dramas, but it doesn't have the bite it once did. The show is getting old and is in range where it needs to find the right kind of find a way to do a proper send off.

The Office — Thursdays at 9 p.m. on NBC
Why: This show hasn't been the same since Steve Carrell left last season. It's caught in an old, familiar pattern. If the show wasn't still one of the few bright spots on the NBC schedule, it would have been allowed to die with dignity this season. Much like "Grey's Anatomy," it needs to find a graceful way to exit the stage.

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