With the news Tuesday night that Fox has canceled the robot cop drama “Almost Human” after one season, the bubble watch — that time of year when underperforming TV shows wait anxiously to hear their fate — has officially begun.
As the networks look to pick up new shows for next season, some existing shows will have to go. First-year series that never quite took off and veterans aging gracelessly are both in peril.
While the renewal of some shows is a no-brainer (hello, “Scandal”), the return of others, such as CBS’ “Hostages,” is far from certain. With decisions set to come down in the next week or two, here are our picks for the top 10 bubble shows.
‘The Crazy Ones’ (CBS)
That the Robin Williams comedy was left off the list when CBS renewed 18 shows last month doesn’t bode well for its future. Its season finale two weeks ago drew less than 6 million viewers, meaning the top-rated network will likely choose to move on.
‘The Mentalist’ (CBS)
This 6-year-old drama was likewise left out of the bulk renewal, putting it in danger of being canceled. If that happens, there’s a chance it could see a second life on cable — Deadline.com reported last week that the studio was shopping the Simon Baker procedural to other networks.
‘Law & Order: SVU’ (NBC)
After 15 seasons, “SVU” still draws an impressively loyal fan base, but that longevity equals a pricey drama that draws only modest ratings. With creator Dick Wolf now having successfully spawned another franchise in “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago PD,” NBC could opt to focus his attention there and finally close the book on the “L&O” franchise.
‘Community’ (NBC)
No bubble list would be complete without this perennially endangered cult comedy. “Community’s” saving grace for the past five seasons has been that, while its ratings are low, so are those of every other NBC comedy. With both Michael J. Fox’s and Sean Hayes’ series tanking on Thursdays, “Community” is likely to get halfway to its “six seasons and a movie” goal.
‘Growing Up Fisher’ (NBC)
With fellow Tuesday comedy “About a Boy” having found a respectable audience, this comedy about a boy with a blind father could see itself getting the ax. But averaging 5.7 million viewers in its last episode is no slouch for NBC — depending on how the network feels about its new comedy development, it could squeak out another season.
‘Dads’ (Fox)
This multi-camera comedy from “Family Guy” creator Seth MacFarlane was reviled by critics for its one-note jokes and stereotypical characters, and finished out its first season last February without a renewal. It’s unlikely even the mighty MacFarlane can save this one from cancellation.
‘Surviving Jack’ (Fox)
“American Idol” ain’t the launch pad it once was, as this Chris Meloni comedy discovered when it premiered last month. Airing after the half-hour results show on Thursdays, “Surviving Jack” drew just under 4 million viewers last week — likely not enough for renewal.
‘Mixology’ (ABC)
This high-concept comedy about 10 singles at a bar was an awkward pairing for “Modern Family,” and its ratings have been merely OK (4.2 million viewers for its last episode). ABC will likely cut its losses and continue its quest to launch a hit off the Steve Levitan-Christopher Lloyd Emmy perennial.
‘Last Man Standing’ (ABC)
The Tim Allen comedy drew nearly 6 million viewers for its finale last week — not bad numbers for a Friday night show. Though fellow Friday comedy “The Neighbors” may not be so lucky, “Last Man” should remain standing.
‘The 100’ (The CW)
The premiere of this post-apocalyptic drama gave the network its best mid-season debut in four years and has held on nicely, averaging nearly 2 million viewers for its last episode (just behind its lead-in, “Arrow”). With The CW taking several sci-fi swings this year — “The Tomorrow People,” “Star-Crossed” — we’re betting this is the one that returns.