CW Taps Dramas, No Life on 'Mars', FOX Orders Two More '24' Days

[Sylph]

Upfront Buzz: CW Taps Dramas, No Life on 'Mars'

As the CW gears up for its upfront presentation on Thursday (May 17), the network has reportedly given the go ahead to three dramas, a comedy and two unscripted shows. And "Veronica Mars"? Despite initial reports to the contrary, it's not looking good.

The green network has greenlit the series "Gossip Girl" (from "The O.C." creator Josh Schwartz), "The Reaper" -- about the devil's bounty hunter -- and an untitled family drama based on a British series revolving around a veterinarian who moves his family to a game reserve in South Africa.

Also receiving a series order is the comedy "Aliens in America," which centers on a teen Pakistani Muslim living in the U.S.

As a change of pace, the CW is also pursuing two unscripted magazine-style shows to air on Sunday nights. "Online Nation" will center on the funniest online/viral videos, while "CW Now" is an info-tainment look at celebrities and pop culture.

Returning to the CW fold are "Smallville," "Supernatural," "One Tree Hill," "Girlfriends" and "The Game." "Everybody Hates Chris" already had a full third-season order earlier this year.

Most industry sources agree that "All of Us," the Will Smith-produced sitcom, will get the boot.

Sadly, it looks like fan-favorite "Veronica Mars" will join it, although there's been no official word yet. Earlier this month, The Hollywood Reporter had claimed that a "Mars" renewal looked likely since a revamped premise for the show was well received. Despite this, it appears that the mood has shifted out of favor for the low-rated PI drama.

As usual, stay tuned to Zap2it for your complete upfronts coverage.

FOX Orders Two More '24' Days

FOX has renewed its Emmy-winning Monday anchor "24" for at least two more days.

With its sixth season finale approaching next Monday (May 21), "24" now has a seemingly secure spot on FOX's schedule through the 2008-09 season. Not-so-coincidentally, the renewal carries the show through the duration of star Kiefer Sutherland's contract with the show's production company, 20th Century Fox TV.

Last year was a good year for "24." The drama averaged 13.6 million viewers per week and won its first Emmy for outstanding drama series and for lead actor Sutherland. Although the ratings have been down only slightly, the sixth season has faced increased criticisms from fans over the ongoing plotlines. Producers have made repeated promises that there will be sweeping changes before next year.

Sutherland signed a reported eight-figure, three-year deal with 20th Century Fox TV last spring, a pack running through May 2009.

FOX also ordered a 13th season of the Saturday night sketch comedy series "MADtv," though that's probably a bit less exciting than the "24" renewal.

[EricMontreal22]

So Hidden Palms hasn't even aire dyet and it won't have a chance of continuing?

[psychofan]

UGHHH!!! NO! I hate 24.

[Sylph]

I'm just gonna wait and see how they'll make the show fresh and a hit once again.