Six weeks into the new US TV season, the networks are hedging their bets.
Only five newbie shows have hit a home run, with full series orders; but so far only three have been axed.
Instead the networks have ordered more scripts of many other new shows - including Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip - that haven't performed so well in the ratings, but maybe have won critical plaudits, without yet committing to a full first series.
Studio 60 has an extra three script order, on top of its initial 13 episode commission - but a full series is still in the balance. NBC Entertainment president Kevin Reilly has admitted he's keeping a close eye on Studio 60, along with Twenty Good Years and Friday Night Lights - and not all of them are going to make the cut.
NBC is also rejigging its schedule, resurrecting its four sitcom Thursday night line-up - where its Must See TV bloc featuring the likes of Cheers, Seinfeld, Friends and Frasier was hugely successful throughout the 80s and 90s.
The network is replacing Deal or No Deal with Scrubs and new comedy 30 Rock between 9pm-10pm on Thursdays. My Name is Earl and The Office already run in NBC's Thursday schedule, 8pm-9pm.
30 Rock, like Studio 60, is set behind the scenes at a Saturday Night Live-esque comedy show. Like Studio 60, 30 Rock has struggled in the ratings so far - but NBC appears willing to stick with it, for now.
NBC has also yanked Twenty Good Years, the new sitcom starring John Lithgow and Jeffrey Tambor, from its Wednesday schedule - but says it may be back next year.
Here's the scores on the doors:
FULL SERIES Heroes, NBC (UK: Sci Fi) Jericho, CBS (ITV) Shark, CBS (Channel Five) Ugly Betty, ABC (C4) Brothers & Sisters, ABC (C4)
MORE SCRIPTS ORDERED Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, NBC (C4) Friday Night Lights, NBC (ITV) Help Me Help You, ABC The Nine, ABC (Five) Men in Trees, ABC (Living TV) Vanished, Fox (Five) Standoff, Fox (Sky One) Justice, Fox (Living TV) Till Death, Fox Happy Hour, Fox (Living TV)
AXED Kidnapped, NBC (C4) Runaway, CW (C4) Smith, CBS (ITV)
