NBC Gives Full Seasons to Chuck, Life; Journeyman Facing Monday-Night Test

Bionic Woman Also Facing Uncertain Future as of Now

By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 11/26/2007 7:36:00 PM

NBC gave full-season orders to rookies Chuck and Life, while fellow freshman Journeyman faces a big test Monday night.

Despite being asked to lead off Mondays at 8 p.m. -- a tough task for a new show -- Chuck has done enough to warrant a back-nine order for NBC, averaging a 3.4 rating/9 share in the adult 18-49 demo.

While positive word of mouth has been increasing for the show, it also held steady from what Deal or No Deal was doing in the slot last November sweep.

Life is averaging a 3.0/9 in the demo Wednesdays at 10 p.m. NBC wants to give the show a chance to grow partly because in success, close-ended police dramas have historically done well in syndication. NBC Universal owns Life through its Universal Media Studios.

While it gave out good news to two of its rookies Monday, NBC will be keeping close tabs on Monday’s number for fellow first-year drama Journeyman, which airs at 10 p.m.

The network gave the show a strong promotional push during Sunday night’s heavily viewed Philadelphia Eagles-New England Patriots National Football League game, and it probably will not be doling out a pickup for the drama should it not see some improvement Monday night.

Remaining freshman Bionic Woman also has not been given a back nine as of yet after opening huge and then failing to live up to the early numbers.