Bubble Watch: Lower Rated Shows Don't Bolster Prospects for 'V' + 'The Defenders' and 'The Chicago Code'

When it comes to bubble status, like the Renew/Cancel Index we're focusing on the likelihood that a show will be renewed for next season (2011-12).  Certain shows are toss-ups where based on the ratings, the renewal decisions could go either way and not be surprising.

A relatively slow week with only a couple of changes which weren't very surprising:

Upgraded:

How I Met Your Mother was renewed (for two additional seasons!)

Downgraded:

The Cape was effectively canceled with its final episode airing only online.

A few things that were not changed, but could be (or should be, according to some fans!)

The Defenders: if there are no adjustments in the finals, it had its highest-rated Friday with a 1.5 adults 18-49 rating.  But that was for an original episode and little better than the two repeats on CBS that night. With only one original episode remaining, barring a miracle, its fate is sealed.

V: rating better than poorly rated shows like Detroit 1-8-7 and No Ordinary Family, or slightly better than Off The Map isn't bad for V. But whether its against American Idol or not, I don't see it being renewed with a sub 2.0 adults 18-49 rating (last week, a 1.8).

The Chicago Code: it's holding up better than I thought, and perhaps better than Fox thought. Another week above a 2.0 and I'll probably get into alignment with the Fox Renew/Cancel Index where it has remained on the bubble.

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Note: only scripted shows that have aired at least one episode are in the table below.
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