Buffy The Vampire Slayer

Contracts expire this spring for UPN’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer and WB’s Dawson’s Creek and Angel. Network executives told the Television Critics Association meeting here that they aren’t optimistic the popular dramas will be back this fall.

Dawson’s fate rests in the hands of its cast, which must decide by March if the creek has run dry on WB’s signature coming-of-age drama completing its sixth season, says Jordan Levin, WB Entertainment president.

"I think they’ve thrown themselves into this season with the view that it’s the final season," Mr. Levin says about stars James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams.

"They now have tremendous opportunities in their lives to do whatever they want, be it film work, theatre, continue television, or going to school, which some of them want to do," he says.

UPN has been talking to Buffy creator Joss Whedon "about a wide range of possibilities" because Sarah Michelle Gellar’s contract expires this spring after eight seasons.

UPN, which acquired Buffy from WB two years ago, has been preparing four options, says Les Moonves, president and CEOof CBS, which owns UPN.

Contingencies include Ms. Gellar returning full-time or part-time to the show; doing a spin-off; or canceling it. "All of them right now are possible," he says.

Angel has moved from Monday to 9 p.m. Wednesday this month to bolster ratings before contract renewal talks start for the Buffy spin-off starring David Boreanaz.

Regardless of Angel’s fate, Mr. Levin says he’s given Mr. Whedon permission to reunite Buffy and Angel on UPN for Ms. Gellar’s finale, if she’s quitting the role.

"I told Joss that if it was creatively justified, and in the best interest of the show’s storytelling, and something he feels is necessary, I certainly wouldn’t stand in the way," Mr. Levin says.