Dollhouse

It’s close to decision time for networks—which shows do we think are in danger of getting canned?

We’re at war with Nielsen ratings.

5. Kings

Kings is totally original, looks fantastic, and has some great acting talent. But nobody watches it. NBC is cutting costs left and right, so the chances of this epic (and expensive) drama coming back are minimal. Another victim of the falling economy and the Jay Leno effect. Prognosis: This does have a chance if... who are we kidding? Checkmate—Kings falls.

4. Castle

ABC’s Castle has had a pretty decent start. However, how much of that is due to being in the slot right behind Dancing with the Stars? Given the viewer erosion the show goes through in its second half-hour, lots. Another thing Castle has going against it—ABC is chock full of options just waiting for a spot on the schedule. On the other hand, the show isn’t bad and hasn’t lost as much of its audience as one would expect. Prognosis: Star Nathan Fillion tells TV.com that ABC is really behind this show. At this point in time, it’s looking 50/50.

3. Reaper

Hey, Reaper is awesome. You know it, I know it, The CW knows it. But the paranormal comedy is pulling in dreadful numbers. The CW saved this show from death once... it won’t do it again, sadly. Even Tyler Labine, who plays Sock, seems to know it and has booked another gig. Prognosis: Reaper has a slim to none chance of returning.

2. Dollhouse

The heavily hyped show from Joss Whedon has fallen on its face in the ratings department (last week’s episode drew less than four million). Despite slight improvement in quality (the "game-changing" episode six was better, but still disappointing), Dollhouse just doesn’t seem to have what it takes to draw an audience, even from faithful Whedonites. There’s a solid foundation for a great show here... can Joss realize its potential? Prognosis: Not looking good. But if Terminator can squeak out a deal, maybe it will take Dollhouse with it. One positive sign: the DVR stats for the show are great.

1. Chuck

NBC’s Chuck is this year’s "little show that could." You want it to succeed, it tries really hard, but it just can’t seem to get over the edge and become a hit. NBC adores this action-comedy (we do too), so hopefully they can pull some sort of deal to save it like they’ve done before with another little show that could—Friday Night Lights. Prognosis: Jay Leno is taking five of NBC’s 5 primetime hours next season. Unfortunately, we think Chuck’s hour will be one of them.