"October Road" (ABC) -- The premiere episode scored a 5.8 in the 18-49yo demo. That's a pretty amazing accomplishment for a show that seems to be universally hated by critics. Maureen Ryan, in the Chicago Tribune, pulled out all the stops to trash the show: "This wretched show not only features a lead character who is an unredeemable nitwit but dialogue that manages to be leaden, preposterous and pretentious all at once." Damn. What'd you think?

“Raines" (NBC) – Jeff Goldblum plays an investigator who hallucinates about the victims of violent crimes. Solving their murders, he gets himself into the kind of trouble that only an imaginary friend can bring. While the premise seems sound, there hasn't been a lot of critical love for the show, and viewers responded with pretty lukewarm ratings -- a 2.9 in the 18-49yo demographic. The show is ranked at number 10, with odds of cancellation at 74:1. Leave us a comment below.

"Andy Barker PI" (NBC) -- A mild mannered accountant turns private detective -- it's one of those ideas that could really go either way. The show scored only a 2.4 in the 18-49yo demographic, despite a strong lead-in from "Scrubs" and "The Office." It's ranked fourth on the DeathWatch, with odds of cancellation at 15:1.

So which ones are you voting for in the "next to be cancelled" category? Leave us a few comments and we'll post the results later in the week.

The plot goes something like this: These three guys graduated from college. And they’ve been planning this prank to rollerblade through a major art museum. The problem is that once they pull it off, one of them disappears, and effectively frames the other two for domestic terrorism.

See, we’d totally watch that. At least the premiere! It’d actually have to be really stupid for us to not watch the second episode!

And the good news is that the drama has been given a premeire date of May 30th at 10pm.

The bad news is that it will follow ABC's new reality show that sets out to find America's next great (yawn) celebrity impersonator.

"Traveler" sits at number nine on the DeathWatch, with odds of cancellation at 77:1.

This morning, ABC announced that they are pulling "The Knights of Prosperity" from the air -- effective immediately (after it scored an average 1.9 rating in the 18-49yo demographic).

We were excited when we first heard about this series, and disappointed to learn that ABC had decided to hold it until midseason. The show premiered on January 3rd, along with the Lori Laughlin, Jonathan Silverman sitcom "In Case of Emergency" (still on the air).

Originally titled “Let’s Rob Mick Jagger,” "Knights" was centered around a group of self-described misfits and losers who aim to achieve fame and glory by robbing celebrities.

We've moved the show into a coma. Will it come back? ABC's "Six Degrees" did, so who knows? If you voted for "Knights" this week, you're eligible to win a Video iPod!

Due to the fact that this show is being allowed to finish its freshman season, we’re actually moving it into the “safe” category on the DeathWatch, along with two other shows (“Big Day” on ABC and “Standoff” on FOX).

We’re actually a little sad to stop tracking it. When the show premiered in the fall, viewers, critics, and even we hated it (and we’ll watch anything!). The show held its own, struggled through a bumpy first season, and went on to win a “People’s Choice” Award for best new comedy.

For many weeks, the show has been nestled in the number eight position, with odds of cancellation at around 50:1. Tonight, CBS will air the show’s season finale. A second season seems about 50% plausible, and we actually have our fingers crossed for the little show that could.

Let us know what you think of it.

Does this mean they'll be bringing back "The Nine" as well?

There was actually a lot of movement at ABC last week. The network has decided to shelve the Anne Heche-led comedy "Men In Trees" for up to six weeks as it introduces "October Road." That show will premiere in a few weeks (March 15th) and stars "One Tree Hill" alum Bryan Greenberg (thanks readers!) as a writer who returns to his hometown and is confronted by his former friends and neighbors who are the basis for his best-selling novel.

For now, let us know what you think of "The Black Donnelly's" tonight on NBC? It's currently ranked at number 7 on the DeathWatch, with odds of cancellation at 52:1.

One viewer, by the name of Robynne, did write in to tell us that she thought this show was the “Best comedy that’s come around in a long time.” Though we found the comment, at best, generous -- we had to give her props for a strong viewpoint.

We called out to “Aliens in America” in our weekly newsletter. More than anything, we’re hoping that someone writes in and tells us if it’s ever going to make it to air, because we’re incredibly skeptical. The premise is; lonely Wisconsin mom gets Pakistani exchange student to help her achingly lonely son. Comedy (or something) ensues. The CW claimed the show would make it to air sometime during the MidSeason, and we haven’t heard anything about it since. Have you?

Keep watching. We have a lot more to discuss.

Now don't get excited. The show has it's full order, the execs have promised to air the episodes soon, and the lineup shuffle has been planned for months, as NBC makes room for it's other DeathWatch-able MidSeason show: "The Black Donnellys."

It's just that this past week, "Studio 60" posted a rating that came in at an all time low for the series --a 2.8 in the 18-49yo demographic.

The crime drama, “The Black Donnellys” was originally scheduled to premiere on March 5th, replacing the timeslot currently occupied by "Studio 60" -- but one thing's for certain -- this doesn't look good for the kids on the Sunset Strip. We'll keep you posted.

“Bottom Line: Men are just a bunch of one-track oafs, and women -- smarter and in charge -- simply have to put up with them. Not exactly the cutting edge of comedic freshness and innovation.” – Ray Richmond, The Hollywood Reporter.

"Will this be the new 'Seinfeld'? Or, ‘Will this at least be the new 'Friends'?’ But "Rules of Engagement" is neither. It's the new nothing, and it seems not only old at first encounter, but dead on arrival.” -

Despite this (yikes) reviews, the show turned in an unusually high 5.2 rating for its premiere. It currently sits at position number 13 on the DeathWatch, with odds of cancellation at 91:1.

Give us your take here, and we’ll report back next week.

With over 33,000 DeathWatchers signed up, and more shows coming to air in the very near future, we don’t see how we could just throw you to the wolves. Hang around the DeathWatch graveyard -- we'll be posting all the changes we have in store for the game, but for now, let’s get to the big news.

The Television Critic’s Association Press Tour came to a halt last week, and now that we’ve sifted through TV Lover’s reports, there’s some pretty impressive news about some of your favorite DeathWatch shows.

Let’s start with “Standoff” – This procedural crime drama about hostage negotiators has long sat on the DeathWatch, hovering around position number 7. Fox has announced that it will be moving the show to Fridays at 8p beginning Friday March 30. It used to be that a move to Fridays was the television equivalent of “dead man walking.” But the networks have seen some strong Friday numbers and seem to want to re-invent the night. We’ll wait and see.

DeathWatch Shows that Haven’t Premiered:
“The Winner”(Fox)-- This half-hour coming-of-age sitcom is from Seth MacFarlane, creator of "Family Guy" and "American Dad." Rob Corddry stars as a rich and successful 43-year-old man who looks back at the period 10 years earlier when he was still living with his parents and a beautiful woman inspired him to grow up and change his life. The series premieres on Sunday March 4 with new episodes airing at 8:30p and 9:30p for three consecutive weeks. It’s current DeathWatch ranking is number 11.

“Raines” (NBC)—Another of the “let’s try it out on Friday nights” shows, this "detective with an overactive imagination" mystery-drama stars Jeff Goldblum and premieres on March 15th. Current ranking: 10, with odds of cancellation at 90:1.

“Safe” DeathWatch Shows
‘Til Death (Fox)-- The Brad Garret sitcom moves timeslots and gets an “American Idol” lead-in. The series has its last Thursday airing on February 15. It will then follow “American Idol” on Tuesday February 27 and Wednesday February 28 before making its time period premiere on Wednesday March 14 at 9:30p

DeathWatch Shows in a “Coma”
Six Degrees (ABC)—We are shocked, yes, shocked that this show is returning to the air. (and actually remain a little skeptical.) The show was pulled from the schedule in early November with “plans” to bring it back to the air. Though the network said last week that it would, in fact, return – they stopped short of naming a date. Viewers can expect the show to feature a creative overhaul and a new addition to the cast, Josh Charles ("Sports Night").

The Nine (ABC)—The network also hinted that “The Nine” may return to the schedule. Again, they failed to give a date, but insiders say that while 13 of its original episodes have been shot -- no new ones are on order.

Cancelled DeathWatch Shows
The little Midseason that couldn’t, "Daybreak" will finish its 13-episode season online, beginning Monday January 29 at ABC.com.

Check back all next week for all the latest in DeathWatch comings and goings.

The Jeff Goldblum drama “Raines,” about a homicide detective who employs his imagination to “talk to” the victims, thereby solving their murders will premiere on Thursday, March 15th, followed by a second episode on Thursday, March 22nd. After that, it will be parked in it’s regular timeslot (Fridays at 9pm.) While Fridays are usually where shows are sent to die, this hasn’t exactly been the case this season.

Friday has become the wild card of programming. Friday nights were once known as the death-rattle position for primetime shows. This season's “Vanished” was moved to Fridays shortly after its premiere, where it died a fast death. Surprisingly, though, the ABC hit “Men In Trees” began in a Friday night timeslot, received a full order and now runs on Thursday nights.

In other premiere news, “The Rules of Engagement,” is set to premiere on February 5th at 9:30. Starring David Spade as a swinging bachelor, and Patrick Warburton as his married friend, the show explores the various stages of relationships between men and women. “Engagement” currently sits at number 13 on the DeathWatch, with odds of cancellation at 249:1.

What do you think? Any chance either of these shows are going to make it?

Earlier this week, we asked Deathwatchers to tell us which shows they think should still be on the air. We got a lot of responses, though a clear leader never really emerged. Nevertheless, we thought we'd take the opportunity to share your comments.

Viewers seem to really miss “Justice” on Fox, including DeathWatcher Brian, who wrote " I thought it was just okay at the beginning, but as it continued, it started to impress me, if at very least because of interesting characters and use thereof."

We took a walk down DeathWatch memory lane to figure out what went wrong. Though "Justice" is still listed in a coma, the odds of it coming back to air seem very low at this point.

After being moved from a Wednesday timeslot to a Monday timeslot, the show was pulled entirely from the air in November. Fox promised to return the show to air in December, a promise that we mistakenly assumed would never happen. Our readers have informed us that indeed, four episodes were aired...(thanks, DeathWatchers!)

Honorable mention should also go to “Daybreak,” the Taye Diggs "living the same day over and over" show that was pulled from the air after only three showings. Viewers had criticized it harshly, calling it both confusing and void of any warmth. Very few believed that the concept behind 1992's Groundhog Day could survive as a drama. Turns out, it couldn't.

Before its premiere last Wednesday night, ABC’s new comedy “In Case of Emergency” was safely stowed at the number 15 spot on the DeathWatch. That’s the very bottom. 24 hours later, it had bounced to number five on the deathwatch, and it currently rests at number four, with odds of cancellation at 16:1.

We tuned in specifically to see how the show stacked up to the other DeathWatch shows, and we have to be honest here – we’re not fans. This is all sad news because we’re huge fans of Lori Laughlin and Jonathon Silverman. (Again we’d like to go on record with our ambivalence towards David Arquette.)

There is one redeeming quality about the show: no laughtrack. We can only hope this signals the end of the abused device.

This got us thinking: what show do you think was unfairly scrapped from this past fall season? Which new show would you most like to see resurrected?

There are a lot of familiar faces in ABC’s new sitcom, In Case of Emergency—David Arquette, Jonathan Silverman, Greg Germann, Kelly Hu, and Lori Loughlin. Unfortunately, none of them are playing very likeable characters.

Four high school classmates are brought together, 20 years later, by their own simple twists of fate. Diet guru Germann falls off the diet wagon and gets arrested for hijacking a snack food truck when his wife abruptly leaves him. Smarmy businessman Arquette shoots himself in the foot while contemplating suicide.

Whiny sensitive guy Silverman visits a massage parlor (not the therapeutic kind) and runs into his class valedictorian (Hu) as the masseuse (not the therapeutic kind). They all find themselves in a sudden case of emergency and wondering whom to call (hence the title—get it?). You’re going to wish they had all gotten a wrong number.

Totally lacking in charm and even a hint of subtlety, ICoE beats you over the head with these characters and doesn’t give you anyone to even remotely root for. Even with a star executive producer (and director of the first episode), Jon Favreau, on board, this heavy-handed mess deserves your immediate medical attention. This one’s terminal, put it out of its misery.

Boasting a pedigree that includes David Letterman and Mick Jagger as executive producers, ABC’s new series, The Knights of Prosperity is one of the most original sitcoms of the year.

Donal Logue stars as Eugene Gerkin, a career janitor, who longs for more in his life. While watching TV, he sees an entertainment show report on Mick Jagger’s 52-million dollar apartment and his mind is made up: He’s going to rob the Rolling Stone. Gathering his friends around him, he creates a “criminal organization” so complete and comprehensive, it even has its own intern.

The Knights of Prosperity are born, ready to be modern-day Robin Hoods, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor—themselves.

Filmed entirely in New York City, Knights has quirky charm by the boatload (including Jagger lampooning himself to great effect) and it’s certainly refreshingly different from any other sitcom on the air.

But here’s the problem: Will these Knights be prosperous? Saddled with a Mission: Impossible timeslot, can they stand up to the return of American Juggernaut—er, Idol—in two short weeks, not to mention being opposite Criminal Minds and Law and Order SVU? We certainly hope so; this charismatic band of misfits deserves prosperity.

We're on pins and needles here at the DeathWatch today. Tonight are the premieres of two shows that ABC is trotting out for the Midseason. We can't wait to hear your take on these shows, and see how the DeathWatch ranking is affected.

“The Knights of Prosperity” (ABC) – Early buzz says that the show is actually laugh-out-loud funny and particularly well written. This show could, in fact, be the shot in the arm that ABC needs to save it's sagging comedy lineup. This is sitcom that was originally called "Let's Rob Mick Jagger" -- centering around a group of self-described losers who decide to... rob Mick Jagger. DeathWatchers have voted it to number three, with odds of cancellation at 11:1. Tune in! Let us know what you think.

"In Case of Emergency" (ABC) -- The early buzz on this show is that it seems to be a little "slapped togehter at the last minute." We've had a hard time getting a handle on what the show is about, even after reading several of ABC's promo blurbs about it. The best we can decipher -- some friends from high school are reunited because some bad stuff happens to them. (Right?)

One early review implied that the show seems heavy on recognizable faces and low on laughs and good writing. Which is a shame. We've always liked show leads Lori Laughlin and Jonathan Silverman, but we remain fairly ambivalent about David Arquette. DeathWatchers have voted this show to number 14, with odds of cancellation currently listed at 190:1.

We can't wait to read your take on these shows tomorrow. Tune in and let us know!