THINGS HAVE NOT IMPROVED AT NBC

TV Guide reports today that NBC has informed the producers of their Wednesday night drama "Kidnapped" starring Dana Delany and Jeremy Sisto to wrap production on the series following the 13th episode. The third episode airs tonight, but after two low-rated installments it seems the network may have given up on the show already. If tonight's episode loses yet another million of viewers (which is highly likely because of the premiere of "The Nine" on ABC), NBC will officially pull the plug.

But, things are not looking too good at the General Electric-owned television network in general. Their Tuesday night sports drama "Friday Night Lights" premiered yesterday to similar numbers as "Kidnapped" did two weeks ago.

The show many expected to become a major hit, Aaron Sorkin's ('The West Wing') "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip', has been losing viewers for three weeks following quite a decent premiere (less than 10 million viewers last Monday).

Even Thursday night comedies, the remains of the once blockbuster line-up Must-See-TV, are down because of the strength of the ABC breakout hit "Ugly Betty".

Only the new sci-fi drama "Heroes" seems to have found its niche audience on Monday nights and "Deal or no Deal" may have another trick or two up its sleeve. Or is that suitcase?

It is truly a pity that the viewers have not rewarded NBC with stronger ratings, as the Peacock network has had the strongest and the riskiest new series development this fall - a risky investment into quality that may not necessarily have paid off.