Fox Officially Terminates 'Sarah Connor'

Among the many TV shake-ups occurring this weekend is the news that Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles has been canceled by Fox. We reported that it was a strong possibility last month, but with Fox unveiling its new prime time schedule, the move became official. However, Fox is keeping the equally low-rated Dollhouse for another season. Other shows not returning next season are The Unusuals on ABC and CBS' Without a Trace, while a few shows have been rescued from the fire, like Chuck on NBC, Samantha Who? on ABC (which might become a more traditional multi-camera/studio audience comedy, midseason pick-ups Castle and Southland, and Medium, which is one of several shows that might wind up at a new network as the summer brings new programming prospects. Possible shows on the move: My Name is Earl and The New Adventures of Old Christine. For Sarah Connor, the cancellation is not a surprise. Fox aired the show after the Super Bowl in 2008, which is about as good a lead-in as you can manufacture, but it never maintained a strong following. Very public efforts to save the show backfired, with fewer people tuning in the longer the show stayed on the air. The network has a history of beloved short-lived shows, from Firefly to Arrested Development, but in most cases, Fox gives them some time to mature, especially when you compare their track record to the big three; how long did ABC keep The Unusuals around? Six weeks? NBC led Kings, Kath & Kim, and Knight Rider to the slaughter in less than a year. So enjoy the DVD, Sarah Connor fans, and keep your fingers crossed for more Summer Glau in the near future.