NBC's 'Community,' 'Hannibal,' other shows still on the bubble

NBC’s ‘Community,’ ‘Hannibal,’ other shows still on the bubble

By Scott Collins

April 26, 2013 12 AM PT

Some shows just haven’t felt the love yet from NBC.

The network on Friday gave early renewals to five dramas, including freshman series “Chicago Fire” and “Revolution.”

But left off the list were some fan favorites, including the serial-killer drama “Hannibal” and the legendarily troubled sitcom “Community.”

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Those shows are on the proverbial bubble, which in TV industry parlance refers to series left hanging in the weeks before the networks officially announce their fall schedules in mid-May.

“Hannibal” started off well but has sunk in the ratings since. Its chances are probably about 50-50 now, and its fate may ultimately depend on what new shows NBC has that could plausibly replace it.

“Community” is a more interesting case. Never a ratings juggernaut, it nevertheless maintained a small but extremely passionate core of supporters -- until behind-the-scenes infighting and chaos last season resulted in the dumping of executive producer Dan Harmon.

That would argue for putting the show out of its misery. But NBC might need to keep at least one or two familiar comedies on the schedule. Otherwise, every single sitcom will be new in September.

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“30 Rock” finished its run earlier this season, and “The Office” is also ending. The low-rated “Whitney” is also on the bubble, as is the Matthew Perry vehicle “Go On.” Other NBC comedies have already whiffed and are expected to be tossed: “1600 Penn,” “Guys With Kids” and “The New Normal.”

Then there’s “Up All Night,” the sitcom whose stars Christina Applegate and Will Arnett have already walked away. It’s a safe bet it won’t be back.

So if you’re still a “Community” fan -- and there may be such hardy souls out there -- don’t totally give up. Coming back by default is still coming back, right?

What do you think of “Community”?

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Twitter: @scottcollinsLAT