NBC reportedly renews 'Southland'

Thursday comedy 'My Name Is Earl' may also be close to renewal

By HitFix Staff Saturday, May 2, 2009 12:52 AM

Benjamin McKenzie and Michael Cudlitz of 'Southland'

Credit: NBC

Just days ahead of its upfront presentation to advertisers, NBC has reportedly renewed the midseason drama "Southland."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Warner Bros. TV production got the 13-episode order on Friday (May 1) night.

"Southland," a Los Angeles-based police procedural with a deep ensemble cast, wasn't ordered until early January and only took its place on NBC's schedule after the network extended the life of producer John Wells' "E.R." by three episodes.

The series, which features Benjamin McKenzie, Tom Everett Scott and Regina King (among others), premiered the week after the finale of "E.R." In its first airing, "Southland" averaged an estimated 9.7 million to go with a 3.2 rating in the key 18-49 demographic.

Three weeks later, in its most recent airing, "Southland" averaged just under 6.7 million viewers and a 2.1 rating in the demo.

The trade report also suggests that NBC may be moving forward on another season order for "My Name Is Earl" and that renewal hopes for "Medium" and "Law & Order" are also strong. Of "Chuck," the trade says it's "still in contention."

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