CBS cancels ''Joan of Arcadia,'' ''Judging Amy''

Oh, God. It’s official. At the unveiling of CBS’ fall 2005 lineup Wednesday, the network announced that it has axed Joan of Arcadia, the underdog-that-couldn’t, despite last year’s Emmy nomination for lead Amber Tamblyn and much critical love. A second-season ratings slump made continuing it not feasible, said CBS chairman Les Moonves, calling it one of his biggest disappointments.

In other cancellation news, a desire to attract a younger demographic has spelled the end for two graying CBS shows: The awards magnet Judging Amy has heard its final sentence, and the beleagured Wednesday edition of news warhorse 60 Minutes, which suffered after a story that questioned President Bush’s military service proved to be false, will stop production as well.

So what will replace these dearly departed shows? Among the new series that the chatty Moonves held forth on: a comedy about a family of doctors; a drama about FBI profilers; and, er, Jennifer Love Hewitt seeing dead people. ”I think talking to ghosts may skew younger than talking to God,” Moonves said. From his mouth to… oh, never mind.