How the strike could help new shows

Here’s a Dirty secret about the work stoppage if the strike extends into 2008. According to network insiders, modestly rated series such as Dirty Sexy Money (9.7 million) and Back to You (7.4 million), which already got full season orders, have a much greater chance of being picked up for a sophomore year. Their salvation? It will be near impossible for networks to rush new shows into production by September. Under this scenario, even newcomers with more tenuous futures — including Cane (9.4 million), Journeyman (7.5 million), and Carpoolers (7.4 million) — could be spared. ”If there is not a traditional pilot season,” says a network exec, ”these shows may get a second life. I also think that development will be targeted toward January 2009. It will take time to get back on a traditional cycle. You will hear a lot of talk about changing the business because of this.”