They’re Back — The Hollywood Writers, That is!
The writer’s strike is FINALLY over, and new shows should be coming soon. 
While I do love watching American Idol and The Biggest Loser, I was getting tired of watching reruns on other series shows. Of course, since the writer’s have been on strike for over three months now, and they haven’t written any new TV scripts during that time, all of the TV series schedules are all out of whack. So, now the question is, when is your favorite TV show going to be back on, and when can you look forward to fresh, new shows being aired? Well, I came across a rundown of all the shows that have been waiting in limbo the past three months, and what their upcoming schedules will be. I thought I’d share it here, for those of you who are wondering when to expect your favorite shows.
24
Season 7 postponed until January ‘09.
30 Rock
Expected to shoot 5 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.
Aliens in America
Eight pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.
Back to You
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future TBD.
Battlestar Galactica
Returns April 4 with first half of 20-episode final season. Production on second half could start as early as March. Airdate for those TBD.
The Big Bang Theory
Returns April 4 with first half of 20-episode final season. Production on second half could start as early as March. Airdate for those TBD.
Big Love
Expected to go into production on Season 3 in March. Airdate info is TBD.
Big Shots
No new episodes expected. Ever.
Bionic Woman
No new episodes expected. Ever.
Bones
Four pre-strike episodes left. Unclear whether additional episodes will be produced for this season.
Boston Legal
One pre-strike episode remains. Expected to shoot 6 to 8 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Brothers & Sisters
One pre-strike episode remains. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Burn Notice
Production on Season 2 expected to get under way in late April. New episodes could start airing as early as July.
Cane
No additional episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.
Chuck
No new episodes until fall.
The Closer
Expected to kick off its fourth season this summer.
Cold Case
Expected to shoot 5 new episodes to begin airing on March 30.
Criminal Minds
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing April 2.
CSI
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing April 3.
CSI: Miami
Expected to shoot 8 new episodes to begin airing March 24.
CSI: NY
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing April 7.
Desperate Housewives
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.
Dirty Sexy Money
No new episodes planned until fall; three remaining pre-strike episodes will undergo some tweaking and kick off fall run.
ER
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.
Everybody Hates Chris
Twelve pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.
Friday Night Lights
No new episodes expected for this season. Future TBD.
The Game
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 8 or 9 additional episodes to air in March/April/May.
Ghost Whisperer
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 4.
Girlfriends
No new episodes expected this season, although a special one-hour series finale is being discussed.
Gossip Girl
Expected to shoot up 5 or 6 episodes to air in April/May.
Greek
Kicks off second half of Season 1 on March 24. Still awaiting Season 2 pickup.
Grey’s Anatomy
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.
Heroes
No new episodes expected until fall.
House
Expected to shoot 4 to 6 new episodes to air in April/May.
How I Met Your Mother
Expected to shoot 9 new episodes to begin airing March 17.
Jericho
Seven episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.
Journeyman
No new episodes expected. Ever.
Las Vegas
Three pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected for this season.
Law & Order
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.
Law & Order: CI
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.
Law & Order: SVU
Expected to shoot an indeterminate number of episodes to air in spring.
Life
No new episodes expected until fall.
Life Is Wild
No new episodes expected. Ever.
Lost
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot five additional episodes to air in April/May.
Medium
Six pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot additional episodes for this season.
Men in Trees
Eleven pre-strike episodes remain, the first of which airs Feb. 27. No additional episodes expected this season.
Moonlight
Expected to shoot 4 new episodes to begin airing on April 11.
My Name Is Earl
Expected to shoot 8 to 10 new episodes to air in April/May.
NCIS
Expected to shoot 7 new episodes to begin airing on April 8.
The New Adventures of Old Christine
Seven pre-strike episodes remain. No additional episodes expected this season.
Nip/Tuck
Season 5 concludes Feb. 19. Production on the show’s eight-episode sixth season expected to start up this summer. Airdate TBD.
Numbers
Expected to shoot 6 new episode to begin airing on April 4.
October Road
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.
The Office
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to air in April/May.
One Tree Hill
Fivex pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Prison Break
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.
Private Practice
Slim chance it could return with 4 or 5 new episodes this season. Either way, it’ll be back in the fall.
Pushing Daisies
No new episodes until fall.
Reaper
Three pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 or 6 additional episodes to air in April/May.
The Riches
Seven-episode second season kicks off March 18.
Rules of Engagement
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 14.
Samantha Who?
Three remaining pre-strike episodes could be held until fall (see Dirty Sexy Money).
Saturday Night Live
Returns Feb. 23.
Scrubs
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Four additional episodes will likely be shot; unclear whether they’ll air on NBC or go straight to DVD.
Shark
Expected to shoot 4 new episodes. Airdate TBD.
The Shield
Final season already shot. Airdate TBD.
Smallville
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Supernatural
Two pre-strike episodes remain. Expected to shoot 4 or 5 additional episodes to air in April/May.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Four pre-strike episodes remain. Future beyond that TBD.
Two and a Half Men
Expected to shoot 9 new episodes begin airing on March 17.
Ugly Betty
Expected to shoot 4 to 7 new episodes to air in April/May.
The Unit
No additional episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.
Without a Trace
Expected to shoot 6 new episodes to begin airing on April 3.
Women’s Murder Club
No new episodes expected this season. Future beyond that TBD.
Personally, I’m anxiously awaiting new episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order, Moonlight, Medium, and Without a Trace. And I’m sooooo bummed that BIG SHOTS has been cancelled! I loved that show! 
What about you? What shows are you looking forward to seeing again?
I’m the strange one who doesn’t watch t.v., so it really doesn’t matter to me LOL.
Comment by Stacy ~ — February 21, 2008 @ 7:13 am
Dancing With The Stars - but that was not affected by the strike. It was just on hiatus til the next one.
You really came up with a really good list. Lots of those shows I never even heard of. Sorry you will be missing some of your favs.
Comment by Pat L. — February 21, 2008 @ 8:29 am
I still have all of Reaper and Big Shots on my DVR to watch, so I haven’t been in total withdrawal with reruns- yet. I just finished watching Heroes and Chuck.
I think that there are actually 6 episodes of Bones left, because there were 2 that they didn’t show, just after the shooting at VMI. Or maybe they are part of the 4. They had to rework them since they were before the wedding that never took place and the husband we didn’t know about.
It also sucks that Blood Ties won’t be back at all, at least on American TV. I will buy episodes if need be, including the last 2 that weren’t shown.
I am looking forward to the new shows New Amsterdam and another one whose name escapes me at this hour of the morning.
Grey’s, Lost, ER, 2 1/2 Men, and a bunch of others need to hurry up!!!
Comment by ev — February 21, 2008 @ 8:32 am
I still have the final 2 Chucks on my dvr. Trying to hold off as long as possible to watch them. I can’t wait for Grey’s, Ugly Betty, Men in Trees, Bones, and House to come back. I have Lost on my dvr and plan to catch up this weekend. I really hope Women’s Murder Club comes back next year. It really was the only show besides Chuck that I picked up this year. Wish Heroes and 24 would be on this year, but I’m willing to wait for great shows next season.
Comment by Liza — February 21, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Hi Janelle,
Personally, I am more than eager to see new episodes of a little known show on TBS called “My Boys,” I absolutely love it. (And all the episodes are posted on their website.) I think I’ve finally made my decision give give up on Grey’s, and possibly desperate housewives. I’d watch the shows last year and get so annoyed, and find myself thinking “why am I watching this?” - I am excited for new episodes of Pushing Daisies, and Private Practice, although it’ll be a long wait. I’ve been keeping myself entertained with the random episodes of “Notes from the Underbelly” and “Carpool.”
Comment by JSL — February 21, 2008 @ 10:13 am
I’m sort of like Stacy, the only one on that list I watched was Dirty Sexy Money so the strike hasn’t been a big deal to me. Now, if they cancel NASCAR, after finally getting the season going again I’d be distraught!
Comment by Jodie — February 21, 2008 @ 10:26 am
I’m anxiously awaiting new episodes of How I Met Your Mother, the Big Bang Theory (my Monday night shows!), Scrubs, and Heroes. I’m so bummed Heroes won’t be back until next fall! I hope people still want to watch it by then.
Comment by nellymom — February 21, 2008 @ 10:27 am
Well, I think the tv season should go into overtime.
I have fallen in love with some of the shows on Dish that are out of sync with the regular scedule. USA channel-Psych, Monk,and BBC America-Torchwood, Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nighmares and for a talk show Graham Naorton is just wicked. I am waiting for Robin to come back on in April.
I am look forward to the return of Grey’s Anatomy, House , Desperate Housewives, NCIS MIAMI How I Met your Mother, Chuck , Dirty Sexy Money and Moonlight
I am into American Idol this year. I really like David and that guy who originally was from Australia. He sang Light my Fire. I think that was the name of the song. I was born during the 60’s and I don’t remember too much about it.
Simon, is tough but some folks don’t realize he is critiqing and giving info so the contestants can go back and work on their weaknesses. 
Comment by Gigi — February 21, 2008 @ 10:27 am
That is Robin Hood on the BBC.
Comment by Gigi — February 21, 2008 @ 10:28 am
I am sad that big shots was cancelled too . I thought it was really funny and I loved seeing things from a guys view . I think other shows should have been cancelled before this one . I am going to miss Dylan Mcdermotts beautiful blue eyes . I am excited for the dh and grays to return but the writer strike has had me reading alot more !!!
Comment by TAMMY — February 21, 2008 @ 10:32 am
Wow, Janelle…I can’t believe you found all of that information. I had heard about Grey’s….I still think Dick Wolf’s (all of the Law and Order’s) “indeterminte number of episodes’ is so funny. Fortunately, all of them are new to me.
What’s funny is that hubby has a ton (think over 10) video tapes (yes, no ti-vo or dvr in our house!) of shows that he hasn’t watched, so the strike didn’t affect him at all. Unfortunately, it is his busy time of the year and he STILL has over 10 video tapes of shows to watch pre-strike.
Since the strike has been on, I have been enjoying PBS’ Masterpiece, “The Complete Jane Austen”. Love Collin Firth as Mr. Darcy the past couple of weeks! I have seen some of the movies that I am unfamiliar with, so I am a happy woman. I have also been reading a lot more when I haven’t been sick.
I’ve also been working on a class…”etcera, etcetera, etcetera”….
Comment by katie — February 21, 2008 @ 10:39 am
YAY Janelle! thanks for the update! I’m so excited for new episodes of Grey’s, Boston Legal, Criminal Minds, Lost, Supernatural and Reaper! Bummer about no new ones for Chuck, though.
Comment by Leslie — February 21, 2008 @ 10:53 am
OHHH I can’t wait for ER! I so love that show!
Comment by Melissa — February 21, 2008 @ 10:56 am
My dh will really miss Big Shots. I’m anxiously awaiting Medium and House!
Comment by wendy roberts — February 21, 2008 @ 11:08 am
Janelle, you’re better than the TV Guide! Thanks for the updates.
I’m most looking forward to Bones, Samantha Who and Moonlight. I’m bummed I’ve got to wait until next season for Chuck - love that show. And the USA Network has kept my family happy. Psych and Monk are terrific shows.
Comment by Robin — February 21, 2008 @ 11:48 am
It seems that most of the shows I want have been cancelled: The Dead Zone, The 4400, Journeyman, The Bionic Woman. Darnit.
At least I have Heroes, Lost, Gray’s and Brothers & Sisters left.
Comment by Gail — February 21, 2008 @ 11:51 am
I realized this week that my shows are totally conflicting!
I’m hooked on The Biggest Loser on Tuesday, and I’ve always watched America’s Next Top Model, which started a new season last night. Both of those shows conflict with American Idol, ON BOTH NIGHTS!, which I love to watch, too. I’m so torn on which shows to watch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! 
Comment by Janelle — February 21, 2008 @ 11:54 am
Good morning Plotmonkeys and Jungle Brats,
I’m looking forward to the following shows:
Moonlight
CSI
Burn Notice
The Closer
Battlestar Galactica
Have a super day d’alings,
Cher
Comment by Cher — February 21, 2008 @ 1:06 pm
I’m am so ready for:
Moonlight
Boston Legal
CSI Miami and CSI
Two and a Half Men
Comment by Ardie — February 21, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Janelle: I am also excited for ANTM and DWTS. I have a bet on DWTS, who the first knocked off is….I think I may win since Penn Jillette has never seen the show!
Comment by katie — February 21, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
I love watching DWTS also, Katie, and I’m sure that will conflict with one of my other shows, as well.
How funny that you’re already making predictions on who is going to get kicked off first! 
I think it’ll be fun to watch Steve Guttenberg dance and I’m looking forward to seeing Kristi Yamaguchi, too.
Comment by Janelle — February 21, 2008 @ 2:05 pm
Ugly Betty is my favorite show and I can’t wait for new ones!! I’m also excited about Grey, Desperate Housewives, Dirty, Sexy Money, & Brothers & Sisters.
While the strike was going I started watching two new ones that are pretty good but very similar Cashmere Mafia and Lipstick Jungle…I love seeing Brooke Shields back on tv.
Comment by Tina Martinesi — February 21, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
The strike just goes to show: without writers everything else is crap!
I quit watching t.v. when the writers went on strike and tv wasn’t worth watching. I refuse to be subjected to junk without a purpose! I do love Grey’s Anatomy, Boston Legal, and Desperate Housewives!
Thank you to the writers! I am glad they are getting their due!
Sometimes big business gets to big for its big britches!
Comment by Amy P. — February 21, 2008 @ 2:18 pm
I pretty much quit watching, too, when the strike happened. I’m curious about HEROES, but I don’t like that the creators are going to focus on the villains in the next season, so I don’t know if I’ll be back as a viewer. It seems so stupid to me…people don’t watch TV to root for the bad guys!!
Comment by Julie Leto — February 21, 2008 @ 2:25 pm
Yeah, the writer strike has been great for writers!!! I have been reading alot. I love Medium, glad to see a few episodes remain. Did anyone watch the Dresden files on Scifi. It was great. My husband like it even. They cancelled it despite the good numbers, because it wasn’t the right demographic. Go figure.
Comment by flip — February 21, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
Despite the writers strike I did find things to watch on TV, sometimes it was HGTV as I love a lot of their shows. The new cast of DWTS is an interesting mix! Did you hear that Monica Selles has never worn high heels? I find that hard to believe but that was what I heard on some program!! Fact or fiction! I already have a favorite as I am a long time figure skating fan & I love Kristi Yamaguchi. She is wonderful on ice. I really want to see a woman win so I’m betting on her. I’m also wondering how Priscilla Presley is going to do. Some of the group I’ve never heard of!!
Thanks for the update on the TV shows Janelle. Some of the info I had read or heard but not all of them. I’m looking forward to Grey’s, Ugly Betty, Brothers & Sisters, NCIS and many others! At the moment my brain isn’t producing!!! I am sorry to hear Big Shots has been cancelled, Dylan McDermott made it worth watching! I love The Unit, hope they bring it back, it is gritty but good. Hopefully The Women’s Murder Club will come back.
Comment by Donna M — February 21, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
Janelle: My mom thinks that Steve Guttenburg is going to be kicked off first. However, she has no idea who Penn Jillette and Adam Carolla are! I told her and I think she is still confused. I have five bucks on it, so Penn Jillette better be kicked off first!
I guess the early favorite is Kristi Yamaguchi. She, obviously, had to have had dancing as a skater and she looks awesome after two kids (I wish I looked half as good).
I totally agree with the comment that the shows are total c-r-a-p without the writers.
to all of the writers!
Comment by katie — February 21, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
I can’t wait for The Office and 30 Rock!! I can’t believe Big Shots is being cancelled it was such a good show
I do want to see Greys Anatomy but its been so long I don’t even remember what’s going on.
Comment by erin — February 21, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
I am seriously bummed about Big Shots and Journeyman!!!
It will be hard to wait for those that won’t start up again until the fall. At least Men In Trees and October Road made it. 
TV is almost as fickle as publishing. 
Comment by Beth — February 21, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
I watch very little tv.
Have never seen any of the shows mentioned.
Comment by Estella — February 21, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
I’m eagerly awaiting the return of 30 Rock, CSI, Scrubs, Criminal Minds and NCIS.
Comment by Jane — February 21, 2008 @ 5:52 pm
Janelle - could I suggest DVR/Tivo type thing for you?
It saves so many hassles in our family when two people want to watch something at the same time. I usually just recorded Dirty Sexy Money and then I could watch it when no one else was around, there were no interruptions - it was great!
Comment by Jodie — February 21, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
Awwwwwwwwwww, I LOVED Big Shot! It was my Desperate Housewives Starring Men.
Totally bummed,
Cindy
Comment by Cindy Procter-King — February 21, 2008 @ 6:18 pm
MOONLIGHT!
Ghostwhisper
glad Jericho is back
can’t believe I have to wait until 09 to see 24
Comment by Liz — February 21, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Jodie — We keep talking about getting a Tivo. But we just haven’t. I guess now is a good time, huh?
Comment by Janelle — February 21, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
I like LIPSTICK JUNGLE, too….reminds me of a good, romance novel.
Comment by katie — February 21, 2008 @ 7:04 pm
Oh - and Eli Stone - I just watched all the shows on ABC’s website - love every single one, and watched them all in a row!
Comment by JSL — February 21, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
Waiting for : Bones, Moonlight, all the CSIs!
Pat Cochran
Comment by Patricia Cochran — February 21, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
I am a hugh Prison Break fan, so I was hoping for more new episodes, but now with Fox loving reality shows (which I am personally sick of) the future is uncertain.
I am glad for all the people involved though to be able to get back to work.
Comment by Dina — February 21, 2008 @ 11:39 pm
WOW–THINKS FOR THE UPDATE ON THE PROGRAMS. LOOKING
FORWARD ESPECIALLY TO UGLY BETTY AND A FEW OTHERS.
I DO HOPE THAT WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB DOES COME BACK ON
AND ISN’T CANCELLED. KNEW MEN IN TREES WAS COMING BACK
AND LOVE THAT SHOW TOO. AS LIPSTICK JUNGLE AND ELI COME
ON AT THE SAME TIME USUALLY WATCH ONE AND TAPE THE
OTHER. ALSO THRILLED THAT THE CLOSER WILL BE COMING
BACK TOO.
ALICE IN TEXAS
Comment by ALICE — February 22, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
I can’t wait for Grey’s Anatomy and House. Private Practice is another favorite, but I would love to watch the others more.
Comment by Mary — February 22, 2008 @ 7:48 pm