Nov 9, 2015 4 min read

The walking dead has a whole new meaning.

While not one network series has been canceled this fall, four shows being broadcast have absolutely no chance of being around in 2016.

They are victims of not only low ratings, but also of the new “network speak.” Instead of outright canceling shows, networks are now announcing “reduced episodes” for ratings-starved series. It’s a somewhat softer way of canceling them, but more importantly to networks, it keeps their call letters and the word “canceled” or “axed” out of the same headline.

Also, by keeping a “reduced-episode” series on the air for a few extra weeks, networks avoid filling schedule holes with dreaded reruns.

Truth be told, it should be no surprise to anyone that NBC’s “Truth Be Told” and “The Player,” Fox’s “Minority Report” and ABC’s “Blood and Oil” have been axed. All had episode orders cut to 10, save for “The Player,” which was reduced to nine shows. NBC already has a “Player” replacement waiting in the wings. It’s Jennifer Lopez’s “Shades Of Blue,” which takes over Jan. 14. And, yes, Lopez will be seen on Fox’s “American Idol” and NBC’s “Shades of Blue” on the same night.

By the way, in any other season, a second episode of “Truth Be Told” would never have aired. Its premiere last month had a 0.7 rating in the 18- to 49-year-old age group, believed to be the lowest rating ever for a series premiere in the history of the major networks.

It’s telling that networks have become so sensitive about using the word “canceled” that they also buried the axing of some summer shows deep into unrelated press releases, and in most cases simply indicated shows would not be returning. They include “The Whispers,” “Extant,” “Rookie Blue” and “The Astronaut Wives Club.” And, in one instance where a “series finale” was actually advertised, “Under the Dome.”

It’s interesting, too, that the fall series reviled most by critics and predicted to be the first to be axed has already been given a full season order. That show is ABC’s “Dr. Ken.” Also given the green light for a complete season are NBC’s “Blindspot,” Fox’s “Rosewood,” “The Grinder” and “Grandfathered,” ABC’s “Fresh off the Boat” and “Quantico” and CBS’s “Life In Pieces” and “Limitless.” CBS also confirmed it would be bringing back “Zoo” next summer.

One series believed to be in deep trouble, ABC’s “The Muppets'” had three episodes added to its initial order – evidently a sign by ABC that it will give “Muppets'” new showrunner a little more time to make it more kid-friendly.

If you’re still hesitant to check out new series for fear they will quickly disappear, two new series appear to be on the road to a full season: Fox’s “Scream Queens” and CBS’s “Supergirl.”

On the other hand, “CSI: Cyber” and “Wicked City” are all but certain to experience “reduced episodes.” And “Heroes Reborn,” advertised as a limited series, is in no danger of extending that limitation. It’s had a 50 percent dropoff in viewers since its premiere.

Hits-wealthy CBS is in somewhat of a predicament. With “CBS: Cyber” the only flop on its current schedule, and more new series slated this spring, it has nowhere to put the returning “Mike and Molly” and “The Odd Couple,” as the 10 p.m. Sunday slot of “Cyber” is not conducive to sitcoms. And both sitcoms are no doubt too expensive to be given temporary Saturday berths.

Around cable land, canceled series include “Switched at Birth,” “Instant Mom” and “The Brink.” This also will be the final season for “Mythbusters.” And to absolutely no one’s surprise, “Walking Dead” has been renewed for a seventh season.