The CW boss talks ‘Hart of Dixie’ season 2, ‘Nikita’ season 3, and renewals

When you look at the current landscape of The CW, it’s pretty easy to figure out the shows that are nearly a lock to stick around for at least a little while longer, and then the odds that are in trouble. “Arrow” and “The Vampire Diaries” are given, and the only thing that stops “Supernatural” from being in that same group fully is that it is in its eighth season and sooner or later, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles are going to want to do some other things.

Meanwhile, every other show on the network is in some sort of limbo. “America’s Next Top Model” is ancient, “90210” is bombing in the ratings, “Emily Owens M.D.” is canceled, “Beauty and the Beast” would be bombing were it not for its lead-in, “The Carrie Diaries” and “Cult” are new, and then you have two shows in “Hart of Dixie” and “Nikita” that fare decently for their network and their timeslot, but aren’t really blowing anyone out of the water. These are two shows that the network is going to have to take a long look at, and Mark Pedowitz confirmed at the Television Critics Association panel Sunday that they are doing just that.

While Pedowitz did not tip his cap one way or the other during the event as to whether or not either show will be renewed, we still think that both shows will be renewed. Why? Read on:

1. “Nikita” is entering its fourth season, and you may as well get it to the 88-episode syndication threshold at this point (though granted, it’s hard to see many networks syndicating a serialized show with a tiny audience). We were much more skeptical about the show getting a season 3 than we are about season 4.

2. “Hart of Dixie” averaged a higher 18-49 rating than any other show that aired on Monday or Tuesday for The CW this fall, and this is without much in the way of promotion. The only thing holding it back is that if you bring it back for season 3, you pretty much have to do it for season 4 if you want syndication.

3. Pedowitz did say in general that he likes to give shows fitting conclusions, and neither show feels like they are at the natural end.

Stay tuned, as we’ll have more on the shows’ chances in the months ahead. For now, just take a look at what “Hart of Dixie” is bringing to the table next.

Photo: The CW