NBC hopeful on ‘Parenthood’ season 5, ‘Parks and Recreation’ season 6

The months of April and May are typically pretty stressful for any TV fan, mostly because this is when the networks start to make some serious decisions about the future of some viewers’ favorite shows. When this network is NBC, the decisions seem to be even more stressful than usual. Why? It’s really all about balance: even though they finished the fall #1, they have a number of middling shows that despite being strong in terms of quality, fail to produce big numbers.

So what does the future hold for a pair of critical favorites in “Parks and Recreation” and “Parenthood”? This was addressed somewhat by the network’s head Robert Greenblatt at TCA on Sunday, and he did his best to make one thing clear: both shows do have a chance of getting another season.

When it came specifically to “Parenthood,” Greenblatt suggested that there was a strong likelihood that the show will be back for a fifth season. We agree; not only have the ratings been steady, but it performs well in DVR viewing, has a loyal fanbase, and another season could get it up to syndication (which is something that every production house wants desperately).

Meanwhile, we’re not quite sure if he was as optimistic about “Parks and Recreation” or not. As hinted by TVbythenumbers, he almost lumped it into the same group as “Community”: there is optimism, but he wants to wait and see. Personally, we see its odds as much better than “Community’s,” given that it consistently performs better, and really is the best thing Thursday nights have going for them with “The Office” ending. If nothing else, we see a sixth season coming up to tie up the show and send it off right.

Which of these two shows do you want to see back more? If you want to see some more scoop on the “Parenthood” season finale, you can do so here.

Photo: NBC