Into the Fire

TV series that have been successful for several seasons all reach that point in time where their casts change, the writing threatens to reach some dead ends, and viewer enthusiasm starts to wane. Will they or won't they be renewed for yet another season?

The dynamic of series television is changing. With the multitude of cable channels available, the autumn premieres on the big three networks of CBS, NBC, and ABC used to have all of their primetime shows go well into May. Not so much anymore. On the cable channels such as TNT and USA, short stints of series TV often appear in the summer or late spring and continue or start up again during the winter or late fall.

CSI, pictured above, is in its 15th season. During its many years, important cast members have left the show but have been replaced by other quality actors who were equal to the tasks of successfully filling those vacancies. If you appreciate crime dramas and good acting – and can stomach occasional gore and the ugliness of the sinful horrors and capabilities of mankind – CSI has provided years of quality entertainment while setting the example for its spin-offs, two of which didn't outlast it (CSI-Miami and CSI-NewYork). CSI-Cyber has been added to the mix, but has a different feel to it.

Other long-running series, such as NCIS which also spawned two spin-offs and has been through several cast changes, face that point in time where their renewals aren't guaranteed. Do the viewers still watch and are there enough of them?

I still enjoy CSI and NCIS and the spin-offs (particularly NCIS-LA), and I hope they will continue for yet another season when the time comes to make those decisions. Quality writing and acting have sustained these series, and although they've had long, successful runs by anyone's assessment, it doesn't yet feel like their end date should be near.

Father, again, you've given such talent to so many. May they understand their gifts aren't random but of your design. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.