TV Q&A: NBC has given up on 'Prime Suspect'

Q Has NBC made a decision on "Prime Suspect"? I know it aired all the episodes it had, but I hope it plans on making more.

A NBC doesn't plan to make more "Prime Suspect" episodes. The show was canceled despite network executives' love of the series.

"You know, 10 or 15 years ago, you could keep a show on the air and slowly, over time, build an audience. But we do have a lot of evidence that a modern audience, if you don't get them within the first four or five episodes, it's really hard to get beyond that," said NBC Entertainment president Bob Greenblatt at the Television Critics Association winter press tour in January in Pasadena, Calif.

"I spent several weeks in the fall trying to build an audience for 'Prime Suspect,' and we did a number of different things to find that audience and just came to the conclusion that was a painful one that we were never going to find a way to grow that audience."

Only 18 episodes for 'Parenthood'

Q "Parenthood" already had its season finale. Can you tell me why the season is ending so early? It's one of my favorite shows.

A Most non-freshman TV shows get a 22-episode order that stretches the series from September to May. NBC ordered 18 episodes of "Parenthood" and had fewer interruptions or reruns, which is why the show ended its season when it did. NBC will make a decision on keeping or canceling the show by May.

Q On shows such as "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," the ladies often host parties in their homes where the others arrive in limousines. Does the show pay for the costs of the parties and limos? What about if the event is in another state, such as when Camille Grammer invited everyone to her Aspen ski lodge or when Kyle invited everyone to Hawaii for her husband's birthday?

A My understanding is that it varies depending on the specific situation. Sometimes, the hotel provides accommodations to get the publicity. Cars are usually paid for by production, especially if there is any drinking. But everything is on a case-by-case basis. For example, Kyle's White Party happens every year, and that is something she pays for.

Waiting for 'Meteorite Men'

Q What happened to "Meteorite Men" on the Science Channel? It just stopped showing the series and hasn't said anything about why or if the show will be back on.

A No decision has been made on whether the show will be renewed or canceled.