Renewal and Cancellation Wrap: Jackie in, Tara out!

Today there's two big stories when it comes to cult hit Showtime shows. It seems that overnight, they have flipped a coin; on one side Nurse Jackie, on the other, The United States of Tara. Both are in their Third season, both have strong female leads, and both have been well reviewed across their short lives as shows... But only one has been reviewed.

That show is Nurse Jackie, which will receive a fourth season.

This means that The United States of Tara has got the chop. You have to feel for Toni Collette, who has won praise (and awards) for her portrayal of Tara and her multiple personalities, however, hopefully it will open more doors for her in terms of movies.

I have watched both shows since season 1, yet gave up on Tara a couple of episodes into the second season- maybe it was just me, but I felt like the first season had already explored all the facets of the novelty of having multiple personalities, so I'd be happy to hear if you thought differently.

The overall arc of Nurse Jackie interested me more, though it has received slightly worse reviews than Tara for refusing to follow on from the shocking season 2 finale (Ie. Jackie covered over her drug-taking tracks and everything went back to normal).

TV News Wrap: Tuesday May 24

• Larry David's back for Season Eight of Curb Your Enthusiasm and this time it's set it New York. It will guest star Ricky Gervais, Michael J Fox and Rosie O'Donnell, among others. This recently released trailer looks fantastic.

• The TV Addict has assembled the fall schedule for 2011-2012, and it looks to be a tough a battle as ever- though I'm sure people say that every year. More in-depth look at the new programs to come.

• For Supernatural fans, Misha Collins, who plays Castiel will not be a series regular anymore.

• Dominic Fumusa, who plays the husband of Nurse Jackie, Kevin in the popular Showtime show, has divulged some details to TV Fanatic as to the rest of Season 3 (8 of 12 episodes have aired thus far, leaving only four to go- in Australia, episode 8 is to air today on Eleven). Most notably, he signals that there is some "big stuff" that happens... have a read:

"I think Linda and Liz want to make sure there are consequences to Jackie’s behavior and I will say that by the end of Season 3, some big stuff happens. It’s not exactly what you would predict, but that’s what’s great. They’re always staying one step ahead of the audience. As time goes on, my character will become very dark. Kevin started out as someone who seemed almost too good to be true. Obviously, he was not aware of his wife’s infidelity or drug use, and he becomes more suspicious and his behavior changes. He becomes more aggressive and takes things into his own hands. From the family side, it’s going to get very painful. The OCD is a wonderful way of showing that kids are affected by their parents' behavior. All of that gets richer. It’s already painful, and it will only get more so."

Showtime Renewal and Cancellation Wrap

Note: As Showtime's premiere dates differ significantly from normal programming, "Renewal" refers to- in some cases- being granted another season, despite having not premiered yet.

It is also difficult to judge returning shows which haven't yet had their premieres.

But, as always, this page will update as soon as ratings are released.



Dexter

Renewed for a SIXTH SEASON, to air in late 2011.

Shameless

Renewed for a SECOND SEASON, to air in 2012.

Californication

Renewed for a FIFTH SEASON, to air in early 2012.

Episodes

The first season didn't win a great deal of praise, but was still a nice little show for Showtime, so a SECOND SEASON will air in early 2011.



Weeds

A thirteen episode SEVENTH SEASON will return on Monday June 27th, with an eighth season likely to finish off the series.

Nurse Jackie

A THIRD SEASON will premiere on March 28th, and if it continues to appear to the same critical acclaim, it will almost certainly get a fourth.

United States of Tara

Still going strong into its THIRD SEASON, with a premiere set for March 28th. You wouldn't think a show with a dream team of Diablo Cody and Steven Spielberg would be going anywhere anytime soon.

The Big C

Was among Showtime's best performers in 2010, so a third season commission would be an obvious decision if its SECOND SEASON performs equally or even a touch worse than its first season.



The Borgias

An historical fiction drama, based on the Spanish Borgia dynasty, and starring Jeremy Irons.