Media Scribbler

NBC’s “Knight Rider” and Fox’s “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” haven’t been winning over masses of viewers this season. But it appears that the networks believe the younger demographics of the action shows merit full-season pickups.

“Knight Rider” was given an order for the final nine episodes of the season by NBC executives. Despite the show spinning off of a hit NBC movie last year, executives were initially hesitant to pick up the show after lukewarm ratings during the first month of the fall season.

Last Friday, Fox ended speculation about the fate of “The Sarah Connor Chronicles” by completing the order for a 22-episode second season. Unlike “Knight Rider”, this show has remained a critical and fan favorite throughout its run despite ratings woes. Also, some have speculated that Fox execs may be keeping the sci-fi show around in case problems surrounding Joss Whedon’s “Dollhouse” keep it from making a midseason debut.

Also, The CW’s “Privileged” has gotten its own pickup for additional episodes, but not for a full season. The freshman show has seen a signifigant ratings drop-off from its “90210″ lead-in, but its leading lady, former “Reba” cast member Joanna Garcia, has gotten some nice press attention and the net clearly thinks it will pick up more viewers as the season goes on.

Finally, there’s one show that no longer needs to prove itself for a pickup. Showtime has ordered scripts for two more seasons of its hit drama “Dexter”.

(NBC Photo: Paul Drinkwater)

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