'Code' Cut; 'Club' Comes In

As news of the studio expansion was hitting in Chicago (we had it right here), word also came in that one production that was using that studio, was not renewed.
"The Chicago Code" starring Jennifer Beals will not be around for a sophomore season on FOX this fall. It is too bad because after a slow start, the show built and developed the characters past the point of no return. It was gritty and was starting to shine. Another reason is jobs. But now, NBC has announced the arrival of "The Playboy Club," a series that has already has faced opposition.
The Chicago-based project is set like a "Mad Men" style show for the popular club in the 1960s. The pilot was filmed in Chicago in March and now should bring steady business for a little while. Controversy has already risen because it plans on focusing on the bunny scene and the ups and down of that business.
* * *
- Meanwhile, one of my favorite dramas on TV, has been renewed as well. That would be "Parenthood."
- I am also hearing and the Hollywood Reporter has chimed in, that "Wonder Woman" will not be picked up. At least by NBC, that is.
- "Grimm" has been snapped up by NBC. Look at the name and you guessed it. It has a fairy tale angle but yet, a police drama. Hmmm.
- Another show that saw a reboot of sorts after a slow start was "Harry's Law" starring Kathy Bates. It will be back. One more thing about NBC for now. If you think "Inception" had any influence, check out "Awake."
* UPDATE. DONE DEAL: Ashton Kutcher will take over for Charlie Sheen. This needed to be done since the TV upfronts are next week. Get ready, next week will be fast and furious for us covering the TV business. Hugh Grant was in talks to take Sheen's place, but Kutcher it is. Being a verteran sitcom star on "That '70s Show" will not hurt him. In fact, that show's style will help him here. The only problem, "Two and a Half Men" has passed its prime and it was a show about Sheen. A revamp and reboot may work and is really needed now. I will not watch. OK, the first few but I was not a regular viewer of it the first time around.