The regular TV seasons are almost over, some already are, and with sweeps coming around the bend TV fans are starting to chew their nails at the prospect of cancellation for their fave shows.

“[1] Life” and “[2] Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles” both had their season finales this week and there is speculation (see [3] here and [4] here) that it will be their last. Personally I’m bummed about that; I like both of those shows and “Terminator” has particularly stepped up to the storytelling plate this year. The finale of “Life” rounded out the story nicely, but “Terminator” left me wanting more. However, it’s not about how good a show is or what we, as fans, want, it’s about how a show performs in the ratings. Strictly based on ratings these two shows are goners.

Let’s talk about some [5] Joss Whedon alumni and the state of their shows. Two of the shows are in the Monday line-up on NBC and ABC respectively.

[6] Adam Baldwin is why I started watching “[7] Chuck” but the total sum of the show is why I keep coming back for more. The whole world stops at 8 p.m. on Mondays (and Thursdays but I’ll get to that later). I record all of the shows I watch on my DVR. You know a show is good when I can’t wait for it to DVR before viewing! That’s right, I’m willing to suffer through commercials for “Chuck”–I love it that much. Word is “Chuck” may be on the chopping block despite critical acclaim and average ratings. You may have [8] Jay Leno to blame for that. Hopefully another show will take the fall (Law & Order has run long enough!).

[9] Nathan Fillion’s new show “[10] Castle” started out strong but hasn’t performed well lately in spite of the fact that it’s awesome. I think that has something to do with the time slot; 10 p.m. is late for us hardworking people, although I have been watching “Castle” live since it debuted. I really hope ABC gives this show a chance. If you haven’t checked it out you should catch up on the show at [11] ABC’s web site.

Joss Whedon and [12] Eliza Dushku’s “[13] Dollhouse” has seen poor ratings too. Is that Friday night time-slot really cursed (“[14] Firefly” and “[15] Dark Angel” anyone)? While adding in DVR numbers ups the ante slighty for “Dollhouse,” it’s not doing well enough. Granted, I don’t feel as married to this show as previous Whedon fare. There is a lack of Whedon’s trademark humor and a darker feel, but the last few episodes have been really good–last night’s in particular. So what if “Dollhouse” wasn’t a great show from the start? With only 3 episodes left, I won’t be surprised if Fox cuts its losses on “Dollhouse”, just a bit sad for Joss. I hope he’ll take the hint and jump over to the CW or maybe even one of the NBC-Universal cable networks. He could do so much more if he wasn’t hogtied by network TV executives.

I’ll keep you guys posted if (or when) the official axe comes down.

On a lighter note, “[16] Smallville” and “[17] Supernatural” received early pick-ups last month. I was disappointed in “Smallville” last season but this season has been really great, and not just because hunky Green Arrow ([18] Justin Hartley) is a regular. =] The storytelling has improved over last season and I have to say I don’t miss Lana or Lex that much (sorry [19] Kristin and [20] Michael). “Supernatural” is my favorite show on television right now. It just keeps getting better and better. Last week’s episode, “[21] The Monster at the End of This Book” was awesome! You gotta love a show that doesn’t mind poking fun at itself. The only thing I have to complain about is that the CW won’t be showing another new episode of my Thursday night boys until April 23. I’m seriously going into withdrawal!