Midseason TV

Updated February 21, 2017 | Factmonster Staff

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The old-timers, once again, make for the best television. Law & Order, network television's longest-running drama, continues to boast intelligent scripts, compelling storylines and engaging performances. We have to admit, though, that we much prefer Cary Lowell over Angie Harmon as assistant DA. Homicide: Life on the Street, which continues to survive NBC's ax despite so-so ratings, has remained fresh and gritty through another cast upheaval. NYPD Blue is about to get new life when Rick Schroder joins the precinct, replacing Jimmy Smits. To be sure, it's an odd casting choice, but Steven Bochco is no fool.

It's still early to throw in the towel altogether. The networks will soon be rolling out the midseason replacements. CBS's Becker is one of them. It's too early to be overly critical. But thus far, the show is about as good as Ink, Ted Danson's last failure. Stay tuned.

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