NBC Orders More 'Chuck' (Maybe We Can Stop Buying Subway Sandwiches Now)

There's good news for fans of NBC's 'Chuck.' Absent thus far from the schedule, the show's 13-episode third season wasn't supposed to start until March 2010. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC has commissioned six fresh episodes for 'Chuck' and insiders are speculating the series could return as early as January

The late premiere date had been seen as a huge lack of faith in the potential success of the series by many; but hot on the heels of NBC pulling the plug on new episodes of 'Trauma,' all that is changing now. The new order brings 'Chuck's' third season total to a very respectable 19.There's good news for fans of NBC's 'Chuck.' Absent thus far from the schedule, the show's 13-episode third season wasn't supposed to start until March 2010. But according to The Hollywood Reporter, NBC has commissioned six fresh episodes for 'Chuck' and insiders are speculating the series could return as early as January

The late premiere date had been seen as a huge lack of faith in the potential success of the series by many; but hot on the heels of NBC pulling the plug on new episodes of 'Trauma,' all that is changing now. The new order brings 'Chuck's' third season total to a very respectable 19.

The show will still likely make way for the Winter Olympics, along with most of NBC's lineup, but at least now it's not being treated as an afterthought to their schedule.

With Fox premiering 'American Idol' and '24' in January the past several years, many consider the winter "season" as significant as the traditional fall season these days. Certainly for Fox, it has been the beginning of their dominance over the television landscape, though it looks like they've started their ratings victory march early this year.


Watch 'Chuck' full episodes

While 'Chuck' has never been a ratings juggernaut, its combination of espionage thrills, romance and sharp humor makes it one of the most unique programs in primetime. Its high quality has been recognized by critics and awards shows, but like NBC's '30 Rock,' the show hasn't gotten the viewership to match the acclaim. It always seems to be on the cusp of a breakout season, though.

With 'Southland' being dumped for reportedly being too dark, the lighter tone of 'Chuck' must seem wonderful to NBC. The network will likely have 'Chuck' simply replace 'Trauma' on Monday nights once it completes its run, thus rejoining 'Heroes.' The comedic aspects of 'Chuck' even make it a better lead-in for 'The Jay Leno Show.'