THE SUMMER TV SEASON is more and more about original cable series, with superb shows from “True Blood” to “Mad Men” stealing the network limelight in recent years. So MP had to get in on the act. But what should we predict? Cancellation markets are out of the question, since the smaller networks will air the ordered episodes no matter what. Viewership numbers can be low without hurting a show’s fortunes (see “Mad Men”). So we decided to cut to the bottom line: will this sucker live? And our first test case, “Nurse Jackie,” looks like a strong bet. Yes, we’ve seen medical dramas before, but Edie Falco will bring a bluntness and edginess missing from the folksy soundtrack of “Grey’s Anatomy.” (Hint: Jackie will dip heavily into the hospital’s drug cabinet.) Add in a doctor with an inappropriate-touch tic, as well as Showtime’s usual brilliance, and this looks like another hit from a network that brings back “Weeds” on the same night. Buy. 5/31/09.
THE MARKET: Will “Nurse Jackie” on Showtime be renewed? The drama premieres in its regular timeslot on Monday, June 8, at 9 p.m. ET. Trading will close immediately after its scheduled sixth episode on July 13. If Showtime approves a second season, shares are worth $100. If it doesn’t, they’re worth $0.
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