Prime Suspect orders more scripts

NBC's new drama Prime Suspect isn't exactly blowing the roof off the House of Nielsen, but NBC isn't willing to give up on the Maria Bello starrer just yet. As a sign of confidence for the struggling drama, the network just ordered six more scripts for the Thursday series.

Last week, the drama earned a 1.5 rating/4 share in adults 18-49 and averaged 4.9 million viewers. Though it didn't increase its ratings, it didn't lose a point versus the previous week, either. The show may climb in the coming weeks, aided by repeats airing on Monday nights in the old Playboy Club slot.

So far this season, Suspect has averaged a 1.8/5 in 18-49 and 6.25 million viewers.

Since it already canceled Playboy and Free Agents, NBC obviously wants to keep its options open on Prime Suspect before deciding to yank another low-rated new show off its schedule.  Though its not a full-season pickup, a script order works as an insurance policy to keep a show in production if — or when — a network decides to order more episodes. Stay tuned.

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