Fewer “Roswell” episodes possible

Thanks to michec and the others that sent this in

By Josef Adalian

Yahoo News

Friday November 30 4:28 AM ET

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) – UPN may be looking to get out of “Roswell” a bit earlier than planned.

When the network snagged the sci-fi actioner from the rival WB earlier this year, it said it had bought 22 episodes for 2001-02, the show’s third season. But Thursday, UPN CEO Dean Valentine said the network has the right to cut that order to 13 episodes based on ratings.

Unlike WB import “Buffy the Vampire Slayer (news – Y! TV),” “Roswell” hasn’t been scoring out-of-this-world Nielsen numbers since moving to UPN. Insiders said there’s a chance now that UPN might cut “Roswell’s” order to 19 episodes; there’s a smaller chance UPN will simply stick with the 13 already guaranteed.

A final decision is expected within the next few weeks. Whatever happens, UPN said it may premiere midseason comedies “As If” and “Leap Years” in “Roswell’s” 9 p.m. Tuesday slot sometime in March or April — bumping “Roswell” repeats.

Reuters/Variety REUTERS