Seth Green

’Joey’ axed as NBC unveils ’06-07 schedule

The death knell finally sounded for Joey today as NBC unveiled its slate for the 2006-07 season.

The Friends spinoff was first pulled by the network in December, then again following its return in March to less-than-impressive ratings. The remaining few episodes may now air over the summer.

Also confirmed for the axe are freshman political drama E-Ring, sci-fi series Surface and comedies Four Kings and Teachers.

Few returning series shift around in the new schedule; comedies My Name Is Earl and The Office move up to the 8pm hour on Thursdays to make way for new Matt Perry drama Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip at 9, while Law & Order spinoff Criminal Intent switches to Fridays at 10.

Deal Or No Deal gets two weekly airings - Mondays and Fridays at 8 - as reality show The Biggest Loser settles at 8 on Wednesdays.

Hotly anticipated supernatural drama Heroes has been granted a 9pm slot on Mondays, teaming with Medium. Footie drama Friday Night Lights, originally tipped for Mondays, has instead been pencilled for Tuesdays, ahead of new mystery drama Kidnapped. Two new comedies - 20 Good Years and 30 Rock - occupy the 9pm hour on Wednesdays.

Following several lacklustre seasons, The Apprentice will only air one cycle in 2006-07. Furthermore, the show is being kept back until January, where it moves to a Sunday night slot at 9pm.

Scrubs has been renewed for a full season of 22 episodes but won’t return until "some point later in the season", NBC said. Ditto for fan favourite Crossing Jordan.