US TV networks reveal list of top shows they've axed

Desperate Housewives, Alcatraz, House and CSI: Miami are among the shows that have been axed by television broadcast networks in America.

Meanwhile programmes like The Simpsons, Glee, Modern Family and 30 Rock have been recommissioned for a further series.

The current rough economic climate means studio bosses of networks including ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC are under increasing pressure to scrap under performing projects that fail to pull in or keep viewers.

After eight series the finale episode of Desperate Housewives aired last night (13 May) in the US.

The comedy-drama which stars Teri Hatcher, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria and Nicollette Sheridan is shown on Channel 4 in the UK.

Felicity Huffman who played Lynette describes the last days of filming the drama as "bitter-sweet".

"Well, you know, ABC did a great thing," she said. "They let us know far in advance and so we got to have the send-off that I think the show deserves."

What shows are recommissioned or cancelled by studio executives in America has an impact on television viewers around the world.

Many of the more successful and popular shows and their formats are sold to other countries.

As well as ABC in the United States, Desperate Housewives is also broadcast in Spain, Japan, Poland, Greece, China, Hungary, Italy, Korea, Bosnia, Germany, Sweden, Ireland and Croatia.

Dancing With the Stars, Grey's Anatomy, Modern Family, Blue Bloods, The Big Bang Theory, America's Next Top Model, 90210, The Simpsons, Family Guy, The X Factor USA, 30 Rock and Glee.

Charlie's Angels, Pan Am, CSI: Miami, Alcatraz, Ringer, Free Agents, Are You There Chelsea, Prime Suspect and The Finder.