Strike Watch: How Long Til My Favorite Show Runs Out?

I'm trying not to get too depressed about this strike, but as the December hiatus is quickly approaching, I know that this post-holiday season is going to even more depressing that usual. Thanks to my favorite pop culture blogger, we now have this updated list of how many episodes are left of our favorite shows. I don't know about you, but I think this TV season has been the strongest yet—I've picked up a lot of new shows that I didn't think I'd enjoy and with Heroes now back to its greatness, I look forward to my DVR catch-up each weekend. What am I going to do when this all comes to an end? I've decided to support my writers and not pick up any new crazy reality show the networks have to offer, but I can't say no to Project Runway (which starts tonight!) Anyways, here's the countdown. One episode of The Office left. Ugh. Get out the Kleenex (or facial tissues as Ted from How I Met Your Mother would correct me, how great was this week's ep?)

30 Rock: Ten episodes will be produced. Five episodes have aired, so there are five left.

Brothers & Sisters: Twelve episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are five left.

Chuck: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are five left.

Dirty Sexy Money: Eleven episodes will be produced. Six episodes have aired, so there are five left.

Gossip Girl: Thirteen episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are six left.

Heroes: Eleven episodes will be produced. Eight episodes have aired, so there are three left.

House: Twelve episodes will be produced. Seven episodes have aired, so there are five left.

Lost: Eight episodes will be produced. None have aired yet, so there are eight episodes left.

The Office: Twelve half-hour episodes will be produced. Eleven half-hour episodes have aired, so there is one half-hour episode left.

Pushing Daisies: Nine episodes will be produced. Five episodes have aired, so there are four left.

Pushing Daisies 1.1 - "Pie-lette"

At the beginning of each TV season, I'm always reluctant to take on a new series. Most new series that I end up liking will be canceled, and my schedule is already too busy that I have to watch most of my TV on a Saturday morning or Sunday night. So far this season, I'm keeping up with Californication, Gossip Girl, and Chuck. But after hearing the critical acclaim and knowing that a new show was being brought to ABC by the fantastic creator of Dead Like Me (was on Showtime, go rent it ASAP), I couldn't help but add Pushing Daisies to the increasing roster.

It's so charming. But having charm, especially on network TV is never a bad idea. I applaud ABC for green-lighting a quirky drama that is full of stylized color and dialog, taking a chance of what is looking like a hit show. The feel-good nature of the fairy-style centered mystery could be too much for some to handle. But frankly, I'd take this show over some silly reality nonsense, or Housewives-esque knockoff. I think finally, our dear networks, are realizing that some of us are smarter than a 5th grader.

Check out the opening scene below. The first episode of the series is currently up for free viewing over at ABC.com.