20 TV show casualties
These popular TV series have run out of episodes, thanks to the writers’ strike.

We knew it would come to this. Thanks to the strike, no new episodes are being produced, and more and more of our favorite shows have run dry. Click through this slideshow for the up-to-the-moment tally of popular series that have met their strike-induced end and see where the stories left off. ~ By Lizbeth Scordo

When we left “CSI” on January 10th, Grissom had taken a break from the glitz of the Vegas strip, and was investigating the death of a bull-riding rodeo performer, his prostitute ex-girlfriend, and her pimp. Despite the complicated case, the gang was able to solve the murders in the end… even without the help of Sara, whose character was written off in November after actress Jorja Fox left the show. CBS/Robert Voets

The last new episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” was about as drama-packed as they come. Meredith finally started warming to sis Lexie and even showed it by making her breakfast (which Lexie was actually allergic to, but that’s another story). Derek told nurse Rose that the kiss meant nothing, and then freaked Meredith out by showing her plans of the future “dream house” he wants them to build. Dr. Bailey’s son needed emergency surgery after a bookcase fell on him, and George’s Mom showed up with baby clothes for George and Callie’s future kid… and then promptly put them away and reamed George when Izzie accidentally spilled the beans about her affair with George. Now just try to remember all that until the next new episode airs! ABC/Bob D’Amico

We knew it wouldn’t last, but we were still thrilled to see Edie Falco’s character, the liberal Congresswoman C.C., stick around as Jack’s unlikely love interest for much of this season. On the last new “30 Rock” that aired on January 10th, despite Jack and C.C. giving their all to their long-distance romance by meeting halfway between New York and Washington in a rural Pennsylvania town (and even symbolically throwing their cell phones in a lake), they just couldn’t make it work. Sayonara, Mrs. Soprano! NBC/Mary Ellen Mathew

 

On the last new episode of “CSI Miami” to air on January 14th, Kyle’s mother, Julia, suddenly popped into Horatio’s life when the CSI investigated the death of her dead billionaire husband. When it was time for Kyle to face his day in court for the kidnapping of Kathleen Newberry, the case was thrown out after Kathleen didn’t show up for court. It turns out Kathleen was bound, gagged and thrown in the water and Horatio is convinced that Julia had something to do with this latest crime which, coincidentally, kept her son out of jail. CBS/Andrew MacPherson

 

‘Law & Order: SVU’ had babies on the brain on January 22nd when Benson and Stabler investigated the theft of 100 embryos and fertilized eggs from a sperm bank. The case really hit home with Benson after a fertility specialist explained that the eggs were worth a lot because so many women are putting motherhood on hold for their careers and having trouble conceiving later in life. Later, Benson admitted to a woman whose embryo was stolen that she too wanted kids someday. Might we see some baby Bensons soon? NBC/Mitchell Haaseth

On January 23rd’s last new episode of “Criminal Minds” the contents of a self-storage unit revealed the chilling early signs of a serial killer, prompting Hotchner and the team to profile the items left behind and track down the suspect… before he began killing innocent people. CBS/Monty Brinton

 

Lindsay finally started getting over the harsh reality that her ex-husband, Tom, is moving on and marrying someone else on the last episode to air on January 4th. But just as she was about to jump back into the dating scene, she was warned she could be in serious danger, which took her mind off of romance. And, of course, the ladies of the “Women’s Murder Club” stayed busy as they investigated the brutal murder by decapitation of a local wine broker. ABC/Andrew Southam

 

The “NCIS” team investigated their last case on January 15th when a Muslim member of the U.S. Marines suspected of terrorist recruitment was found dead near a mosque. As Special Agent Gibbs and the gang tried to figure out whether or not the Marine had ties to terrorism, their search quickly hit a speed bump when Ducky refused to perform an autopsy on the victim in order to honor his family’s religious beliefs. CBS/Darren Michaels

 

“Without a Trace” will live up to its name now that the last new episode aired on January 17th, when the FBI’s New York Missing Person’s Squad investigated the case of a woman who went missing while working in a veterans’ hospital. The team’s detective work led them in two directions — first to the victim’s connection to a radical anti-war group, and then to her Vietnam vet father. CBS/Monty Brinton

 

When we left “My Name is Earl” on January 10th, the gang was celebrating Earl’s release from prison, but Earl was having second thoughts about his do-gooding, since it doesn’t seem to have done him much good. When Earl finds that Ralph is living the good life masquerading as the widow Doris’ dead husband, he throws the list away in frustration. Then, after a bizarre series of events including Earl’s quick stint as a stripper and his accidentally tipping over Joy and Darnell’s trailer, Earl is hit by a car by Billie, a girl he has the hots for. After she’s hit by another car and ends up lying in the street next to Earl, one thing becomes clear. Karma’s back! NBC/Mitchell Haaseth

 

“Desperate Housewives’” Wisteria Lane was tornado-free by the time the last episode blew through on January 6th. After a big scare Tom and the kids were rescued from the rubble safe and sound. Karen was devastated to find out, however, that her friend Ida died… but helped save the Scavo kids first. After a head injury landed Carlos in the hospital Gaby told him she still wanted to marry him even without the money. But turns out Carlos is keeping a secret from her… the accident caused him to go blind. ABC/Andrew Eccles

 

On December 3rd’s last new episode of “Heroes,” Peter’s Odessa reunion with Nathan became violent when Adam (and his pursuit of the deadly Shanti Virus) caused a clash between the brothers, Matt and Hiro. After witnessing the kidnapping of his heroic cousin by a street gang, Micah looked for help from the one person he knew could help save Monica -– his mom. Meanwhile, Elle played hero to get back on her father’s good side, but it took a tragedy to prove to Maya what a monster Sylar actually is. And it looks like two heroes might not be with us whenever new episodes return.NBC/Mitchell Haaseth

 

When we left “The Office” way back on November 15, Jan had sued Dunder Mifflin for wrongful termination and brought Michael to arbitration as a witness. But when it became clear that Jan never had much respect for Michael, the devoted regional manager sided with the company and their relationship bit the dust. On a more romantic note, Jim and Pam are still lucky in love… and we hope they still will be by the time the show comes back! NBC/Mitchell Haaseth

 

“Gossip Girl’s” last episode on January 9th certainly lived up to its name after the episode began with Serena buying a pregnancy test. Though she was picking it up as a favor for Blair, rumors swirled that Serena herself might be preggers. As Blair wondered who the father might be, Nate flipped out after he found out about Blair’s tryst with Chuck, and Chuck began blackmailing Blair. Luckily, Blair found out there’d be no baby on the horizon, and we viewers were left waiting for our next installment of juicy Upper East Side gossip. The CW/Timothy White

 

As “Two and a Half Men” wound down, mom Evelyn had gotten engaged to Teddy, and Charlie quickly jumped into bed with his future stepsister — against Teddy’s wishes. When we last left the Harper Brothers on November 19th, Alan got revenge on Charlie for stealing his girlfriend… back in high school. Hey, stealing is stealing, right? CBS/Cliff Lipson

 

When “Pushing Daisies” last aired on December 12th, Chuck learned Ned’s big secret… and didn’t take it well, refusing to forgive him. Emerson tried to get Ned’s mind off his lady love by throwing him into a case, but Ned still couldn’t stop thinking about Chuck. Will she get over it and come back to him? We’re dying to know! And how about the revelation that Lily is Chuck’s mom? Wow! ABC/Justin Stephens

 

We left the Oceanside Wellness Center in relationship chaos during the last new episode of “Private Practice” on December 5th. On-again/off-again couple Sam and Naomi tried to figure out where their relationship was headed, Addison wasn’t sure about how to handle the world of dating, and Cooper was in the midst of a secret affair with the St. Ambrose chief of staff, Dr. Charlotte King. ABC/Eric Ogden

 

As Ted anticipated a hot date with the doctor who was going to remove his tattoo on the last new episode of “How I Met Your Mother” on December 10th, the gang quickly started raining on his parade with warnings about why you should NEVER date anyone you see on a regular basis. Not surprisingly, Robin, Marshall and Lily each had plenty of examples to serve as warnings about what happens when you break “The Platinum Rule.” CBS

 

Jaime got to take a vacation to a spa resort with her sister Becca during the last new episode of “Bionic Woman” on November 28, but the trip turned into more business than pleasure when Jonas ordered her to provide an assassin staying at the hotel with information on his hit… not easy when she’s trying to keep her spying ways a secret from her little sis. After a weekend of murder, adventure and deceit, Jaime came close to confessing to Becca, but didn’t. NBC/Mitchell Haaseth

 

Koothrappali was nervous after his parents set him up on a blind date on November 12th’s last new episode of “The Big Bang Theory,” but after a couple of drinks he realized he CAN actually talk to the opposite sex. The story took a turn, however, when he realized his date was actually more interested in Sheldon. Poor Rajesh! CBS/Monty Brinton