NBC orders four more scripts for Knight Rider

Originally approved for thirteen episodes, there has been some question to when we would find out if Knight Rider would get a full season of 22 episodes or the "back nine" as they've been called. Today we get our first sign that things are indeed heading that way as both the Hollywood Reporter and Variety are reporting that NBC has approved the development of 4 additional scripts. These scripts could potentially lead to more episodes, but for right now it is only the scripting stage that has been approved.

This is excellent news as some fans were concerned that the lower than expected ratings these last few weeks, would mean bad things for the fledgling show. However, the fact that it constantly wins the Male demographics as well as being a top show on the NBC network, with the entire TV audience viewership down, only goes to help their case for a full season.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

NBC has ordered four additional scripts for "Knight Rider," a positive sign for the freshman drama, which has had a sluggish ratings start.

This is the second new scripted series after CBS' promising crime drama "The Mentalist" to receive an additional script pickup, often a precursor to a full-season order.

For the past couple of years, broadcast networks have been hedging their bets by ordering scripts in lieu of off-the-bat back-nine orders for their new series.

Two freshman series, Fox's "Fringe" and the CW's "90210," have been picked up for a full season.

In its most recent airing Wednesday, "Rider" (6.9 million viewers, 2.3 rating/7 share among adults 18-49) slipped a notch, tying CBS for second place the hour among adults 18-48.

From Variety

NBC is showing some faith in "Knight Rider," ordering four more scripts of the frosh drama from Universal Media Studios.
Update of the 1980s talking car skein has performed so-so in the ratings but has had traction with young men in its Wednesday 8 p.m. slot in three airings to date.

Series stars Justin Bruening and is exec produced by Gary Scott Thompson, Doug Liman and Dave Bartis.