"Dirt" and "Riches" face abrupt season finales

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - There will be less "Dirt" and "Riches" on FX's schedule this year. In a sign of what's in store for TV series whose production was affected by the writers' strike, FX has opted not to produce more episodes for the two series' second seasons.

It is understood that FX's decision to cut back the episode order on "Dirt" and "The Riches" stems from economic reasons and does not affect the two series' chances for third-season renewal. The cable network already has launched a marketing campaign for the March 2 premiere of "Dirt," starring Courteney Cox. The launch date for "Riches," starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver, will be announced next week.

With an end to the writers' strike in sight, one of the biggest dilemmas networks are facing is whether to resume production on all series that had been idled by the work stoppage and how many additional episodes to order of the shows they opt to bring back this season.

"Dirt" and "The Riches" ceased production in December as they ran out of scripts after completing seven episodes.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter