Human Target seems to be facing the axe even as Fox aired an original episode of the show on Wednesday.

Even though the rerun episode upped the ratings by 21 per cent, it may be too late to save the show due to its consistently poor performance during the recent season. With many series up for renewal in 2011, some are bound to face the axe.

Fox has already cancelled Running Wilde, The Lone Star and the Good Guys - all with an average viewership of 0.6 to 1.6 in the 18 to 49 demographics. The viewership for the shows was around 3.5 million. ( All figures provided by Nielson Company via Media Week)

Human Target recorded a viewership of around 6 million but its target demographics of 18 to 49 - that the advertisers were aiming for with the show - could garner only 1.6 points. Generally, if a show fails to score a minimum of 2 points, then it is taken off air.

However, there are many factors which determine the continuation and axing of a series with viewership playing a major part. The cost of the show, contracts, programming and the availability of new shows also play a part in the decision. It is easier to produce news and reality shows as they cost a lot less than series.

Human Target has twice been adapted as a television series: once on ABC in 1992 and again on Fox in 2010.The show on Fox TV premiered in January starring Mark Valley, Jackie Earle Haley and Chi McBride. The show was renewed in May 2010 but now it's fate hangs in balance.

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