Ratings-challenged show may be done after this week

LOS ANGELES -- NBC probably isn't going to let "Heist" complete its run this spring. But like a thief trying to make a stealthy getaway, the network isn't saying when the show is leaving the airwaves.

The network confirmed reports Monday that the series, about a group of thieves planning to pull off a simultaneous robbery of several Beverly Hills jewelers, is probably not long for this world. Its ratings have fallen each week since its March 22 premiere, and it struggled mightily last week in a new timeslot opposite "Lost" and "American Idol."

NBC isn't, however, saying when the show will exit. As of late Monday afternoon, this week's episode was still in place for 9 p.m. ET Wednesday. Beyond that, though, no one is saying whether "Heist" will continue. In a message-board posting at TVSquad.com, Mark Cullen says NBC has cut the show's order from 13 to six episodes.

"Heist," created by Mark Cullen and his brother Robb ("Lucky"), was speeded through the development process to make its March premiere and heavily hyped during NBC's Winter Olympics coverage. The network also gave it the long-time "Law & Order" timeslot of 10 p.m. Wednesdays, moving the long-running cop show to 9 p.m.

The scheduling didn't work out well for either show. "L&O" suffered opposite "Lost" and "Idol," and "Heist" didn't break out in the later hour, drawing 8.75 million and 7.33 million viewers in its first two episodes.

NBC flipped the two shows last week, and while "Law & Order" drew 10.76 million viewers, close to its season average of 11.37 million, "Heist" took another tumble, bringing in only about 6.4 million people.