NBC renews Friday staple for 2007-08

The cards have come up in favor of "Las Vegas" extending its life on NBC.

The network has picked up the show for the 2007-08 season. That will be its fifth season and should get the series to the holy-grail mark of 100 episodes, the benchmark for viability in syndication.

"The cast and producers have consistently given us what we want from 'Las Vegas' -- pure entertainment -- and we're looking forward to another fun ride next season with the show," NBC Entertainment chief Kevin Reilly says.

That cast, however, looks like it wll be a little smaller next season. The showbiz trade papers report James Caan and Nikki Cox will leave the show after this year, with Caan citing a desire to return to film work full-time.

"I've had a wonderful four years, worked with great people and made friends for life working on 'Las Vegas,'" the actor says in a statement. "But I'm eager to return to where my heart is, which is film, and due to the show's schedule, I've missed some great opportunities to do that."

"Las Vegas" becomes the fifth show NBC has ordered for next season, along with "Heroes," "Law & Order: SVU," "My Name Is Earl" and "The Office." The series will end its slightly abbreviated fourth season (17 episodes) on Friday, March 9.

The show has been a steady performer for the network on Friday nights, averaging 9 million viewers and a respectable 2.8 rating among adults 18-49 this season. Its 18-49 number ranks first in its time period.

"Vegas" will end its season on a somewhat suspenseful note, with casino host Sam (Vanessa Marcil) being kidnapped by one of her high-roller clients. Mike (James Lesure) goes after her, while Delinda (Molly Sims) learns some "life-altering news" that will also affect Danny (Josh Duhamel).