LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- "According to Jim," ABC's current longest running scripted series, may very well live on.

Both the L.A. Times and The Hollywood Reporter have indicated talks are underway to bring back the veteran comedy despite its absence from the network's 2007-2008 lineup.

Longtime readers may recall similar scenarios with CBS' "Yes, Dear" back in 2004 (read the original upfront release) and "Becker" in 2003 (read the original upfront release). Neither series was present on the Eye's schedule at that year's upfront only to later earn reprieves.

Earlier this week, NBC confirmed the future of "The Apprentice" likewise wouldn't be decided until after the upfronts - June 1 to be exact. The date was mentioned in The New York Daily News' report yesterday about the news, which goes on to say executive producer Donald Trump and company will begin shopping the series elsewhere on said date.

And finally as if there wasn't enough post-upfront drama to unfold in the coming weeks, TV Guide columnist Michael Ausiello indicated this morning the CW may wait until June 15 to reach a verdict on its cult drama "Veronica Mars."

"The extra time would allow [creator] Rob Thomas to produce an actual script for ["Veronica Mars"] in the FBI," he said, referring to the show's potential revamp as an FBI-based pseudo-procedural. For now, "Mars" isn't expected to be on the netlet's 2007-2008 schedule, due to be announced tomorrow.