Q: "What are these 'upfronts' I keep reading about?" — Gerard, Baltimore, Md.

A: They are the place where network presidents announce the shows they are keeping, the shows they are axing and the new shows they are touting. Last week in New York every network made a presentation. It used to be that only the major players — the networks, premium cable and online major players such as Netflix — hawked their wares. This year almost every media outlet was on hand, from Crackle to VOD to Amazon. The event is basically to show advertisers what is going to be served up next year. The press gets to grill the executives and the stars.

From Jerry Seinfeld ("Crackle") to Kiefer Sutherland ("Designated Survivor"), the big guns were trotted out.

ABC's new entertainment president, Channing Dungey, said in a phone call: "We are extremely proud of what we like to call our ABC Funny brand. We have a distinctive brand of comedy that is working well," Dungey told reporters in a morning phone call to discuss next season's slate. "(Comedy) development we had this year came in very strong and, once we looked at that development, in combination with the comedies we'd already brought back, it made sense to open up a new night."

"Broadcast television in particular is a fantastic home for comedy," she said, while noting, "I did not have a hand in ordering these pilots; I had a hand in development advocacy of drama pilots. The comedies already were ordered when I took the (new) role." But, she made a point of adding, "The schedule reflects my sensitivity about where I think the network is, and where I think we want to be going."

Comedy programming aside, Dungey didn't have fans of "Nashville" laughing. In its fourth season the show has not been renewed. Shows such as "Last Man Standing" got a pick. (I know; you've never heard of it.) The abysmal "Dr. Ken" also gets another year.

CBS does not have plans to renew "Limitless," which is based on the Bradley Cooper movie. Not only did the A-list star produce the show; he also made a few guest appearances. CBS is shopping the show to other networks. CBS axed "Supergirl," but found it a home at CW.

Michael Weatherly left his job at "NCIS." The next day he began working on the new NBC drama "Bull." The show gives us a look at Dr. Phil's early career.

"The Odd Couple," starring Matthew Perry, gets a third year. This is the first show since "Friends" that has lasted more than a season for Perry.

NBC is keeping almost everything. The spin off of "Blacklist" looks great.

Fox canceled the "Grinder" and "Grandfathered." If stars like Rob Lowe and John Stamos cannot keep a show afloat, how can mere acting mortals expect to? Speaking of actors, many did not know until the upfronts if they still had their jobs. No wonder actors are so insecure.

Now that the New York dog and pony show is over, it will be interesting to see which of the shows make it and which are full of flop sweat.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.