Sorry, whats with the 13-14 ep. TV series?

Things like "Surface." Is this because of when they were released or

SoHillsGuy...

Virtually all new network series are initially given orders for just 13
episodes, with an extension of the 'back nine' (bringing the total to
22) coming later on if the ratings warrant it.

I don't know the exact particulars for "Surface," but one can guess
that the ratings weren't enough to give the series the full ride.

Not getting the extension is usually -- though not all always -- an
indication that the series is not getting another season.

is the 22 ep. tv series
about to disappear?

Steven L....

With most shows, even megahits like Lost and Desperate Housewives, they
start with an initial order for some 13 episodes or so. Then if the
ratings are decent, they commit to a full season. And if the ratings
are good, they may even renew for a second season.

But if the ratings are marginal, the show can always be put on hiatus,
either temporarily or indefinitely. NBC has put Surface on hiatus due
to the Olympics. ABC has put Commander-in-Chief on hiatus too.

shawn...

Mostly it's because the shows just weren't good enough to get a full
season's commitment. In the UK it's common to do a 6 -13 episode
season, but I don't see that becoming common in the US for shows that
are good enough to last for two or more years. The problem is that a
number of shows do just well enough that the networks want to give
them a chance, but not well enough to be fairly sure of getting that
second season commitment. Then you add in the money troubles that many
networks (like NBC) have been having were the costs for the shows is
greater than the advertising revenue, and it's little wonder that some
shows are getting less than a 20-22 episode season.