CBS is mounting a defence of its supernatural crime drama Medium after NBC axed the series from its autumn line-up.

At the presentation of the network's fall schedule, NBC co-chairman Ben Silverman called the show "an aging franchise, without a single fan letter, with no passion."

However, CBS Studios has retaliated by pointing out that Medium outperformed many of the shows NBC has renewed for autumn, with a spokesperson adding, "The awards and ratings speak for themselves. We believe the show has a significant future and await developments."

Medium's sixth season may now be produced directly for the CBS network, and partnered with Ghost Whisperer.

Meanwhile, the CW has dropped the underperforming Reaper, and is pinning its new genre hopes on an adaptation of LJ Smith's Vampire Diaries by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec. Smallville and Supernatural will both continue on the network with new seasons.