Filed at 12:26 a.m. CT

CHICAGO (AP) -- In a move sending shockwaves thoroughout the industry, critical darling "Upon Midwestern Shores" is drifting away from dubya-d, amid hopes for smoother sailing on udn. "Shores", centered around the misadventures of a 30-something California queer adjusting to mid-life in the Second City, first appeared as "My Life IS...And You Know That" last june as THE bright spot in an otherwise disappointing summer line-up.

Despite strong reviews and fervent fans, tumult plagued the dramedy from day one. Tragedy, on and off the set, paired with haphazard scheduling fueled rumors of an impending cancellation. Neither a recent retooling, emerging as "Upon Midwestern Shores", nor an anguished cliff-hanger, could prevent the show from being placed on indefinite hiatus late last week.

Enter udn. In addition to acquiring the rights to the as-yet-unaired summer episodes, udn picked up the series with a full season commitment, keeping "Shores" on the air through spring 2003. "udn pops!", enthused series creator hucksterfinn. Addressing speculation that dubya-d executives interfered with storylines, including the controversial season finale, finn replied, "dubya-d expected a light-hearted comedy and who can blame them? That's what we pitched! But sometimes the story just tells itself. I had to be true to the story, you know?"

A new network equals a new look. This improved version offers simpler navigation between episodes and access to finnphiles, the official "Shores" fansite. While this design may seem familiar to some viewers, finn offered a simple explanation. "with udn, it's 'Cut corners! Cut corners!' So, who better to 'borrow' from than that fucking flipper bitch, Eunice! She owes me! One day, I SWEAR, she is gonna PAY! God, I HATE HER!"