STOP he presses . . . please!

NBC has shelved the hourlong drama “Deadline,” based on a swashbuckling New York City tabloid columnist played by actor Oliver Platt.

“Deadline” lasted only five editions, leaving six unaired episodes that may appear later on another network.

“Deadline,” which portrayed a hard-charging columnist chasing big stories, was almost lifeless when it came to ratings.

NBC execs axed the much-hyped show this week after even a lead-in from “Dateline NBC” couldn’t boost its numbers.

“It’s not on the schedule anymore,” said network spokesman Kurt King. “I don’t know if I can say that it’s officially canceled.”

The remaining episodes of the show, created by “Law and Order” producer Dick Wolf, may appear in some form on the USA cable network.