CBS is considering adding another night of comedies, a move of “Without a Trace” and several new dramas to its lineup.
That’s the buzz, at least, according to conversations with several Hollywood agents, executives and studio insiders. CBS keeps an tight lid on its schedule, though that doesn’t stop speculation from spreading.
Monday will remain home to four comedies and, almost certainly, “CSI: Miami.” It’s expected CBS will add one new comedy to the mix, probably “Worst Week.” If so, the show will become a co-production between Universal Media Studios and CBS Paramount.
Most insiders believe Tuesday will continue to kick off with “NCIS,” with “The Mentalist”at 9. CBS has struggled with new shows Tuesdays at 10, so moving “Without a Trace” to the slot might make sense.
Consensus wisdom is that Wednesday will kick off with two comedies, perhaps “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and “Rules of Engagement.” Newcomer “Project Gary” is on the shelf.
If CBS plays the stability card, “Criminal Minds” and “CSI: New York” will remain at 9 and 10 on Wednesdays. If the network is feeling frisky, romantic drama “The Ex-List” would be a nice fit at 9, leading into “CSI: NY” at 10.
One wild-card theory—a guess, really—has “Survivor” shifting into the 8 p.m. Wednesday time slot, with comedies on Thursday. CBS might want to take advantage of ABC and CBS’ relative weakness Thursday at 8. On the other hand, CBS might be loath to give up a winning hand in such a key time slot.
“CSI” will be back Thursdays at 9 p.m., with Jerry Bruckheimer’s “Eleventh Hour” a candidate for the 10 p.m. time slot.
“Ghost Whisperer” should continue to kick off Fridays, perhaps followed by “The Unit” or newcomer “Harper’s Island.” “Numb3rs” should remain at 10 p.m.
On Sundays, “60 Minutes” and “The Amazing Race” have worked before at 7 and 8 p.m., respectively. Depending on what CBS does Wednesday, insiders expect either “Criminal Minds” or “The Ex-List” to air at 9 p.m., with “Cold Case” airing at 10 p.m.
CBS reveals its lineup to the press Wednesday at 9 a.m. EDT.