Fall 2007 TV Schedules (Starts with NBC, continues with ABC, then CBS, CW, Fox)

[dw2649]

From Thefutoncritic.com:

Released by NBC
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

NEW YORK - May 14, 2007 -- NBC will enhance its current roster of critically acclaimed and creatively ambitious programs with a new 2007-08 primetime lineup that features five new dramas, one new comedy and a variety of fresh unscripted programs, complemented by a host of innovative programming moves, it was announced today at NBC's presentation to advertisers and the media at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

"Last year we promised a return to the NBC legacy of quality, and in terms of awards, buzz and critical acclaim, that's just what we delivered," said NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly. "We've got the class and next season we're ready to add some mass, with new shows that build on the creative accomplishments of last season and are as broad as they are good. Combine the energy of these new programs with the bulked-up strength of our existing NBC hits and you've got a lineup that's poised to take us to the next level."

"We've always been a company that's embraced new ideas and introduced innovations ahead of the pack," said Marc Graboff, President, NBC Universal Television, West Coast. "Today's advertisers want programs that excite viewers and command real passion both on our broadcast airwaves and in the digital/online realm, and that's what our new fall schedule is all about."

NBC's 2007-08 lineup features the new dramas "Journeyman" (Mondays, 10-11 p.m. ET), a romantic-mystery from the Emmy Award-winning producers of "The West Wing," concerning a San Francisco newspaper reporter (Kevin McKidd, "Rome") who inexplicably begins to travel through time and alter people's lives; and "Chuck" (Tuesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET), a comedic spy thriller about an unassuming computer geek who is unexpectedly catapulted into a new career as a government agent after spy secrets are mysteriously embedded into his brain.

Also new this fall is the drama "Bionic Woman" (Wednesdays, 9-10 p.m. ET), a re-imagination of the classic from David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica") and Jason Smilovic ("Kidnapped"). "Bionic Woman" stars Michelle Ryan ("EastEnders") as a young woman whose life is radically altered and empowered after a car crash. Additionally, "Life" (Wednesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) features a complex police detective (Damian Lewis, "Band of Brothers") who's given a second chance on the force after serving years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

The new dramedy "Lipstick Jungle," from bestselling author Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), is set to debut in January 2008 on Sundays (10-11 p.m. ET). Created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Helene, ("How I Met Your Mother"), the series involves the lives of three high-powered friends (Brooke Shields, "Suddenly Susan," Kim Raver, "24," and Lindsay Price, "Beverly Hills, 90210") who are determined to achieve their dreams and to do it on their own terms.

The latest new comedy from NBC is "The IT Crowd," based on the acclaimed British series that takes a behind-the-scenes peek at the misunderstood techies (Joel McHale, "The Soup," and Richard Ayoade, "The IT Crowd" -- U.K.) who toil in the Information Technology department of a large, impersonal corporation. "The IT Crowd" is scheduled to join the NBC schedule during the course of the 2007-08 season.

Among today's additional announcements, each representing a unique opportunity for NBC's clients to attach their messages to original and quality content that goes beyond the 30-second spot, are:

*NBC "bulks up" with 30 combined episodes of "Heroes" and "Heroes: Origins," an innovative new spin-off that each week will introduce a new character -- one of whom will be chosen by viewers through the "Heroes" website on NBC.com to become a cast regular the following season.

*The network has ordered 30 half-hours of the hit series "The Office," including five hour-long episodes, and also has increased the season order for "My Name Is Earl" to 25 episodes.

*Jerry Seinfeld, star of the classic NBC mega-hit "Seinfeld," returns to the network to create and star in 20 unique live-action comedy "minisodes" inspired by his experiences creating the upcoming DreamWorks animated feature film "Bee Movie," in theaters November 2. NBC Universal will also have the exclusive U.S. broadcast and cable network rights to the film, which features Seinfeld as the voice of Barry B. Benson, a disillusioned bee. Produced by Seinfeld and DreamWorks, the 20 comedy shorts will give viewers a glimpse at Seinfeld's behind-the-scenes antics during production of the movie. The "minisodes" will run on NBC's primetime schedule this Fall, as well as on NBC.com, on designated days before and after the release of the film.

*Series renewals include the Peabody Award-winning drama "Friday Night Lights," now shifting to Friday nights (10-11 p.m. ET); "Scrubs," also a Peabody winner, for a seventh season; and the venerable, Emmy-winning "Law & Order," for its historic 18th season (see separate NBCUMV.com release).

*NBC's acclaimed Thursday "Comedy Night Done Right" lineup will next year lead off with "My Name is Earl" at 8 p.m. (ET), which will be followed by "30 Rock" at 8:30 p.m., the Peabody Award-winning "The Office" at 9 p.m. and "Scrubs" at 9:30.

*New NBC series "Bionic Woman" and "Life" will be re-purposed on SCI FI Channel and USA Network, respectively, shortly after their original telecasts on NBC.

*NBC will kick-start the weekend on Fridays (8-9 p.m. ET) with "Game Night," a rotation of game shows that features "1 vs 100" (hosted by Bob Saget) for eight weeks, followed by six weeks of the new variety competition series "The Singing Bee" in the fall. The program is a competition that challenges contestants to accurately sing the lyrics to popular songs -- even when the band stops playing.

Also at today's presentation in New York, the network unveiled several new "NBC 360" digital initiatives that will help maintain the NBC Universal Television Group's leadership in the creation and execution of innovative digital opportunities across its multiple media platforms (see related NBCUMV.com releases).

Later in the fall, NBC plans to introduce the unscripted series, "World Moves," a talent competition program from executive producer Randy Jackson ("American Idol") that features dance teams from around the world auditioning for their shot to come to Los Angeles and compete for a global championship and an international touring contract.

After "Sunday Night Football" concludes its season in January 2008, the network will unveil a new regular line-up. After the return of "Dateline NBC" (7-8 p.m. ET) will be the 18th season premiere of "Law & Order" (8-9 p.m. ET), followed by the fourth season debut of "Medium" (9-10 p.m. ET) and the premiere of the sexy new dramedy "Lipstick Jungle" (10-11 p.m. ET).

NBC PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2007-08

*New programs in CAPS (with the exception of "ER")

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "Heroes"
10-11 p.m. "JOURNEYMAN"

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. "The Biggest Loser"
9-10 p.m. "CHUCK"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "BIONIC WOMAN"
10-11 p.m. "LIFE"

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl"
8:30-9 p.m. "30 Rock"
9-9:30 p.m. "The Office"
9:30-10 p.m. "Scrubs"
10-11 p.m. "ER"

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "1 vs 100"/"THE SINGING BEE"
9-10 p.m. "Las Vegas"
10-11 p.m. "Friday Night Lights"

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
9-11 p.m. Drama Series Encores

SUNDAY (Fall 2007)
7-8 p.m. "Football Night in America"
8-11 p.m. "NBC Sunday Night Football"

SUNDAY (January 2008)
7-8 p.m. "Dateline NBC"
8-9 p.m. "Law & Order"
9-10 p.m. "Medium"
10-11 p.m. "LIPSTICK JUNGLE"

(Continues in next post).

[dw2649]

2007-08 NEW SERIES DESCRIPTIONS

New Dramas

"JOURNEYMAN"-- From Emmy Award-winning writer-producer Kevin Falls ("The West Wing") and Emmy Award-winning director-producer Alex Graves ("The West Wing"), "Journeyman" is a romantic mystery-drama about Dan Vasser (Kevin McKidd, "Rome"), a San Francisco newspaper reporter and family man who inexplicably begins to travel through time and change people's lives. Along the way, he also must deal with the difficulties and strife at work and home brought on by his sudden disappearances. However, his freewheeling travels through the decades reunite him with his long-lost fiance Livia (Moon Bloodgood, "Day Break") -- which complicates his present-day life with wife Katie (Gretchen Egolf, "Martial Law") and their son. Reed Diamond ("Homicide: Life on the Street") and Charles Henry Wyson ("The Curious Case of Benjamin Button") also star. "Journeyman" is a production of 20th Century Fox Television. Falls is executive producer and writer; Graves is executive producer and director of the pilot.

"CHUCK" - From executive producer, Josh Schwartz ("The O.C.") and executive producer-director McG ("Charlie's Angels," "We Are Marshall") comes a one-hour, comedic spy thriller about Chuck Bartowski (Zachary Levi, "Less Than Perfect") - a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government's most vital secret agent. When Chuck opens an e-mail subliminally encoded with government secrets, he unwittingly downloads an entire server of sensitive data into his brain. Now, the fate of the world lies in the unlikely hands of a guy who works at Buy More. Instead of fighting computer viruses, he must fight assassins and international terrorists. With the government's most precious secrets in Chuck's head, Major John Casey (Adam Baldwin, "My Bodyguard") of the NSA assumes the responsibility of protecting him. His partner is the CIA's top agent (and Chuck's first date in years) Sarah Walker (Yvonne Strzechowski, "Gone"). They'll keep him safe by trading in his pocket protector for a bulletproof vest. Also starring are Joshua Gomez ("Without a Trace") as Chuck's best buddy Morgan and Sarah Lancaster ("What About Brian?") as Chuck's ever-supportive sister Ellie. Josh Schwartz and Chris Fedak wrote "Chuck," which is produced by College Hill Pictures and Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television.

"BIONIC WOMAN" - Struggling as a bartender and surrogate mom to her teenage sister, Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan, "EastEnders") didn't think life could get much harder. But when a devastating car accident leaves her at death's door, Jaime's only hope for survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price. With a whole new existence and a debt to re-pay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. Ultimately, it's Jaime's journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman. Also starring are: Mae Whitman ("State of Grace") as Becca, Jaime's younger sister; Miguel Ferrer ("Crossing Jordan") as Jonas, the man who employs Jaime's boyfriend; Chris Bowers ("Rescue Me) as Will, Jaime's boyfriend, who performs the operation; Will Yun Lee ("Witchblade") as Jae, the specialized operations leader; and Molly Price ("Third Watch"), as Ruth, Jonas' second-in-command. "Bionic Woman" is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio and executive-produced by David Eick ("Battlestar Galactica"), Glen Morgan ("The X-Files"), Michael Dinner ("Kidnapped") -- who also directed the pilot -- and Jason Smilovic ("Lucky Number Slevin"). Laeta Kalogridis ("Birds of Prey") is also an executive producer on the pilot.

"LIFE" -- From Rand Ravich and Far Shariat, the executive producers of the feature film "The Astronaut's Wife," and David Semel, who directed the pilot of NBC's "Heroes," "Life" is a new drama about a detective who is given a second chance. Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") stars as complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after years in prison, thanks to close friend and attorney Constance Griffiths (Melissa Sagemiller, "Sleeper Cell"), after serving time for a crime he didn't commit. The cast also includes Sarah Shahi ("Rush Hour 3") as Charlie's skeptical, demanding partner, Robin Weigart (HBO's "Deadwood") as their hard-hitting lieutenant, and Adam Arkin ("Chicago Hope") as former cellmate Ted Early. "Life" is an NBC Universal Television Studio production. Rand Ravich is executive producer and writer; Far Shariat is executive producer; David Semel is executive producer and director on the pilot

"LIPSTICK JUNGLE" - Based on the best-selling novel by Candace Bushnell ("Sex and the City"), this fun dramedy follows three high-powered friends as they weather the ups and downs of lives lived at the top of their game. Nico (Kim Raver, "24"), editor-in-chief of a hot fashion magazine, wants to replace her boss as CEO. Movie exec Wendy (Brooke Shields, "Suddenly Susan") finds even her most earnest efforts may not be enough to balance career and family. And free-spirited designer Victory (Lindsay Price, "Beverly Hills, 90210") longs to make her dreams come true, and maybe find Mr. Right along the way. Armed with humor and strength, these three modern New York women support one another through the triumphs and tears that are all part of making it big in the Big Apple. Written by executive producers DeAnn Heline and Eileen Heisler (both for "How I Met Your Mother," "Three Sisters") and based on the book by Bushnell, "Lipstick Jungle" is from NBC Universal Television Studio. The pilot is directed by Gary Winick ("13 Going on 30").

New Comedy Series

"THE IT CROWD" - Ever wonder what's up with those quirky techies who come to fix the office computer when no one's around? "The IT Crowd" is an offbeat series, based on the critically acclaimed British comedy, that offers a humorous behind-the-scenes peek at the people who truly keep the office humming. Roy (Joel McHale, "The Soup") and Moss (Richard Ayoade, "The IT Crowd" -- U.K.) are the misunderstood masters of their high-tech domain, but they lack the people skills to befriend anyone but each other. Their company's head is Denholm (Rocky Carrol, "Chicago Hope"), who wants the IT department to stay segregated and forever banished to the basement. Executive producers are Moses Port ("Just Shoot Me"), David Guarascio ("Just Shoot Me"), Joe Port (NBC's "The Office"), Joe Wiseman ("The Office"), Graham Linehan ("The IT Crowd" -- UK) and Steve Tao ("Red Doors"). Gail Mancuso ("Scrubs," "30 Rock") directed the pilot. "The IT Crowd" is produced by NBC Universal Television Studio.

New Alternative Series

"THE SINGING BEE" - "The Singing Bee" is a variety-competition show that challenges contestants to accurately sing the lyrics to popular songs -- even when the band stops playing. In this karaoke showdown, there's no middle ground for partially correct answers -- contestants must be perfect or they're out. Family-friendly, broad in appeal and conducive to playing (and singing) along at home, "The Singing Bee" features popular, recognizable music that inspires hilarious wrong answers and amazing performances by those rare contestants who somehow manage to get every word right. "The Singing Bee" is produced by the Gurin Company and Juma Entertainment, LLC. The executive producers are Phil Gurin (NBC's "Miss Universe" franchise) and Robert C. Horowitz ("Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials Top 40 Countdown").

"WORLD MOVES" -- From executive producer Randy Jackson ("American Idol") and the creators of the World Hip Hop Championship comes one of the most visual and captivating performance competition shows ever to hit TV. Thousands of dance teams from around the world will audition for their shot to come to Los Angeles and compete for a global championship and an international touring contract. The live television event features young teams of five to seven members demonstrating their athleticism, creativity and innovative choreography in a presentation that highlights both the competition and the personal drama unfolding within each team. Viewers from across the globe will vote via the Internet, by text message, or by phone to eliminate one team each week. Ultimately, it's not just about winning a competition; "World Moves" involves stories that change lives and bring the world together. From Warner Horizon Television, the series is executive-produced by Jackson ("American Idol," Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment), Rob Lee (President, Bayonne Entertainment, "Blow Out," "House of Carters"), Howard Schwartz ("Hip Hop International, World Hip Hop Championship), Karen Schwartz (Hip Hop International, World Hip Hop Championship) and Harriet Sternberg (Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment).

Shows Officially Moving To USA Networks:
Law and Order: Criminal Intent

Note: NBC officially announces the schedule later today. ABC announces their schedule tomorrow, followed by CBS on Wednesday, and finally THE CW and Fox on Thursday.

[Ian]

I'm anxiously waiting for CBS to release their lineup. I'm dying to see if they renewed Jericho for a second season.

[bleukarma]

I'm sad they didn't bring back Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

[dw2649]

From Zap2it.com:

NBC:
Shows Rumored to be canceled:
The Apprentice (about time)

Shows Officially Canceled:
* '20 Good Years'
* 'Andy Barker, PI'
* 'The Black Donnellys'
* 'Crossing Jordan'
* 'Grease: You're the One That I Want'
* 'Identity' (about time, this show sucked from the very first episode)
* 'Kidnapped'
* 'Raines'
* 'The Real Wedding Crashers'
* 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip'
* 'Thank God You're Here'

(note: shows are not officially canceled until the schedules are officially revealed)

Rumored to be canceled:
CBS:
* '3 LBS'
* 'The King of Queens'
* 'Smith'
* 'Waterfront'

ABC:

* 'Day Break'
* 'The Great American Vote'
* 'In Case of Emergency'
* 'Show Me the Money'
* 'Six Degrees'
FOX:

* 'Drive'
* 'Happy Hour'
* 'Justice'
* 'The OC'
* 'The Rich List'
* 'Vanished'
* 'The Wedding Bells'


CW:

* ''7th Heaven' (Already confirmed as canceled).
* 'Gilmore Girls' (Already confirmed as canceled).
* Reba'
* 'Runaway'

[2Epcot]

Andy Richter just can't seem to find a good show, but he keeps trying. I was looking forward to "The Real Wedding Crashers", I like those kind of surprise reality shows. I was a big fan of Daybreak, and thought it had a lot of potential, it was canceled a while ago, but I was still sad to see it go.

Gilmore Girls really lost it's way from when it started. This used to be one of my favorite shows. The show should have ended after creator Amy Sherman-Palladino left. I don't think I've ever stopped watching a show, because I started not liking the main characters anymore.

I still liked the Apprenctice and watched it every week. The other shows listed to be canceled I never watched, or maybe only once.

[bleukarma]

I'm also sad about "Drive". It was only on for 2 or 3 episodes but apparently I was the only one that watched it and got excited about it.

[dw2649]

ABC's Fall 2007 Schedule: (from tv.zap2it.com)

ABC pulled off a major revamp of its schedule on Tuesday, unveiling a lineup with nine new series and changes on every weeknight.

Among the changes are a Wednesday slate of three new dramas, anchored by the "Grey's Anatomy" spinoff "Private Practice"; the comedy "Sam I Am" following "Dancing with the Stars" on Monday nights; and "Big Shots," a drama about the friendship among four high-level executives, getting the plum timeslot following "Grey's Anatomy" on Thursdays.

"We're heading into the new season with a strong lineup of returning shows that we've developed and nurtured over the past few years," says Stephen McPherson, head of ABC Entertainment. "That solid foundation will help us launch an exciting development slate as we continue our forward momentum this fall."

# Photo Gallery: ABC's New Shows for the 2007-08 Season
# 2007 Network Upfronts
The network's biggest gamble is probably on Wednesday nights, where it will offer up three freshman dramas: "Pushing Daisies," "Private Practice" and "Dirty Sexy Money." The spinoff comes somewhat pre-sold -- it was introduced in a highly rated "Grey's Anatomy" two weeks ago -- but Wednesdays figure to be crowded in the fall. NBC has two new series there as well ("Bionic Woman" and "Life"), and the other three nets may unveil new shows on the night as well.

"Big Shots," which stars Michael Vartan, Christopher Titus, Joshua Malina and Dylan McDermott, will move into the 10 p.m. Thursday spot after "Grey's Anatomy." Although it focuses on four guys, McPherson says it's similar in tone to its lead-in.

ABC is also revamping its comedy offerings, with "Sam I Am" -- starring Christina Applegate as an amnesiac trying to rediscover her life -- getting the half-hour between "Dancing" and "The Bachelor" in the fall. Once "Dancing" and "The Bachelor" end their fall runs, "Sam I Am" will move back to 9 p.m. and second-year shows "Notes from the Underbelly" and "October Road" will move in at 9:30 and 10.

The other comedies on the schedule are the much-discussed "Cavemen," inspired by the Geico car-insurance ads, and "Carpoolers," about a group of guys who commute together. They'll air from 8 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays; another new show, "Cashmere Mafia," will air at 9 on Tuesdays after the "Dancing with the Stars" results show finishes in late fall.

At midseason, ABC will bring back "Lost" -- most likely on Wednesdays -- for an uninterrupted run. The drama "Eli Stone," comedy "Miss/Guided" and two unscripted shows, "Supernanny" and "Oprah's Big Give," are also on tap for midseason.

Here is ABC's fall 2007 schedule (all times Eastern, new shows in bold):

Monday

8 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars"
9:30 p.m. "Sam I Am"
10 p.m. "The Bachelor"

Notes: Following the end of "Dancing with the Stars," the Monday lineup will be "Wife Swap" at 8 p.m., "Sam I Am" at 9, "Notes from the Underbelly" at 9:30 and "October Road" at 10.

Tuesday

8 p.m. "Cavemen"
8:30 p.m. "Carpoolers"
9 p.m. "Dancing with the Stars" results
10 p.m. "Boston Legal"

Note: "Cashmere Mafia" will replace "Dancing with the Stars" later in the fall.

Wednesday

8 p.m. "Pushing Daisies"
9 p.m. "Private Practice"
10 p.m. "Dirty Sexy Money"

Thursday

8 p.m. "Ugly Betty"
9 p.m. "Grey's Anatomy"
10 p.m. "Big Shots"

Friday

8 p.m. "Men in Trees" (new timeslot)
9 p.m. "Women's Murder Club"
10 p.m. "20/20"

Saturday

8 p.m. "Saturday Night College Football"

Sunday

7 p.m. "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8 p.m. "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9 p.m. "Desperate Housewives"
10 p.m. "Brothers & Sisters"

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ABC Shows Officially Canceled:

* 'According to Jim'
* 'Big Day'
* 'Day Break'
* 'Extreme Makeover'
* 'The George Lopez Show'
* 'The Great American Vote'
* 'Help Me Help You'
* 'In Case of Emergency'
* 'The Knights of Prosperity'
* 'The Nine'
* 'Show Me the Money'
* 'Six Degrees'
* 'What About Brian'

[Dracula766]

I'm extremely unhappy about George Lopez being cancelled.

The show was actually getting funnier too.

I don't see how the 2nd longest running show featuring hispanics can be canceled and replaced by the Geico caveman.

I guarantee that will be funny for about 5 minutes then it will get really old really quick.

[2Epcot]

I'm extremely unhappy about George Lopez being cancelled.

The show was actually getting funnier too.

I don't see how the 2nd longest running show featuring hispanics can be canceled and replaced by the Geico caveman.

I guarantee that will be funny for about 5 minutes then it will get really old really quick.

I also don't expect the caveman show to last very long. I don't know how some of these shows even get the go ahead to become series.

One local LA entertainment reporter talked about the canceling of George Lopez, and what he said makes a lot of sense ....

The George Lopez show is a Warner Brothers show, produced by them for ABC television. ABC/Disney does not own the show, unlike Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, and other Touchstone Television (ABC Television Studio) produced shows. The network can make more money from a moderate hit show, they own, then a very successful show, they do not own. Like many successful shows, George Lopez was getting too expensive, and Disney didn't like giving the money to another studio.

I think George Lopez will start looking pretty good, when the caveman show gets canceled after 2 episodes.

[Ian]

What I don't get is why networks seem to have forgotten that it sometimes takes a season or two for a show to find a footing and build an audience.

I've been reading all these articles lately about how network viewership is down .... well duh! First off, you keep trotting out derivative tripe year after year ... copycat shows that have zero originality.

Second, you never give new shows a chance! How can people committ to watch new shows when there's a 50/50 chance it's just going to get cancelled anyway??

Look ... the ratings for Seinfeld for the first two seasons were pretty sad. Can you imagine if NBC had quit on that show?? Think about what America would have missed out on!

Everyone in business is so darn impatient anymore. They need to calm the heck down and give some time for things develop on their own or viewership is just going to continue to decline. You can't continually trot new shows out there year after year and hope they're going to draw an audience. You've got to let things stick around, build a loyal following, and then you'll have some popular shows.

It's very annoying, actually.

[Marker]

I have to say, some shows I really like seem to be getting cancelled --

Jericho - at least I've heard it's cancelled, I love this show.

According to Jim,
Big Day,
The Class,
'Andy Barker, PI'
I kind of even liked "The Knights of Prosperity"
and "Identity".

I also really enjoyed "Thank God You're Here", but I knew it wouldn't last. I like improv comedy, but it doesn't always go over well.

I never really enjoyed George Lopez. I think the Caveman thing sounds really dumb.

On the other hand I wouldn't have shed a single tear if Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters or Grey's Anatomy had been cancelled, I just can't want those "how immoral can we be this week" shows, but my wife and daugher would have had a fit. I always go to another room and watch something else.

But in the end, it's just TV.

[dw2649]

CBS's Schedule: (from thefutoncritic.com)

CBS ANNOUNCES 2007-2008 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

New Shows Feature Diverse and Daring Concepts Including "VIVA LAUGHLIN," Where Drama is Accented by Iconic Music; "CANE," Starring Jimmy Smits as the Head of a Powerful South Florida Cuban Family; "MOONLIGHT," a Romantic Thriller with a New Twist on the Vampire Legend; "THE BIG BANG THEORY," a Comedy About Genius Geeks; and "KID NATION," a New Reality Series Where 40 Kids Try to Build a New Society in an Abandoned Ghost Town

Seventeen Current Series Return to a Lineup That Features More Time Period-Winning Programs Than Any Other Network

"THE AMAZING RACE" and "THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE" Picked Up for Mid-Season Along with the New Drama "SWINGTOWN"

Game Show "POWER OF 10," Hosted by Drew Carey, Ordered for Summer

CBS announced today its 2007-2008 Fall Primetime lineup, featuring five new series - one comedy, three dramas and one reality program.

These freshman series will join 17 returning programs on the current CBS lineup, which will win the 2006-2007 season in viewers and adults 25-54, continuing the Network's multi-year winning streak.

The five new series feature bold and creative concepts, including Viva Laughlin, where drama is accented by iconic music; Cane, starring Jimmy Smits as the head of a powerful South Florida Cuban-American family; Moonlight, a romantic thriller with a new twist on the vampire legend; The Big Bang Theory, a comedy about genius geeks from "Two and A Half Men" co-creator Chuck Lorre; and KID NATION, a reality series where 40 kids will try to build a new society in an abandoned ghost town.

"We approached our development this year with a specific goal in mind - to be daring and different," said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. "The Fall and mid-season series we have selected offer creativity and variety with great potential to excite and surprise television audiences everywhere."

These new shows will be woven into a deep and successful lineup that returns more series and has more time period-winning programs than any other network. CBS will return television's Number One drama and scripted program, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION; the Number One comedy, TWO AND A HALF MEN; the Number One new comedy, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT; the Number One news magazine, 60 MINUTES; and the premiere reality series, SURVIVOR.

Also returning are: HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, CSI: MIAMI, NCIS, THE UNIT, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: NY, WITHOUT A TRACE, GHOST WHISPERER, NUMB3RS, COLD CASE and SHARK, as well as 48 HOURS: MYSTERY and CRIMETIME SATURDAY.

The new 2007-2008 schedule is:

On Monday, CBS adds a new series to television's top rated comedy lineup. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, with a young and loyal audience, returns at 8:00 PM, paired with the new genius comedy THE BIG BANG THEORY at 8:30 PM to form a young adult comedy block. From 9:00-10:00 PM, CBS returns television's top comedy, TWO AND A HALF MEN, followed by the Number One new comedy, RULES OF ENGAGEMENT. At 10:00 PM, CSI: MIAMI, the night's Number One scripted series, returns for its sixth season.

On Tuesday, the Top 20 hit NCIS and THE UNIT return from 8:00-10:00 PM. This successful two-hour drama block will serve as a launching pad for the stylish new drama CANE at 10:00 PM.

On Wednesday, CBS returns its successful duo of CRIMINAL MINDS and CSI: NY from 9:00-11:00 PM. Earlier in the evening at 8:00 PM, the network will try something very different with a new reality series, KID NATION, starring 40 remarkable kids attempting to prove they can form a functioning society in an abandoned New Mexico ghost town, where their adult predecessors failed.

On Thursday, CBS returns one of television's top dramas, WITHOUT A TRACE, to 10:00 PM, joining forces once again with the time period-winning SURVIVOR at 8:00 PM and CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, television's Number One drama, at 9:00 PM.

CBS will again use an established series as a launch pad for a new one on Friday. GHOST WHISPERER opens at 8:00 PM as a compatible lead-in to the new romantic thriller MOONLIGHT at 9:00 PM, followed by the return of the time period-winning drama NUMB3RS at 10:00 PM.

Saturdays will feature CBS's CRIMETIME programming from 8:00-10:00 PM, followed by 48 HOURS: MYSTERY, the night's top-rated program.

On Sunday, CBS will once again open with 60 MINUTES, the perennial Number One newsmagazine on television. At 8:00 PM, CBS will make one of its biggest moves with one of its boldest new shows, VIVA LAUGHLIN, a drama with music, based on the British hit "Viva Blackpool." From 9:00-11:00 PM, the network will program a two-hour block of successful crime and justice with the growing COLD CASE and the sophomore series SHARK.

In addition to the new series for Fall, the network announced the pick up of three programs for midseason, including the four-time Emmy Award-winning THE AMAZING RACE, the comedy THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE, starring Emmy Award winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and the provocative new drama SWINGTOWN.

The network also announced it has ordered the reality series POWER OF 10, hosted by comedian Drew Carey ("The Drew Carey Show") for this summer.

The new comedy is:

THE BIG BANG THEORY is a comedy from the Emmy Award nominated Co-Creator and Executive Producer of "Two and a Half Men" Chuck Lorre, about brainy best friends Leonard (Johnny Galecki, "Roseanne") and Sheldon (Jim Parsons "Judging Amy"), who can tell you anything you want to know about quantum physics, but when it comes to dealing with everyday life here on earth they're lost in the cosmos. Neither fully understands that scientific principles don't always apply in matters of the heart - until they meet their sexy new neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco, "8 Simple Rules..."), a friendly screenwriter/waitress from the midwest who also happens to be newly single. She quickly makes an impression on the other members of Leonard and Sheldon's geek squad - Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip"), who portrays himself as the Casanova of Cal Tech, and fellow whiz kid Rajesh Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar, "NCIS"), who is rendered speechless around anyone unprepared to converse about the Theory of Relativity or other scientific jargon. The chemistry between this gaggle of geniuses and a delightful damsel is about to undergo a stimulating series of inter-personal experiments. Multiple Emmy Award winner James Burrows ("Will & Grace") directed the pilot. Lorre and Bill Prady ("Gilmore Girls," "Dharma & Greg") are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television.

The new dramas are:

Executive produced by Tony and Emmy Award winner Hugh Jackman ("The Boy from Oz," "X-Men"), VIVA LAUGHLIN is a mystery drama with music about eternal optimist and freewheeling businessman Ripley Holden, whose sole ambition is to run a casino in Laughlin, Nev. Occasionally using upbeat contemporary songs to accentuate the drama and humor and advance the story, the series is based on the hit BBC show "Viva Blackpool." Ripley (Lloyd Owen, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles") is the ultimate gambler with an infectious personality who is on the brink of making a killing... just as soon as he opens his casino that's nowhere near completion. When his financing suddenly falls through, the fearless and tenacious Ripley approaches his enemy - dashing, sarcastic, wealthy casino owner Nicky Fontana (Hugh Jackman) for help. Though the odds are stacked against him, Ripley doesn't miss a beat, even when he becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after the body of his ex-business partner is found at his club. At home, Ripley uses his dry wit to adjust to the demands of his family: his gorgeous wife, Natalie (Madchen Amick, "ER"), wants more attention; his teenage daughter, Cheyenne (Ellen Woglom, "The O.C."), wants his approval; and his son, Jack (Carter Jenkins, "Surface"), wants to help him at work. All of this adversity would defeat a lesser man, but for the outgoing and passionate Ripley there's no such thing as bad news, only deals to be struck and wagers to be won in the intoxicating neon glow of Laughlin, where the cards are on the table, romance is in the air and lively music is on the stage. Eric Winter ("Wildfire") and D.B. Woodside ("24") also star. Directed by Gabriele Muccino ("The Pursuit of Happyness"). Golden Globe Award nominee Hugh Jackman, John Palermo ("X-Men: The Last Stand"), Bob Lowry ("Huff"), Paul Telegdy and Peter Bowker ("Viva Blackpool") are executive producers for BBC Worldwide Productions, Seed Productions, CBS Paramount Network Television in association with Sony Pictures Television.




(Continued in next post).

[dw2649]

CANE stars Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Jimmy Smits ("The West Wing") in an epic drama about the external rivalries and internal power struggles of a large Cuban-American family running an immensely successful rum and sugar business in South Florida. When the family patriarch, Pancho (Hector Elizondo, "Chicago Hope"), is offered a lucrative but questionable deal by his bitter adversary, the Samuels, to purchase thousands of acres of sugar fields, he's faced with a tough choice: Should he cash out of the sugar business and focus solely on rum, which would please his impulsive natural son, Frank (Nestor Carbonell, "Lost"), or protect the family legacy that he built from the ground up by not selling, and side with his adopted son, Alex (Smits), who mistrusts the Samuels and still sees value in sugar. Alex and Frank's approach to business is as different as their approach to life. While Frank might lose focus chasing women, Alex is deeply in love with his beautiful wife, Isabel (Paola Turbay, "Bailando por un Sueo"), who is also Pancho's daughter. Married when she was just 17 years old, Isabel balances Alex by choosing not to involve herself in the business, focusing instead on their three children, who are determined to forge their own paths outside the family. For the Duques, will family allegiance come first or will their secrets and acrimonious conflicts over love, lust and control of the family fortune be their downfall? Eddie Matos ("General Hospital"), Rita Moreno ("West Side Story"), Michael Trevino ("The Riches"), Lina Esco ("CSI: NY"), Sam Carman ("Bones"), Alona Tal ("Veronica Mars") and Polly Walker ("Rome") also star. Cynthia Cidre ("The Mambo Kings"), Jonathan Prince ("American Dreams"), Jimmy Iovine ("8 Mile") and Polly Anthony ("Lifehouse: Live in Portland!") are the executive producers for ABC Studios in association with CBS Paramount Network Television.

MOONLIGHT, from prolific movie producer Joel Silver ("The Matrix," Trilogy), is about Mick St. John (Alex O'Loughlin, upcoming "White Out"), a captivating "undead" private investigator who uses his acute vampire senses to help the living... instead of feeding on them. In an agonizing twist of fate, Mick was "bitten" 60 years ago by his new bride, the seductive and beguiling Coraline (Amber Valletta, "Hitch"). Immortal and eternally as young, handsome and charismatic as he was then, Mick is sickened by Coraline and other vampires who view humans only as a source of nourishment. With only a handful of undead confidantes for company, including deceitful ally Josef (Rade Serbedzija, "24"), Mick fills his infinite days protecting the living, and trying not to think about how his life would have been if he hadn't followed his heart. However, after six decades of resisting, he wonders if it's time to pursue the love of a mortal. He has his eyes on Beth Turner, a beautiful, ambitious reporter who has been covering the ongoing plague of unusual murders. But would Beth even consider giving up a normal life to be with him, and can Mick risk the pain of seeing himself as a monster in her eyes? As Mick lives between two realities, fighting his adversaries among the undead and falling in love with Beth, he knows he needs to figure out a reason to keep "living." MOONLIGHT is directed by executive producer Rod Holcomb ("ER"). Joel Silver, Ron Koslow ("Birds of Prey"), Trevor Munson and Gerard Bocaccio are also executive producers for Warner Bros. Television.

The new reality series is:

KID NATION is a reality-based series in which 40 kids will have 40 days to build a new world - in a ghost town that died in the 19th Century. These kids, ages 8-15, will spend more than a month without their parents or modern comforts in Bonanza City, N.M., attempting to do what their forefathers could not - build a town that works. They will cook their own meals, clean their own outhouses, haul their own water and even run their own businesses - including the old town saloon (root beer only). They'll also create a real government - four kid leaders who will guide the group through their adventure, pass laws and set bedtimes. Through it all, they'll cope with regular childhood emotions and situations: homesickness, peer pressure and the urge to break every rule they've ever known. At the end of each episode, all 40 kids will gather at an old fashioned Town Hall meeting where they will debate the issues facing Bonanza City. They'll show wisdom beyond their years and the unflinching candor that only kids can exhibit. There are no eliminations on KID NATION - you only go home if you want to. And in every Town Hall meeting, kids may raise their hands and leave. Will they stick it out? In the end, will these kids prove to adults everywhere (and their own parents!) that they have the vision to build a better world than the pioneers who came before them? And just as importantly, will they come together as a cohesive unit, or will they abandon all responsibility and succumb to the childhood temptations that lead to round-the-clock chaos? KID NATION is produced by Emmy Award winner Tom Forman ("Extreme Makeover: Home Edition") for Tom Forman Prods. and Good TV, Inc.

The new summer reality series is:

POWER OF 10, hosted by award-winning comedian Drew Carey ("The Drew Carey Show"), is a high-stakes game that challenges contestants to guess the behaviors, opinions and lifestyle choices of the American public for the chance to win $10 million. POWER OF 10 polls thousands of people across the U.S. asking them, well, just about everything - from "What percentage of married Americans said they were virgins the day they got married?" to "What percentage of American's believe they are smarter than the president?" Each week, contestants must decide if they have their finger on the pulse of the American majority and can accurately predict the results of these nationwide surveys. With the first question worth $1,000 and only five questions to answer, each one increasing 10 times in value, contestants participate in a potentially lucrative game where they just might walk away with $10 million. The higher they are on the money ladder, the closer they must be to the actual statistic. The studio audience and a friend can help them, but the final answer is theirs. Michael Davies ("Who Wants to be a Millionaire") is executive producer for Embassy Row in association with Sony Pictures Television.

The new midseason series is:

SWINGTOWN, from the director of "Big Love" and "Rome," peeks into the shag-carpeted suburban homes of the 1970s to find couples reveling in the sexual and social revolution that introduced open marriages, women's liberation and challenged many conventional wisdoms. During this heady era of provocative change, Susan (Molly Parker, "Deadwood") and Bruce Miller (Jack Davenport, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest") move their family to an affluent Chicago suburb in search of a different sense of community, and they look forward to barbecues and get-togethers with their new neighbors, as well as a change of pace for their teenage daughter and pre-teen son. Enter Tom (Grant Show, "Melrose Place") and Trina (Lana Parrilla, "24") Decker, a striking, outgoing couple on the hunt who redefine the term "neighborhood watch." After a mind-blowing evening with them, Susan and Bruce realize that couples in this town share much more than recipes, local gossip and a view of Lake Michigan, and are worlds apart from their former conservative neighbors, Janet (Miriam Shor, "Big Day") and Roger (Josh Hopkins, "Brothers & Sisters") Thompson. Susan's loyal friend Janet is appalled by what she witnesses in this new neighborhood, while Roger, though dutiful to his wife, may be more intrigued than she knows. In a changing social climate - defined by its music, fashion and style - everyone in SWINGTOWN is confronted with personal choices, experimentation and shifting attitudes. Shanna Collins ("Wildfire"), Aaron Howles and Brittany Robertson ("Freddie") also star. Mike Kelley ("The O.C.") and director Alan Poul ("Six Feet Under") are executive producers for CBS Paramount Network Television.

The following is the 2007-2008 CBS Television Network Primetime schedule"

CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

2007-2008 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

(N=New, NT=New Time, all times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

8:30-9:00 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY (N)

9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN

9:30-10:00 PM RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM NCIS

9:00-10:00 PM THE UNIT

10:00-11:00 PM CANE (N)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM KID NATION (N)

9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS

10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR

9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION

10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE (NT)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER

9:00-10:00 PM MOONLIGHT (N)

10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS

SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY

9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY

10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS: MYSTERY

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES

8:00-9:00 PM VIVA LAUGHLIN (N)

9:00-10:00 PM COLD CASE

10:00-11:00 PM SHARK (NT)

About CBS Television Network

America's most watched television network, CBS was established in 1928, when founder William Paley purchased 16 independent radio stations and christened them the Columbia Broadcast System. Today, with more than 200 television stations and affiliates reaching virtually every home in the United States, CBS is the Number One most watched network in primetime, with a total primetime network lineup that was watched by nearly 100 million people a week during the 2006/2007 season-to-date. The Network has the Number One drama on television, CSI; Number One newsmagazine, 60 MINUTES; Number One sitcom, TWO AND A HALF MEN; Number One daytime drama, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS. Its programming arms include CBS Entertainment, CBS News and CBS Sports.

[dw2649]

CBS Shows Officially Canceled:

(from tv.zap2it.com)
* '3 LBS'
* 'Armed & Famous'
* 'The Class'
* 'Close to Home'
* 'Jericho' (sorry Wacky)
* 'The King of Queens'
* 'Rock Star'
* 'Smith'
* 'Waterfront'

[Ian]

I have to say, some shows I really like seem to be getting cancelled --

Jericho - at least I've heard it's cancelled, I love this show.

Yeah it's officially cancelled.

I highly recommend you to to CBS.com, scroll down to the very bottom left hand side and click on the 'Feedback' link. Send them a complaint about cancelling Jericho.

The maddening thing about this is that it's THEIR FAULT!! The show was a bona fide hit early on. Then CBS sent it on that ridiculous mid-season hiatus and brought it back going head-to-head with American Idol. OF COURSE the ratings dropped off!!

This show was one of the few network series I had any interest in at all and they go and cancel it. It's so frustrating ... I emailed them already and plan on encouraging anyone I know who likes the show to email them about it. Write-in campaigns can and do work ... we could still influence them to bring back the show if they get enough negative feedback.

[Jen0610]

I have to say, some shows I really like seem to be getting cancelled --

Jericho - at least I've heard it's cancelled, I love this show.

I think the Caveman thing sounds really dumb.

On the other hand I wouldn't have shed a single tear if Desperate Housewives, Brothers and Sisters or Grey's Anatomy had been cancelled, I just can't want those "how immoral can we be this week" shows, but my wife and daugher would have had a fit. I always go to another room and watch something else.

As a woman, I find these shows (bolded in your post) to be mindless drivel. Talk about good role models. Let's see who can sleep with who first or the most. Now, I do enjoy a few mindless drivel shows, TAR is one of them, but when it's all about look at me I'm pretty, look at my 6 pack abs, look who I'm sleeping with, look at me wearing next to nothing tarts, I turn it to another station.

Guess DH and I will have to find a new Wednesday show to watch, now that CBS put the screws to Jericho. And Ian is so right....HELLO executives, it takes more than 12-16 episodes to build your fan base. By the 12th episode you are just wetting our appetites for what is going to come next.

[Ian]

Did you read the description of their new mindless reality show????

Kid Nation?? Are you serious?? I want to know what parent thought it was a good idea to strand their eight year old in a deserted town for forty days!

That's a new low in reality T.V. as far as I'm concerned.

[TheMartellFamily]

I think one show that seems so not worth my time even before it is on is the Caveman show. It totally sounds like a waste of my time and since I do not like the commercial I do not want to spend my time watching it on TV.