[Upfronts] CBS Making Changes Despite Success

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CBS is enjoying the biggest ratings victory by any network for 16 years. Despite that advantage, CBS’ schedule for the 2005-06 season features many changes, with several Emmy winners and established hits replaced by six new hopefuls.

Of CBS’ bubble shows, “NUMB3RS,” “Still Standing” and “Yes, Dear” all earned renewals, while the network axed long-running “Judging Amy” and the second-year drama “Joan of Arcadia” among other shows. Instead, four new dramas and two new comedies are set for the fall, with Friday and Monday seeing the most changes.

The departure of “Everybody Loves Raymond” leaves CBS’ Monday with a big hole, but the network decided to move an old standard back to the night. “The King of Queens” is back from Wednesdays, starting things off at 8 p.m. ET and setting up the comedy “How I Met Your Mother,” which brings TV favorites Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan back to the medium. As expected, “Two and a Half Men” will move to “Raymond’s” current 9 p.m. home, serving as a lead-in for “Out of Practice”, an ensemble family comedy featuring Henry Winkler and Stockard Channing. “CSI: Miami” will continue in its 10 p.m. time slot.

Tuesday begins as it ended this season for CBS. “NCIS” has done well against its competition from “American Idol” and should return in the fall as a lead-in to the latest version of “The Amazing Race.” A legal drama is scheduled for 10 p.m. “Close to Home” comes from CBS’ personal savior Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Jennifer Finnigan.

CBS will start Wednesday with a comedy block of “Still Standing” and “Yes, Dear,” before moving to “Criminal Minds.” The network hopes that the FBI-centred show, which stars Mandy Patinkin and Thomas Gibson, will provide a solid lead-in for “CSI: NY” at 10 p.m.

Given CBS’ Thursday dominance, it is not surprising things will change little next season. The new “Survivor” will set up “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” which will lead into “Without a Trace.”

Friday begins with “Ghost Whisperer,” a supernatural drama about a newlywed (Jennifer Love Hewitt) who can communicate with the dead. Following that, the alien drama “Threshold” is scheduled for 9 p.m., with “NUMB3RS” keeping its 10 p.m. time slot.

Both Saturdays and Sundays will remain unchanged. CBS will continue to air two CSI repeats, followed by “48 Hours Mystery” on Saturday. The old reliable “60 Minutes” will still lead off on Sunday, with “Cold Case” and a movie to follow.

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