You can see the full primetime schedule, new and returning midseason series and cancellations below. Bold Italic denotes new show.
Update 5.18.2008: See what the rest of the networks are doing for Fall 2008.
Update 6.29.2008: Added recently announced premiere dates.
CBS Fall 2008 Primetime TV Schedule
Sunday
60 Minutes – Premieres September 28th.
The Amazing Race – They will have two editions of this competition series, one will play this fall and then again in the winter/spring. Premieres September 28th.
Cold Case – Premieres September 28th.
The Unit – New night and time. Glad to see it got another season. Premieres September 28th.
Monday
The Big Bang Theory – This is the only CBS show that debuted last fall to make it to a second season. Premieres September 22nd.
How I Met Your Mother – Still don’t understand why this was ever mentioned as a bubble show, but am really glad to see it back nonetheless. Premieres September 22nd.
Two and a Half Men – Premieres September 22nd.
Worst Week – From the press release: “A comedy about Sam Briggs, an entertainment magazine editor who will do anything to please his girlfriend’s parents … but instead becomes a one-man wrecking crew whenever he’s around them. Sam (Kyle Bornheimer, Jericho) and his girlfriend, Melanie Clayton (Erinn Hayes, Kitchen Confidential), have only one hurdle left to clear as they start their life together: breaking the news to Mel’s conservative parents that they have a wedding in the works and a baby on the way. Dick (Kurtwood Smith, That ’70s Show), a stern Judge, and his wife Angela (Nancy Lenehan, My Name is Earl), are protective of their daughter, and are really trying to let go of the anger they feel toward Sam … after all, disaster follows whenever he visits their house. But despite his best efforts, every time Sam takes one positive step forward in winning over his future in-laws, he inevitably takes two crushing steps back. But with support and love from Melanie who stands up for him despite his knack for making himself look bad, Sam will hopefully charm his way into her family. Emmy Award winner Adam Bernstein (30 Rock) directed the pilot. Matt Tarses (Scrubs) and Jimmy Mulville (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) are the executive producers for Universal Media Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television.” Premieres September 22nd.
CSI: Miami – Premieres September 22nd.
Tuesday
NCIS – Premieres September 23rd.
The Mentalist – Sounds like an unfunny(dramatic) version of Psych. From the press release: ” stars Golden Globe Award nominee Simon Baker (The Devil Wears Prada) as Patrick Jane, a detective and independent consultant with the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI), who has a remarkable track record for solving serious crimes by using his razor sharp skills of observation. Within the Bureau, Jane is notorious for his blatant lack of protocol and his semi-celebrity past as a psychic medium, whose paranormal abilities he now admits he feigned. Jane’s role in cracking a series of tough high-profile cases is greatly valued by his fellow agents. However, no-nonsense Senior Agent Teresa Lisbon (Robin Tunney, Prison Break) openly resists having Jane in her unit and alternates between reluctantly acknowledging Jane’s usefulness and blasting him for his theatrics, narcissism and dangerous lack of boundaries. Lisbon’s team includes agents Kimball Cho (Tim Kang, Rambo), Wayne Rigsby (Owain Yeoman, The Nine), and rookie member Grace Van Pelt (Amanda Righetti, The O.C.), who all think Jane’s a loose cannon but admire his charm and knack for clearing cases. Bruno Heller (creator of Rome) is creator/executive producer, and Emmy Award winner David Nutter (Band of Brothers) is the executive producer for Warner Bros. Television.” Premieres September 23rd.
Without a Trace – It will be interesting to see what this solid performer can do with the CBS Tuesday Death Slot. It does make for a nice capper to a three hour block of crimetime procedurals on the night. Premieres September 23rd.
Wednesday
The New Adventures of Old Christine – CBS, for the first time, actually ordered a full 22-episodes of this show. Hopefully, it will continue to do well now that it has left the cushy post Two and a Half Men timeslot for lead off duties on Wednesdays. Premieres September 24th.
Project Gary – Sound like it will make a good pairing with Old Christine. From the press release: “Stars Jay Mohr (Ghost Whisperer) and Paula Marshall (Nip/Tuck) in a comedy about Gary Barnes, a recently single painting contractor, and his controlling ex-wife, Allison, who face post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage as they each embark on new relationships. He’s the fun parent and she’s the strict one. Together, they share custody of their two children – Louise (Laura Marano, Without a Trace), a politically correct and environmentally conscious 11-year-old, and Tom (Ryan Malgarini, How to Eat Fried Worms), their socially awkward 14-year-old son who is nervous around girls. Charming and acerbic, Gary hasn’t dated since the split, but finally connects with Vanessa (Jaime King, The Class), a single mother whose condo he was hired to paint. He dreads telling Allison about Vanessa because it doesn’t adhere to her belief in their marriage counselor’s book, ‘Rules for the Perfect Divorce.’ However, when Allison tells him that she’s engaged to their shrink, all bets are off and Gary decides it’s time to move forward. Now, in pursuit of post-marriage happiness, Gary must juggle his eclectic world of an ex-wife, their two kids, their shrink and his gorgeous new girlfriend. Ed Yeager (Still Standing) and Ric Swartzlander (8 Simple Rules) are the executive producers for ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television.” Premieres September 24th.
Criminal Minds – Premieres September 24th.
CSI: NY – Premieres September 24th.
Thursday
Survivor – Premieres September 18th.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation – Premieres October 9th.
Eleventh Hour – From the press release: “From acclaimed producer Jerry Bruckheimer follows Dr. Jacob Hood (Rufus Sewell, The Illusionist), a brilliant biophysicist and special science advisor to the government, as he investigates scientific crises and oddities. His jurisdiction is absolute and Hood is dogged in his pursuit of those who would abuse and misuse scientific discoveries and breakthroughs for their own gain. His passion and crusade is to protect the substance of science from those with nefarious motives. He is called in at the eleventh hour and he represents the last line of defense. Based on the British miniseries by acclaimed science-fiction writer Stephen Gallagher, the series is executive produced by Bruckheimer (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Pirates of the Caribbean), Jonathan Littman (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Cold Case), Danny Cannon (CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami), Cyrus Voris (Bulletproof Monk), Ethan Reiff (Sleeper Cell), Mick Davis (Wake of Death), and Paul Buccieri (Fashion House) for Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Bros. Television.” Premieres October 9th.
Friday
Ghost Whisperer – Premieres October 3rd.
The Ex List – From the press release: “Is a comedic drama about Bella Bloom (Elizabeth Reaser, Grey’s Anatomy) – a single, 30-something, successful business owner who is surprised to learn from a psychic that she’s already dated her future husband AND there’s a catch: if she doesn’t find him in the next year, she’ll remain alone forever. During a bachelorette party for her sister, Daphne (Rachel Boston, American Dreams), Bella learns from the psychic she must revisit her past relationships and sort through the mistakes to find her soul mate. Skeptical, Bella begins to analyze every past liaison and failed romance with her close circle of friends, Augie (Adam Rothenberg, Mad Money), an endearing guy who has listened to Bella’s love woes since college, Vivian (Alex Breckenridge, Dirt), Augie’s long-term girlfriend, and Cyrus (Amir Talai, Campus Ladies), who’s chronically unemployed and full of wry observations. Once Bella witnesses proof of the psychic’s other predictions, her cynicism disappears and she begins her search. Along her trip down break-up lane, Bella is determined to remain optimistic and receptive, believing that when destiny reopens doors to the past, every relationship can matter in the future. Diane Ruggiero (Veronica Mars) and Jonathan Levin (Charmed) are executive producers for Twentieth Century Fox Television.” Premieres October 3rd.
Numb3rs – Premieres October 3rd.
Saturday
Crimetime Drama Rerun – Premieres September 27th.
Crimetime Drama Rerun – Premieres September 27th.
48 Hours Mystery – Premieres September 27th.
CBS Shows – Retuning at Midseason
Coming back, but not until later are: Rules of Engagement
CBS Shows – New for Midseason
Debuting in late Fall or early 2009 is Harper’s Island, which according to the press release “is a murder mystery that unfolds as friends and family attend week-long festivities at a destination wedding on a secluded and picturesque island off the coast of Seattle, infamous for a homicidal maniac’s rampage seven years ago.”
CBS Shows – Cancelled/Not Returning
They have said goodbye to: Cane, Jericho, Kid Nation, Moonlight, Power of 10, Secret Talents of the Stars, Shark, Viva Laughlin, and Welcome to the Captain.
TVaholic’s Take on the CBS Fall 2008 TV Schedule
Was surprised that they cancelled Moonlight and the replacement, The Ex List, sounds kind of dumb. CBS does have something each night that interests me, which isn’t necessarily the case on the other networks right now. There are 12 returning shows that I will continue to watch and four of the five new shows actually sound interesting.
CBS seems to have grouped their new and returning shows together well. You have the Monday night comedy block and CSI: Miami, which produces its own kind of humor, not necessarily of the intentional variety. Then you get the new Tuesday night lineup of all crime procedurals. Next, on Wednesday you have the pairing of Old Christine, about divorced parents, and the new Project Gary, about divorced parents, followed by two crime procedurals. On Thursday, the pairing of the science heavy CSI with the even more science heavy sounding Eleventh Hour seems like a nice fit. Even the terrible sounding The Ex List, looks like it might be a good pairing with the terrible Ghost Whisperer.
Overall, the schedule actually looks pretty solid.
How about you? What do you like about CBS’ Fall 2008 Schedule? What don’t you like? What shows do you wish they hadn’t cancelled? Let us know in the comments.
I love The Big Bang Theory. It is the best new show of the season. It is hilarious. I am so happy it has been renewed.
Very very happy to see Big Bang Theory and Numbers coming back… sad to see Shark leaving… very very angry to see Jericho going. Jericho was by far the best show on for 2007-2008!!!
Scott, I don’t think The Big Bang Theory was the best new show of the season, but it was definitely the best new show that CBS put forth.
Micki, Am happy, as well, to see the The Big Bang Theory gang back for a second season. At least CBS tried to bring Jericho back, but now Moonlight fans are feeling much the same way.
So upset about MOONLIGHT!!! It was fun to watch!!! It is too bad…
HOW DARE CBS CANCEL MOONLIGHT. I AM SO SAD AND SHOCKED! THERE ARE ABOUT 12 MEMBERS OF OUR SCHOOL PTO THAT GET TOGETHER AND WATCH THIS SHOW EACH AND EVERY WEEK. IT ADDS A LITTLE DRAMA TO OUR LIVES AND GIVES US SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO ON FRIDAY NIGHTS(WHEN TV REALLY IS BAD). WE WERE ALL TALKING TONIGHT AND WE ARE GOING TO SWEAR OFF CBS PERIOD. NO MOONLIGHT NO CBS. YOU MADE YOUR CHOICE SO WE MADE OURS. THANKS FOR NOTHING!
I am greatly upset and angery with the loss of Moonlight….. I am in love with the show and every night a new crime keeps me on my toes and now that it is over i feel like boycotting CBS. I agree when you say it was a stupid thing for CBS to do. If there is a way to get it back i will do anything in my power to get it back. i love the actors and feel that it was a definate mistake of CBS.
I too, was shocked about Moonlight not returning! The show has just had some buggs worked out and became more interesting each week. Maybe some other network will pick it up……
Deb H, They did seem to be working things out on Moonlight, as what turned out to be the series finale, was the best episode of the series. They finally seemed to figure out what it is they wanted to do with the show. Too bad, it was too little, too late.
Really going to miss Shark
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT CANCEL MOONLIGHT
IT’S ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS ON TV, ALONG WITH NUMBERS AND GHOST
WHISPERER
I could have sworn I read that CBS had bought a pilot called “The Tower” starring Cole Hauser and CCH Pounder. So what happened?
Cindy, The only thing I have seen about The Tower is at: http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/primetime-pilot-panic-abc-cbs-orders-renewals-cancellations/
Haven’t come across anything else about it since. It sounds like CBS is still in the process of deciding whether or not to pick it up.
I am so upset that Moonlight is gone. I am equally upset about Shark! I love both of those shows!!! My husband and I used to have date nights on Fridays but once CBS had Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight and Numbers back to back on Fridays, we moved dates to Saturday. I guess I’ll just DVR Ghost Whispere and Numbers and watch them whenever. I am so sad to see Moonlight go away!
Very disappointed about moonlight being cancelled. It was one of the very few shows I did watch on tv.
I am very mad that Shark was cancelled. It is my favorite show. James Woods is an excellent actor. The show is interesting, keeps you in suspense, and even has a little comedy and tender moments between Shark and his daughter. What more can you ask for? I am so sick of all these stupid reality shows that remain on television while my favorite dramas keep getting cancelled!!!
Donna, I really liked Shark as well, but my sister is the one that is really disappointed in it being cancelled, as it was pretty much the only show she watched.
No Moonlight? What is CBS trying to do? They have nothing near its quality to put in it’s place! They should be asking the people before they do these things!
I will miss Moonlight
Moonlight was a great show and will be missed. I think CBS made a bonehead decision to cancel it.
I just f ound out MOONLIGHT was canceled. WHY?!!!!!!!!! It was my favorite show. I would rework my schedule for Friday nights because I loved the lineup: Ghost Whisperer, Moonlight, and Numbers. Now there is no reason to watch TV on Fridays, or any other night. I hadn’t refularly watched TV for years because there was nothing interesting on. Moonlight is so creative and interesting. The stupid WRITER”S strike last winter put a slowdown on everything. Moonlight was just getting momentum until that happened. I have several friends that watched it too,we were all g all glad when it came back on. And we are not your teenager audience; we are all over 40. Isn’t there some way that you can get it bak on? We were so looking foward to new episodes this fall. Now there is nothing. Well, I guess that’s good, cause now I won’t spend so much time watching TV again.
Sheryll, While I won’t go as far as you in that there is nothing on TV to watch with Moonlight gone, but I was kind of surprised that CBS cancelled it. It was being shopped around to other networks, but unfortunately it was recently announced that it has been officially, officially cancelled.
NOT MOONLIGHT!!!!!!! How can they do this!!!!! I loved that show!!!!!! Now What am I to do on Friday nights?!?!?!?!?!
I’m so glad Numb3rs is returning. The way the last episode ended, I was afraid it was cancelled. It is really one of my favorite programs ever because I really like the way Charles Epps helps with mathematical solutions to all problems.
I’m also glad NCIS is returning because it seemed like all the staff was being transferred out, so I thought it may have ended.
I disagree with the author about Ghost Whisperer. I find it different and enjoyable.
I am very surprised about Moonlight! Our whole family loved that show. I only know 1 person who didn’t watch it. Hope the actors in it are able to find other interesting shows to be in. Will miss it this year.
I also like Ghost Whisperer. It is different and spooky, but positive at the same time. I am a sucker for good vs. evil themes.
I can not believe the cancelled Moonlight. It was a great show. I think CBS really needs to rethink this one. A decision to cancel a show should be up to the audiance who watch the show not the exec’s who sit in an office and probably do not even watch.
To bad CBS, I guess I will have to watch another network that on Friday night.
Very depressed about Moonlight and Shark – CBS really needs to rethink its schedule – the new shows don’t sound that great and they are cancelling two shows that ARE great!
We Want “Shark Back”
We always Made Time to watch James Woods in Shark. CBS has most of my favorite shows. Shark topped the list for us. I’m so surprised that CBS would cancel it. What can Shark Fans and other show fans do to bring back the great shows they love?
CBS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only show worthwhile watching was Moonlight!! Aren’t these people supposed to be making the right decisions about what shows to air???? If sooooooooo many people loved the show, then why is it cancelled? DUH!!! Doesn’t take a genius! They need to seriously rethink bringing Moonlight back!
V, Well, you can watch Numb3rs and Life like me.
Maryhelen, It looks like NCIS decided to shake things up like House did last season.
Jen, I was surprised too that Moonlight was cancelled, but Ghost Whisperer just reminds me that the superior Joan of Arcadia is no longer with us.
Scriptyhall and KathyB, My sister would agree with you on Shark, as it was one of only two shows she watched last season.
PattiVB, You are not alone, as there are a lot of fans out there that are thinking the same as you.
I’m with all of you about SHARK! It was my favorite – the Warrick gets killed off CSI, Bill Petersen decides not to come back – THIS SUCKS!!! And I’m not happy with Laurence Fishburne!
Any of you people want to get together and petition about Shark? Jason, ask your sister if she wants to spearhead something like the “Jericho” thing. It got their show back.
ps I’m really serious – I’ll participate if anyone wants to try and get SHARK back!!
My friends and family all enjoyed Moonlight and Jericho and CBS just took off the two best shows of last season. May they lose ratings on some of the new shows like The Ex List which sounds really stupid and bring these shows back. Also, why couldn’t these shows , Moonlight and Jericho be seen on Saturday nights instead of repeats of other shows? It would make me stay at home on Saturday night.
I will sign a petition to get Shark back!!!
I am very upset about Moonlight getting cancelled. I don’t understand these networks. They would rather show some crappy reality show than an innovative, different show like Moonlight. Come on CBS, dare to be innovative and give Moonlight another chance. Look how may chances the show “24” got and Moonlight is a lot better!!!!!!
Why is shark being cancelled – it is one of the best shows on TV…..bring it back or I’ll no longer watch any shows on your network.
It seems to appear all good shows get cancelled and all crappy ones return.
Get on the ball CBS.
I watch little TV. The main show I have ever watched is ER because I am in health care, and see dramas played out each day of my life. For some reason, I got a glimpse of Moonlight last season, and immediately became a fan. So, I had 2 shows I liked; one on Thursday and one on Friday. Like some of the other comments, I had started to rearrange my Friday night so that I could watch Moonlight. I had talked about it to friends at work, and we had a great audience for CBS. Now, it’s gone, and that was a terrible decision by CBS. Bad decision, folks. I glimpse at some of these reality shows, and think what a waste of time. Possibly, is all TV a waste of time? I hope I can get the single season of Moonlight on DVD.
Joan, I don’t think all TV is a waste of time, but there is a lot that is. If you like shows in the health care genre, you should be watching House and Grey’s Anatomy. Granted, neither of them are really about the medicine, but ER isn’t either, really.