FURTHER THOUGHTS FROM SHILO
Most Surprising (Possible) Renewal: CBS’s renewals to this point have all made sense, as the shows that aren’t great performers in Live + Same Day ratings have syndication packages to add to and CBS has been programming for syndication for a while. Of what hasn’t been renewed, I would be surprised for a Code Black renewal, as its primary rival Bunker Hill reportedly tested extremely well and it can’t generate more numbers to strengthen its renewal case. Although airing deep into the spring might’ve pushed it off the bubble, it would’ve at least had a shot to make its case vs. being off the schedule for months and having to wait to hear news about its fate. Plus, where it’s only a co-production with ABC, it doesn’t give CBS the syndication windfall that other bubble dramas could, so unless ABC is trying to package it with the Criminal Minds twins, Code Black feels done.
Show That Likely Won’t Be Renewed But Should Be: I’m surprised at how CBS treated CSI: Cyber. I figured that the show would have a fairly long leash given its strong international results and the fact that it came from the franchise that made CBS what it is today, but the network pushed it from a slot where it was doing okay into the Sunday dead zone and then pulled it from the schedule, seemingly surprised that it was difficult for a young show to find a following when it wasn’t always airing in primetime. The show has been rumored to be in contention for a 13-episode third season, which could air like The Mentalist did and utilize the Survivor hiatus, but still, for CBS to effectively hold their nose around a drama that likely prints money thanks to its overseas popularity is strange and makes me question why they renewed it in the first place.
Possible Scheduling Disaster: I feel like the comedy situation could be a mess if not properly managed. This past season had some of the weirdest comedy scheduling I’ve ever seen from CBS, so hopefully getting big projects from names familiar to TV audiences, along with the continued aging of The Big Bang Theory, will wake the network up and force them to actively help their half-hours. I know that CBS dramas tend to be more successful in syndication than CBS comedies, but one would think that with The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother, Two and a Half Men, and Mike & Molly doing extremely strong business, CBS would try to nurture their comedies in hopes of grooming the next syndication hit.
Possible Biggest Surprise: I would be surprised if Limitless stays on Tuesdays. Even though it’s been impressively steady, it’s not doing especially great in the raw numbers and to me, that comes down to compatibility. Yes, it’s made some creative choices that don’t exactly jibe with what CBS audiences want from their crime dramas, but it’s something that could be a nice bridge between the cool, demo-friendly viewership they’re chasing and the loyal viewership they’ve cultivated ever since CSI’s premiere. The fact that it didn’t get a single airing behind Scorpion, even a repeat, is bizarre to me, so if the show can manage a second season, I hope that CBS would wisen up and put it in a more favorable position, one where the demo could find it.
Safest Bet: The Tuesday NCIS shows will stay together. New Orleans has done well this season, but CBS will want to keep it protected until there’s another spin-off, the mothership wraps up, or New Orleans gets deep into syndication territory – whichever comes first. They go well together, they repeat well, and they make a lot of money for CBS, so I’d be surprised if we see New Orleans go to 10:00, for instance.
Project I’m Rooting For: CBS has a few comedies that could turn into something. Based on the well-received play from Tracy Letts, Superior Donuts could be a different look for them, while I’m a sucker for a good rom-com (and Jane Levy), so something like My Time/Your Time might be something to pay attention to. Additionally, I’d consider watching Real Good People due to the lack of shows with sympathetic portrayals of people from small towns and people from the south; I just worry that it’ll lean too hard on caricature in lieu of actual character.
