Upfronts 2012: CBS Cancels A Gifted Man, Rob, CSI: Miami, Renews Two And A Half Men, CSI:NY

Ahead of the tomorrow’s upfront event, CBS renewed Two and a Half Men, canceled A Gifted Man, CSI: Miami and Rob.

The writing had been on the wall for A Gifted Man since really November and we were shocked that it got a full season order but it was really over when main cast member, Julie Benz, was announced as being cast for SyFy’s epic new series, Defiance, back in March.

The only question regarding CSI: Miami‘s cancellation was whether or not it would have been the only show in the franchise to be canceled and it is as CSI: New York has been renewed and CSI was renewed in March.

Rob was just horrible and unfunny as are all of the comedies on CBS but considering that CBS comedy viewers have no taste at all, we expected it to be a hit… just as the increasingly awful (and of course, renewed) Two and a Half Men is.

CBS Renews 18 Shows For 2012 – 2013 Season: Person Of Interest, NCIS, Hawaii Five-o, Blue Bloods, More…

CBS announced yesterday that they were renewing 18 shows for the 2012 – 2013 season.  Please note that this is a preliminary announcement, so just because you don’t see your favorite show, that’s not necessarily an indication that it won’t be renewed (A Gifted Man and Unforgettable, we’re looking at you.).  The fate of the remaining shows in the CBS schedule will be determined no later than the May upfront network advertising events, which, of course, we will provide full coverage of. That being said, this incredibly early commitment to programming is a very positive sign for CBS and their confidence in their current lineup.  See full press release below.

Via Press Release:

CBS ANNOUNCES RENEWALS FOR 18 PRIMETIME SHOWS FOR THE 2012-2013 SEASON

Renewals Showcase the Strength, Stability and Success of Television’s

#1 Network

In a move that renews a large portion of television’s #1 primetime lineup, CBS announced today it has picked up 18 returning series for the 2012-2013 broadcast season.

The renewals include four comedies, nine dramas, three reality series and two news magazines.  The returning shows encompass every night of the week and every hour, many of which are #1 in their time period and some #1 on the entire night.

The renewed comedies include the previously announced multi-year pickups of How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory, the season’s #1 comedy and the first scripted program to top “American Idol” in viewers and adults 18-49; 2 Broke Girls, the season’s #1 new comedy in viewers and key demographics; and sophomore hit Mike & Molly.

Also in comedy, CBS and Warner Bros. Television are in preliminary discussions regarding future seasons for Two and a Half Men.

Renewed dramas are NCIS, television’s #1 drama/scripted program for the third consecutive year; NCIS: LOS ANGELES, the #2 drama for the second straight year; Hawaii Five-0, Criminal Minds, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, Person Of Interest, the #1 new series of the season, The Mentalist, Blue Bloods and the award-winning and critically acclaimed The Good Wife.

Among the Network’s returning reality series are The Amazing Race, Undercover Boss and the previously renewed SURVIVOR.

Television’s top newsmagazines, 60 Minutes and 48 Hours Mystery, will also return in the fall.

 “This large-scale renewal is testimony to the strength, stability and success of a deep and diverse roster of top-rated programming,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “It positions us for continued success next season and certainly creates an environment that will give our new shows the best possible chance to succeed.”

Season-to-date, CBS is first in viewers (12.13m) and adults 25-54 (4.1/10) and a strong second in adults 18-49 (3.1/08).  The Network is posting across-the-board year-to-year growth, up +1% in viewers, +2% in adults 25-54 and +3% in adults 18-49.

CBS Cancels Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior, Renews CSI: New York

CBS announced Tuesday that they have canceled the Criminal Minds spinoff, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior and renewed CSI: New York for another season.  There’s not really much to say, we don’t watch either shows but despite the expert prediction, we didn’t have any doubt that CSI: New York would be renewed as a lead-in to the recently renewed Blue Bloods.

CBS: Blue Bloods, Hawaii Five-O RENEWED… The Defenders, $#*! My Dad Says, Canceled… Person Of Interest PICKED UP!

H-50: See ya This Fall!

The New York Times is reporting that CBS has renewed Blue Bloods, Mike & Molly, and Hawaii Five-O.  No surprise about any of these shows and in fact last week, we predicted BB was a sure thing with the news that the show’s creators, Mitchell Burgess and Robin Green, had been ousted.  The logic:  why fire the creators a week before the upfront media events if you’re going to cancel the show?  H-50 is a lot of fun but it’s a hit-and-miss show and not nearly as good as the pilot had led us to believe.  We simply refuse to watch M&M because we know how awful it is without ever having to watch a single episode and we are saddened by the fact that audiences continue to be so stupid when it comes to the sitcoms they’ll accept in their living rooms every week.  But then again, this is the same audience that made that horrible show Two and a Half Men a hit.

As far as cancellation is concerned, some sanity has prevailed at CBS, dumping the worst sitcom ever made, the horrific $#*! My Dad Says (a show that every time we mention it, we feel we should advise our readers to read our review of it if for no other reason than it’s a quality PSA), a comedy we had ZERO interest in Mad Love (that was a comedy, right) and a very underrated show we actually liked a lot, The Defenders, starring Jerry O’Connell and Jim Belushi.

J.J. Abrams (left), Jonathan Nolan (right)

As far as new pilots are concerned, CBS has officially announced that the J.J. Abrams/Jonathan Nolan series Person of Interest (which we had reported on back in February with much enthusiasm) will be added to the Fall 2011 – 2012 schedule, as well as the comedy Two Broke Girls.

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson

Stars Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) as a presumed dead former CIA agent who teams with a mysterious billionaire (Michael Emerson, Lost) to prevent violent crimes in New York. Taraji P. Henson (Boston Legal) co-stars in the Warner Bros. TV drama from scribe Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knight), who produces alongside J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk (Fringe), Ben Brafman (The 4400), Margot Lulick (Kings) and Greg Plageman (Cold Case). Dave Semel (No Ordinary Family), who directs.

Two Broke Girls 

Revolves around two 22-year-old women (Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs) who tackle life in New York as they try to make their dreams come true. The multicamera comedy from Warner Bros. Television is written by Michael Patrick King (Sex and the City) with stand-up comic Whitney Cummings on board as a producer. James Burrows directed the pilot.

NBC Cancels Outsourced, Law & Order: L.A. & The Event, Passes On Wonder Woman… Renews Chuck

On Friday, NBC announced the cancellation of Outsourced, Law & Order: Los Angeles and The Event.  We predicted every single one of these cancellations months ago.

Outsourced (from our Fall 2010 Post Game Wrap-Up on 01/13/2011)

Outsourced is one of the most disappointing shows this season but it’s not because it’s a bad show. It’s cute and it’s clever but it’s a sitcom trying to be funny and it’s really not. We pointed out in our review that the problem is that the novelty of the culture clashes and funny accents only works for about ten minutes, yet Outsourced is an entire series that revolves around those gimmicks… If we’re going to watch a sitcom, we want it to be funny. Outsourced unfortunately is not. It’s currently leaning toward “the-more-likely-to-be-renewed-than-not” category but we doubt audiences are going to continue to tolerate it until May.

Law & Order: Los Angeles (from our review of the show on 10/09/2010)

And before you say to yourself, “Well, this could be different,” I’m going to have to stop you right there because, no, it’s not going to be different. Do you know how I know? There are two obvious reasons. First, take a look at the first sentence of the show description by NBC:

“Law & Order: Los Angeles” fuses classic ripped-from-the-headlines storytelling with the distinctive backdrop of LA – delving into the unique attitudes, cultures and crimes of the West Coast.”

The first thing that they mention as a selling point is what made the show suck to begin with (the “ripped from the headlines” crap). It’s the reason that people stopped watching… period, you unoriginal nit-wits at Dick Wolf Productions.

This show is nothing more than the original Law & Order that just got cancelled after 20 seasons except for the fact that it’s set in L.A… This whole show is just awful and no one is getting a free pass.

The only reason it’s getting three stars is because it’s not as bad as Outlaw.  I expect it to be canceled by the end of the season.

The Event (from our What’s Wrong With The Event and How To Fix It In Five Easy Steps piece back on 12/22/2010)

Unfortunately, since its premiere, the audience numbers have dropped steadily and the show is on life-support at this point and it’s completely unnecessary… The truth is that the long hiatus (new episodes will not air until March 7, 2011) may be the final nail in the coffin for The Event…

What is a surprise to us, however, is that NBC has ordered 13 episodes for a fifth and final season of Chuck.  We got bored with it but we didn’t hate it and we’re glad that a fan-favorite was picked up for one last hurrah.

In related news, the awful David E. Kelley, Boston Legal-clone Harry’s Law has been renewed by NBC and just when we thought NBC had ZERO standards remaining they did smartly pass-on Kelley’s reboot adaptation of the comic book classic that no one ever reads, Wonder Woman.  Tracie Thoms, who would have played Diana Prince’s best friend Etta, had this to say about the news via Twitter:

I am very sad that NBC passed on Wonder Woman. But that just goes to show you: There is no such thing as a “sure thing” in this biz.

Sorry to disappoint you, Etta, but there is one sure thing in Hollywood:  that show would have reached the highest level of suckitude© imaginable.

TV SCOOP! FOX Renews Family Guy & The Cleveland Show Through 2013

We just got word that FOX has renewed both Family Guy and The Cleveland Show for a tenth and fourth season, respectively, entrenching them long-term into FOX’s Sunday Animation Domination block.  FOX had already renewed both of these MacFarlane shows for a ninth and third season, respectively,  along with American Dad, for a seventh season (as well as Bob’s Burgers) for Fall 2011.  Recently, we speculated  that FOX has ZERO faith in the success of their two new mid-season 2011 -2012 animated shows, Napoleon Dynamite and Allen Gregory and this move by the network only goes to reinforce that opinion.  We don’t blame them because we don’t either.

Press release forthcoming.

TV NEWS ALERT! FOX: Bones Renewed For Seventh Season… Now What About House?

You didn't have to be this guy to figure out that FOX would renew Bones.

FOX Broadcasting and 20th Century Fox Television have come to terms on a new license fee agreement and the hit series Bones has been renewed for a seventh season.  We predicted this would happen as merely a defensive move if nothing else because if the uncertain fate of House.  Universal Media Studios and FOX did not reach an agreement despite a deadline of April 15th and two extensions beyond that deadline.

To make matters more precarious for FOX and the future of House on the network, NBCUniversal head, Steve Burke, has announced that parent company Comcast will be investing an additional $200 million into the struggling NBC.  This, of course, just reaffirms our suspicions that it is quite possible that UMS may just opt instead to sell the hit medical show to NBC.  The issue at play here is money.  UMS wants the same they had with FOX in season five and have FOX share in the cast salaries. FOX’s position is that though the show is still strong it’s not as strong as it was in season five when the initial deal was made.  So considering that the deadlines have passed and UMS wants more money than FOX is willing to give, who better to turn to than fellow NBCUniversal subsidiary, NBC who will apparently be rolling in cash.  Steve

NBCUniversal Head, Steve Burke

Burke had this to say about the cash infusion at NBC:

The real key to turning around NBC is not necessarily increased investment. The real key is making better shows.

So apparently Mr. Burke certainly gets it and that’s good sign for NBC’s future. Even though he is stating the obvious, it simply amazes us how his predecessors couldn’t grasp that very simple concept. So now it’s our turn to ask the obvious: what better way is there to make better shows than by purchasing already established hits in their prime?  We can’t think of many.  As we’ve noted, the addition of House to the Peacock network would be a game changer for them or at the very least a life-preserver.

Via Press Release:

FOX UNCOVERS ANOTHER SEASON OF “Bones”

Fan-Favorite Series Renewed for Seventh Season

All-New Episode Airs Thursday, May 5, on FOX

FOX has renewed the hit series Bones for a seventh season, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“Bones is creatively fresh, it’s a rock-solid player every time it airs and this season it has helped us win on Thursday nights for the first time in our history,” said Reilly. “Hart Hanson and the fantastic cast and crew, as well as the millions of loyal Bones fans, make this show really special, and I’m excited to have it on our air for another stellar season.”

In the all-new “The Signs in the Silence” episode, airing Thursday, May 5 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), a 15-year-old Jane Doe, who is hearing impaired and unable to communicate, is found on the streets covered in blood and wielding a knife, leading the team to believe she is responsible for a recent murder. Meanwhile, Angela keeps Hodgins in the dark regarding the details of her pregnancy.

Bones is a darkly amusing procedural centered on a highly skilled forensic anthropologist who can read clues left behind in victims’ Bones and an FBI agent. These unlikely partners take on homicide cases involving human remains that most forensic specialists can’t handle. The series stars Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, TJ Thyne, Michaela Conlin, Tamara Taylor and John Francis Daley.

Bones is from Far Field Productions and Josephson Entertainment in association with 20^th Century Fox Television. The series was created by Hart Hanson. Hanson, Stephen Nathan, Ian Toynton and Barry Josephson are executive producers. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bones and follow the series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bonesonfox (@bonesonfox).

Bob’s Burgers Renewed For A Second Season? House & Bones May Be Leaving FOX? Where’s Terra Nova? What’s Going On Over There? (Part One)

In news that came as an absolute shock to us, the poorly-received (we gave it a 3 out of 10 and that was generous) and lackluster-rated Bob’s Burgers has been picked up for a second season by FOX as announced on April 7th.

Via Press Release:

FOX ORDERS UP A SECOND SERVING OF “BOB’S BURGERS”

Animated Series Renewed for a Second Season

All-New Episode Airs Sunday, April 10, on FOX

Animation Domination newcomer BOB’S BURGERS has been renewed for a second season, it was announced today by Kevin Reilly, President of Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company.

“BOB’S BURGERS has proved to be a perfect neighbor to our slate of fan-favorite animated families this year,” said Reilly. “The series has found its own really unique, irreverent voice and is doing consistent business for us on Sundays, so we’re excited to serve up another season to the fans.”

The premiere of BOB’S BURGERS this year was the highest-rated new series debut on any network so far this season. The series currently ranks among the Top 10 programs this season among young men.

In the all-new “Burger War” episode, airing Sunday, April 10 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT), BOB’s (H. Jon Benjamin) eccentric landlord, MR. FISCHOEDER (guest voice Kevin Kline), pays the family a visit to deliver some bad news. Bob’s rival across the street, JIMMY PESTO (guest voice Jay Johnston) of Jimmy Pesto’s Pizzeria, wants to take over Bob’s lease so that he can expand his gift shop. With little time and not enough money, the Belcher family must cook up some business or luck to save the restaurant.

BOB’S BURGERS follows a third-generation restaurateur as he runs his own burger joint with the help of his wife and their three kids. Bob has big ideas about burgers, condiments and sides, but only a few thoughts on customer service and business management. Despite his greasy counters, lousy location and occasionally spotty service, Bob is convinced his burgers speak for themselves. The animated series features the voice talents of H. Jon Benjamin, John Roberts, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman and Kristen Schaal.

BOB’S BURGERS is a 20^th Century Fox Television production. The series was created by Loren Bouchard. Bouchard and Jim Dauterive serve as executive producers and writers. Become a fan of the series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bobsburgers and follow the series on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bobsburgersfox.

Now, you’re probably figuring that our response to this news would be outrage due to the fact of how much we dislike the show but surprisingly, it’s not.  We not only aren’t bothered but we’re actually a little relieved because of all of the other news surrounding FOX programming over the last few weeks, particularly the renewals of American Dad and Fringe, both early and both with full season orders.

Seriously???

But first, there are two things about the renewal of Bob’s Burgers that need to be noted: Number one on the list is the fact FOX ordered two more animated shows last year for the 2011 – 2012 schedule; an animated version of Napoleon Dynamite (no, we’re not kidding) and a show by Jonah Hill called Allen Gregory, “which will have Hill voicing the title role of a freakishly smart, internationally acclaimed 7-year-old kid who’s about to take on the task of attending elementary school with kids his own age.” On the upside, at least it’s animated so we won’t have to see Hill’s absolute grotesqueness on the beautiful 65″ HDTV. But waitaminute… since they’ve ordered these two shows, how will there be room for the recently renewed American Dad and Bob’s Burgers on the Sunday night schedule?

That of course brings us to the second item of note: unlike American Dad, there has been absolutely no indication that FOX ordered a full season of 22 episodes for Bob’s Burgers whereas they made a point to brag about it in the press release announcing American Dad’s renewal.  So, even though FOX renewed Bob’s Burgers, the show’s status would appear to be more precarious than this renewal would seem to indicate and FOX is hedging its bets by keeping Napoleon Dynamite and Allen Gregory in the hopper for 2011, despite the fact that there is ZERO room on the Sunday night schedule for them.

Now, this being said, does anyone in their right mind think that a cartoon based on an overrated film that came out seven years ago and a series with an absolutely uninteresting premise has as snowball’s chance in hell of surviving past the six and seven episodes, respectively, that were ordered?  We don’t and we think that after a year of sitting on these projects and taking an inventory of the state of the network as far as scripted programming is concerned come Fall 2011, FOX execs are reconsidering their commitment to these two new shows and leaning toward full support of Bob’s Burgers, should, as we expect, Napoleon Dynamite and Allen Gregory fail quickly.  We think FOX is starting to realize that it may be better for them to deal with the devil that they know as opposed to the one they don’t, but because they are still FOX, after all, they’re taking a “wait and see” approach with Bob’s Burgers.

And what exactly is the state of FOX come Fall 2011?  And why aren’t we bothered by the renewal of Bob’s Burger’s, a show we really don’t like?  What’s this about House and Bones possibly not being on FOX and Terra Nova that you dopes alluded to in the headline yet never mentioned in this piece? Tune in to the ‘Tastic tomorrow and we’ll give you some insights based on what we know for sure, and what we think all of this information means based on us piecing it all together and wildly speculating… including the news about House, Bones and Terra Nova.