Entertainment, TV, Television - Army Times

CBS’ fall lineup is all about the drama

NEW YORK — CBS is known for its criminal past: Detective shows make up more than half its schedule, and while many get solid ratings, few share the glitzy allure of soapier dramas on other networks.

But in its most radical departure yet, the network Wednesday unveiled four dramas, only one of which involves a private investigator — and he’s a vampire.

The dramas vying for that elusive buzz factor are:

• “Viva Laughlin,” based on the BBC’s “Viva Blackpool,” a mystery drama about an optimistic Nevada casino owner and his wealthy enemy (Hugh Jackman, who also produces). In a change of pace, the series contains musical interludes.

• “Cane,” a sprawling saga about a Cuban-American family running a rum business in South Florida, starring Jimmy Smits, Hector Elizondo and Rita Moreno.

• “Moonlight,” about an “undead” private eye who protects the living instead of feeding on them but has eyes for an ambitious reporter.

• And “Swingtown,” a 1970s period soap about suburban Chicago wife swappers, more likely for midseason.

Also due, in another year of scarce sitcoms, is “The Big Bang Theory,” from “Two and a Half Men” creator Chuck Lorre, about two computer-geek pals who meet a sexy new neighbor. It stars Johnny Galecki (“Roseanne”) and Kaley Cuoco (“8 Simple Rules”), and may be sandwiched between the returning “How I Met Your Mother” and “Two and a Half Men” on Monday nights, with “Rules of Engagement” rounding out the night.

And CBS ordered game show “Power of 10”, hosted by Drew Carey. It’s a new take on “Family Feud” (minus the family), in which contestants guess what public surveys say for a chance to win up to $10 million. “Survivor” is a lock, and “The Amazing Race” also is expected to return with just one midseason cycle.

Also due back are “The Unit” and “The New Adventures of Old Christine”, after NBC expressed interest in the Julia Louis-Dreyfus comedy. “Christine” will return at midseason, but “Close to Home” and “The Class” are goners, and the odds are heavily stacked against faded apocalyptic drama “Jericho”. And James Woods’ hit “Shark” might move to a new night.

Helped by those crime dramas, the network will finish its fifth consecutive season in first place among total viewers, down 2 percent since last season, while finishing second (behind Fox) among young adults.