TV with MeeVee

Upfronts Update: CBS Announces Fall Schedule

CBS has ordered five new series - two comedies and three dramas - toadd to its 18 returning shows. Like the other nets we've seen so far, this is largely a stand-pat schedule shaped by the behind-the-scenes tumult of the writers strike. The biggest change might be the hour of comedy from 8-9 on Wednesdays.

Mondays: "Big Bang Theory," "How I Met Your Mother," "Two and a Half Men," the new comedy "Worst Week" (right) and "CSI Miami."

Tuesdays: "NCIS," the new drama "The Mentalist" and "Without A Trace," which moves from Thursdays.

Wednesdays: "The New Adventures of Old Christine," the new comedy "Project Gary," "Criminal Minds" and "CSI NY."

Thursdays: "Survivor," "CSI" and the new drama "Eleventh Hour."

Fridays: "Ghost Whisperer," the new "The Ex List" and "Numb3rs."

Saturdays: Two hours of "Crimetime" - i.e. repeats - and "48 Hours Mystery."

Sundays: "60 Minutes," "The Amazing Race," "Cold Case" and "The Unit," which moves from Tuesdays.

The announcement also says this: "In addition to the new series for fall, the network announced the pick up of two programs for midseason. The new drama, HARPER'S ISLAND, 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. Also picked up for midseason is the comedy RULES OF ENGAGEMENT." It doesn't say anything, however, about reviving Fox's "Back To You."

For details and pictures of the new shows, keep reading.

CBS Announces Post-Strike Schedule

CBS today unveiled a no-frills list of premiere dates and episode counts for its shows returning after the strike. The plans are ambitious, especially for the comedies. "How I Met Your Mother," "Big Bang Theory" and "Two And A Half Men" (left) are all set to return on March 17, producing nine more episodes for the season. That's going to call for a lot of extra Skittles in the writers' room, I'd say. Another Monday show, "CSI Miami," is due back March 24 and expected to produce eight more hourlong episodes, which is, come to think of it, almost twice as much television as nine episodes of a sitcom.

Other shows' return dates and episode counts: "Cold Case," March 30, five. "Criminal Minds" and "CSI: NY," April 2 and seven each. "CSI" and "Without A Trace," April 3 and six. "Ghost Whisperer" and "Numb3rs," April 4 and six. "NCIS," April 8 and seven. "Moonlight," April 11 and four. "Rules of Engagement," April 14 and six. "Shark," TBA and four.

CBS notes that "'The Unit,' 'Cane' and 'Shark' are on previously announced hiatus to accommodate the mid-season launches of 'Big Brother,' 'Jericho' and 'Dexter.'" What CBS doesn't explain is why "Shark" is listed as producing more episodes while "The Unit" and "Cane" aren't. Hmmm. Contrary to some reports, CBS also notes that the offbeat drama "Swingtown," which we've heard little about in recent months, will also resume production. Still no premiere date, however.

MeeVee Video Top 5: Deadly Shows - "Dexter," "Cold Case," "CSI:Crime Scene Investigation," and more

The battle will probably forever carry on as to whether video violence corrupts our fragile and delicate youth. Can our youth internalize the unimaginable horrors on TV and, in turn, reek the same havoc on society?  Regardless of the answer, one thing is for sure: TV is violent and TV violence is here to stay.  Even the nightly news is embedded with graphic and violent stories of murder and mayhem. True, it is a reflection of a portion of our society, but do we really need to hear about it every day?!

This week Video Top 5 is looking at five of the seemingly endless supply of death-bringing shows.  You can preview Showtime's hit show Dexter.  Look at behind-the-scenes of Cold Case.  Surprisingly it's not as graphic as one might think.  Catch bonus scenes and DVD extras from the CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.  We have full episodes available of Pushing Daisies. And finally,take a tour with Dr. Baden from Autopsy as he shows you the ropes of what his less-than-comforting job details.

Of course don't forget our YouTube Clip of the Week. Join the Happy Tree Friends to get into the holiday spirit. Unfortunately for many, it's not as festive as one might think.