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Is CBS Testing Major Lineup changes for Fall 2009?

This week, CBS has been changing up its regular line up for special airings of other series. What is the reasoning behind it?

At first, I thought it was to off set repeats so as not to count towards the season average, but CBS always d0es well with repeats and has never don't that before. No, I think CBS is testing out some shows for possible relocation for the fall 2009 TV season.

The Mentalist started the test with a special 10pm airing on a different night (Monday). It did well in the new slot, but not great. But do not forget this is a freshman series, no matter how strong it has been.

On Tuesday, we saw a one hour comedy block kick things off at 8pm. Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, the stronger of all the CBS comedies, could be testing to see if a new comedy block can get started on a new night. Will CBS abandon Wednesdays or will they start a 4th hour of comedy?

Wednesday will see another test when Criminal Minds gets a test at 10pm with a new episode airing in a different time slot. Will its numbers be better than recent spring episodes against both Idol and Lost?

CBS my be looking at changes for a couple of reasons;

  1. With NBC moving to Jay Leno on week nights, CBS could be looking to capitalize with the void of dramas in the time period, plus help out local affiliates 11pm news. Plus, lets face it, ABC only has one decently rated 10pm show on their schedule. CBS could clean up at the 10pm hour 4 of the 5 nights.
  2. Comedy may dominate the new series offerings come up fronts. CBS has had issues launching dramas that are not crime oriented. Comedy is a perfect way to diversify their lineup, successfully. If this week's testing is any indication, we could see comedies kick off the night, three nights a week.

Of course, all of this is speculation and just my opinion, but it could hold some water.

What do you think?

1 comment:

  1. I agree with what you are saying about the Jay Leno impact. I think thats what CBS is trying to do.

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