CBS replaces "Worst Week" with more "Rules"
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - CBS plans to return the midseason comedy "Rules of Engagement" to its schedule on March 3, replacing freshman series "Worst Week."
Most had expected the solidly rated David Spade vehicle, which has been waiting in the wings this season, to enjoy a turn in the coveted 9:30 p.m. slot following "Two and a Half Men." It averaged 10.9 million viewers last year.
CBS is expected to make the announcement Wednesday, sources say.
"Worst Week" will wrap up its debut season February 9, and the network likely will air repeats in the slot until the "Rules" premiere. CBS ordered 17 total episodes of "Worst," putting the half-hour in an unusual limbo world of a series that wasn't exactly cut short yet wasn't given a full order of 22 episodes.
"Gary Unmarried" also received a slightly shortened order -- 20 episodes -- but CBS has dubbed that a "full season" in its case, and a renewal for the Jay Mohr comedy seems likely.
As for "Week," about a young couple planning both a wedding the arrival of a baby, CBS has not issued a verdict on its fate. The show is a ratings gap in Monday night's lineup despite having the highest-rated comedy lead-in on TV. Yet "Worst" has averaged fairly healthy numbers for a freshman series, especially this season -- 9.9 million. "Rules of Engagement" averaged 10.9 million viewers last year.
A renewal order could hinge on how much comedy CBS wants in the fall. CBS might continue to air six comedies in primetime, including two on Wednesday nights, or it might retreat to just airing its usual Monday night block.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
