CBS returns to crime and comedy roots

By James Hibberd

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Crime and comedy are coming back in full force to CBS' schedule next season as the network re-embraces the genres that have made it the most-watched broadcaster in recent years.

After taking a creative detour in the fall with outside-the-box concepts such as singing gamblers ("Viva Laughlin") and vampire detectives ("Moonlight"), CBS is adding new crime procedurals and opening up another night of comedy.

As expected, CBS will expand its successful Monday night sitcom lineup to Wednesdays. "The New Adventures of Old Christine," which the network renewed at the last minute on Tuesday, will launch the block. The Julia Louis-Dreyfus vehicle is followed by newcomer "Project Gary," about a middle-class father, played by Jay Mohr.

The network unveiled the schedule to reporters at its New York offices Wednesday morning.

"We really wanted to focus on comedy, and we had the goods to it this year," said CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler. "We've been looking to expand, to build out to another night. We have two of highest-testing new comedies we've had in years."

The network will also add newcomer "Worst Week," about an engaged couple, to its Monday night lineup, giving the show a lead-in from its top-rated comedy "Two and a Half Men."

"There's no better place to launch a comedy on television than behind the No. 1 comedy on television," CBS scheduling chief Kelly Kahl said. "We want to give the new shows the best possible position to succeed."

The network's signature crime dramas, led by the "CSI" trilogy, will also have more company next season, though Tassler emphasized the procedurals will be more focused on character.