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antiTainment NEWS: CBS Eyes 'Law & Order' Top Spot With New 'CSI'


05-22-04 antiGUY
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CBS was one of the last networks to announce their fall line-up. The top rated �Eye� network has few real surprises in store for viewers in the coming year, but they are taking one of their most popular franchises �CSI� and pitting it against NBC�s �Law & Order.� 

CBS is hoping that the latest �CSI� spin-off, �CSI: New York� will unseat NBC�s top rated �Law & Order� on Wednesday nights this fall.  �CSI� and �CSI: Miami� have both been stars in CBS�s eye, bringing in solid top ratings, week and after week. The latest spin-off, �CSI: New York� was introduced last week on �CSI: Miami�, and over 22 million viewers tuned in to meet the new characters played by Gary Sinise and Melina Kanakaredes. The New York spin off is set to air opposite of NBC�s �Law & Order� on Wednesday nights at 10:00 PM next fall.  A show that has dominated the time slot for years, and will see one its most popular characters taking the helm of a new spin-off next fall as well; �Law & Order�s� fourth.   

While the other networks plan to flood their airwaves with new shows, CBS only has plans to introduce five new programs. Apart from the �CSI: New York�, the new programming is split between comedies and dramas. 

On the comedy side, CBS plans to launch �Listen Up�, staring Jason Alexander of �Seinfeld� fame along with �Cosby� alum Malcolm-Jamal Warner. That show is set to air on Monday nights at 8:30, and is reportedly based on Washington Post sports columnist and "Pardon the Interruption" (ESPN) co-host Tony Kornheiser. 
 
The star packed �Center of the Universe� is set to air on Wednesdays at 9:30 following the �King of Queens�. The new family comedy stars sitcom veterans John Goodman ("Roseanne"), Jean Smart ("Frasier") and Ed Asner ("Mary Tyler Moore"). 

On the drama side, CBS is giving Rob Lowe another shot after his NBC legal drama �Lyon�s Den� bombed last year. The former "West Wing" star will take the lead in "dr. vegas", a new drama that also features Joe Pantoliano (�Sopranos�).

The other new drama offering is the coming of age drama, "Clubhouse", which tells the tale of a teenager that becomes of pro baseball bat boy. People laughed at the premise of �Joan of Arcadia�, last year so who knows? Maybe the �Clubhouse� gamble will payoff as well. 

Four of last fall�s six new shows will return for another season: Cold Case, Two and Half Men, NCIS and Joan of Arcadia. �Yes, Dear� will have to wait until midseason. "The Guardian," "The District" and "Hack" have all been canceled, and 60 Minutes II will simply become 60 Minutes and will continue to air on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM. 

CBS Fall Line-Up:

Monday: 
8:00 Still Standing 
8:30 Listen Up
9:00 Everybody Loves Raymond
9:30 Two and a Half Men
10:00 CSI: Miami

Tuesday
8:00 NCIS
9:00 Clubhouse
10:00 Judging Amy

Wednesday
8:00 60 Minutes
9:00 The King of Queens
9:30 Center of the Universe
10:00 CSI: New York

Thursday
8:00 Survivor
9:00 CSI
10:00 Without a Trace

Friday
8:00 Joan of Arcadia
9:00 JAG 
10:00 Dr. Vegas

Saturday:
8:00 48 Hours Mystery
9:00 The Amazing Race
10:00 crime drama series repeats.

Sunday
7:00 60 Minutes 
8:00 Cold Case
9:00 Sunday Night Movie
 


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