'Criminal Minds' Spin-Off: More Franchises, CBS ... Seriously?

The Eye Network is becoming the Double Vision Network.

The Hollywood Reporter reveals that CBS is planning yet another spin-off drama series, this time from 'Criminal Minds.'

The move comes after spin-off 'NCIS: Los Angeles' debuted to big ratings last week. (And if you remember, the blockbuster hit 'NCIS' itself is actually a spin-off of 'JAG.') And just as in the 'NCIS' case, the 'Criminal Minds' spin-off would feature a brand-new team of agents and air as an episode of the original series.







The Eye Network is becoming the Double Vision Network.

The Hollywood Reporter reveals that CBS is planning yet another spin-off drama series, this time from 'Criminal Minds.'

The move comes after spin-off 'NCIS: Los Angeles' debuted to big ratings last week and is fall's top new drama. (And if you remember, the blockbuster hit 'NCIS' itself is actually a spin-off of 'JAG.') And just as in the 'NCIS' case, the 'Criminal Minds' spin-off would feature a brand-new team of agents and air as an episode of the original series.

Of course, CBS is no stranger to spin-off success. 'CSI' spawned both 'CSI: Miami' and 'CSI: NY,' both of which are still going strong. So, if this 'Criminal Minds' plan works, the network's primetime schedule will be dominated by these three franchises. It's possible that every single night of the week could have its own version of 'CSI,' 'Criminal Minds' or 'NCIS.'

Let's break down the potential numbers, shall we?
Total hours of programming (Sun.-Fri.): 18
Franchise hours: 7
Non-franchise hours: 11

And we'd be willing to bet CBS executives are already brainstorming a 'Mentalist' spin-off. (And if they aren't, please don't 't take this as a suggestion.)

So, if this 'Criminal Minds' spin-off is going to happen, what should it be like? Here are a few ideas:

• Former Behavioral Analysis Unit team member Elle Greenaway (Lola Glaudini) uses her expertise in sexual offense crimes to catch pervy perps. Call it ... 'Criminal Minds: Special Victims Unit'

• Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas put their sunglasses and blazers back on to bring down drug dealers in South Florida. Call it ... 'Criminal Minds: Miami'

• Mandy Patinkin attempts television again, returning as former BAU leader Jason Gideon, who was last seen driving around Nevada. He shows up in Las Vegas and puts a new team together. Call it ... 'CMI: Criminal Minds Investigated'

What do you think: Would you watch a 'Criminal Minds' spin-off? Or are you a little sick of all the franchises?