Why CBS's Fall Schedule Is the Most Daring

Yesterday, Joel posted about how CBS's moving 'The Big Bang Theory' was a risk, but a safe risk. While I agree with Joel, he underestimated just how bold and daring CBS was with not just this move, but many of the others they made.

Interestingly, it came out today that the key to the major moves all hinged on re-signing Charlie Sheen to 'Two and a Half Men.' Securing him and 'Two and a Half Men' on Mondays at 9, was the first domino is a series of moves.

CBS is the most watched TV network in terms of total viewers. But instead of standing pat with a winning hand so to speak, they decided to shake it up.

The New York Times agreed with me, noting, "The CBS changes come as demand for commercial time on TV has been improving - so the network hopes its high-risk moves will bring high rewards."

Taking it apart, CBS said goodbye to seven series -- five of which were still competitive ('Cold Case,' 'Ghost Whisperer,' "The New Adventures of Old Christine,' 'Gary Unmarried,' and 'Numb3rs') -- to inject some new blood into the line up. That would have been bold in and of itself, but that was only part of the plan.

The real daring was in shifting a bunch of shows from comfortable spots where they've been succeeding. On Monday, for instance, 'CSI: Miami' could have remained at 10 PM where it was being challenged by ABC's 'Castle,' but was still strong.

CBS chose to give Monday to what might be the hottest show for fall, the reboot of 'Hawaii Five-O.' What's really clever about the move is that 'Hawaii' should snag those same viewers who loved the glamour and glitz of 'CSI: Miami.'

And 'Miami' on Sundays at 10 PM should do better than either "The Unit' or 'Cold Case' because it's already a stronger draw than either of those shows ever were.

On the other hand, 'Survivor' at Wednesday is a good counter to ABC's attempt to build the sitcom line up because 'The Middle' is not as potent at 'Modern Family.' ABC might discover their sitcoms suffering if 'Survivor' remains as strong as it's been this season.

The boldness on Friday night is really interesting because CBS is putting a big name star, Tom Selleck in 'Blue Bloods,' into a 10 PM slot that has been a ratings black hole of late. Will Selleck draw viewers to a night that's not supposed to be viable anymore? To help 'Blue Bloods,' CBS moved 'CSI: NY' from Wednesdays at 10 PM, to be 'Blue Bloods' lead in.

Then there's Thursday, CBS's direct shot at NBC - like Joel said. The two comedies, 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'Bleep My Dad Says' will give 'Community' and '30 Rock' a major challenge. CBS is protecting 'CSI' which might seem vulnerable as it ages and giving it a potentially dynamic lead in. Also, they're keeping 'The Mentalist' at 10.

All in all, CBS has definitely upped the ante with this schedule, the changes and the new shows. It'll be fascinating to see how it all plays out.