CBS is one of those prime time TV networks that have a pretty solid lineup night in and night out. It’s also the one with the most reality shows in its list such as Survivor, The Amazing Race, Big Brother, and the like. This Fall, they are looking to strengthen that lineup even further by adding some fresh new shows, and there are a few that seem quite promising. The older, more popular shows, will also have their new seasons kick off this September. Lara Spencer, of the Insider, takes us on a 20-minute special behind-the-scenes look at the hottest new dramas and funniest new comedies.

NEW PRIME TIME SHOWS THIS FALL

WORST WEEK
Prime time Monday nights starts off with Sam Briggs on September 22. He’s a good guy, who’s having the worst week, EVERY week. While trying to impress his future in-laws, he becomes a one-man wrecking crew. He’s got good intentions, but just terrible luck. And just when you think it can’t get any worse… it does. The plot sounds eerily familiar, but it will be interesting to see how he ends up when the season finishes. The preview seemed pretty funny and it’s something I’d try to watch, though it would be a challenge to see how the episodes after the first two will go.

THE MENTALIST
Moving on to Tuesday nights on CBS, Simon Baker stars as Patrick Jane, a detective who is also an expert at reading people. He is an independent consultant with the remarkable track record for solving serious crimes using his gift of observation. If his face looks familiar to you, it’s because he was in movies like “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Red Planet,” while playing the lead for 3 seasons in “The Guardian.” Robin Tunney also co-stars. This one looks pretty promising and it has a twist of comedy too which makes it even more appealing.

GARY UNMARRIED
Wednesday prime time has the “funny” Jay Mohr of “Saturday Night Live” starring as Gary Barnes, a recently single painting contractor who must deal with his controlling ex-wife, as he faces post-divorce mayhem after 15 years of marriage. The comedy looks at the challenges of a single dad who is trying to raise two unruly teenagers, deal with an unbearable ex-wife, and still be able to have the hopes of finding love once again. I never liked Jay’s comedy and never found him particularly funny, it seems so-so, but should be a good laugher for his fans.

ELEVENTH HOUR
From Jerry Bruckheimer comes Thursday’s prime time drama starring Rufus Sewell as Dr. Jacob Hood, a brilliant scientist who is the FBI’s last hope in solving the most puzzling high-tech crimes. I’m not sure if it’s just the first episode that they showed in the preview, but it’s about cloning and how he tries to save the life of the woman carrying the cloned child. It doesn’t seem very appealing to me, and rather bland and boring, but would be good to see the first episode just because Bruckheimer produced it. For me, Sewell isn’t a good lead actor, and it shows even in the preview. Let’s see how it goes though.

The EX LIST
And finally, on Friday, Bella Bloom is an attractive business owner who learns from a psychic that she has already dated her future husband. The CATCH is, if she doesn’t find him in the next year, she will remain alone forever. The beautiful Elizabeth Reaser stars as Bella, in a fun new show about lost love, and the lengths a woman will go through to find the one that got away. If you think you’ve seen her before, you probably have in an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy” as she guest-starred as Ava/Rebecca. It was a role that got her nominated for an Emmy and a SAG award and probably got her this role. The show looks a little cheesy, but might be a hit for those who are lovesick and like stories like this. It starts 9pm on Fridays in September.

RETURNING CBS SHOWS

CSI LAS VEGAS
The brand spanking new season takes off with a crime no one expected. Warrick Brown has been shot and this has brought the CSI team back together for the case of their lives. It’s supposed to be the season that changes everything, so we will see. Personally, I like Vegas the best among all the CSI shows, but this plot has been done before. It’s very similar to the last episode of Season 5 called “Grave Danger” directed by Quentin Tarantino, where Nick Stokes was buried alive. It should still be a great show to watch every week though, and rightfully so.

SURVIVOR: GABON
In the Nth season of Survivor which premieres on September 25, it’s going to be in Africa this time. If there was a weaker cast in any of the past seasons, this must be it. The preview shows a very arrogant and annoying cast, and this might just be the last season as Survivor seems to be losing its flair. I haven’t watched Survivor since the 3rd season ended, and I don’t think I’ll ever watch it again with these types of people in the show. But if you’re a Survivor fan, here’s another long grinding season for you.

Download Link:
New Torrent - CBS Fall Preview 2008 HDTV (174MB)