With the CBS 2009 season, we have a few favorites coming back, a show that changed networks and night and a huge gamble that paid out less than the California lottery.

The shows that got the digital advertisers ax were Eleventh Hour, Harper's Island, The Unit, Without a Trace and Worst Week.

Trish Wellington and friend on Harper's Island

I'm bummed The Unit was cut and surprised by Harper's Island lack of viewers.  Harper's was well written compared to some but I guess viewers just don't have the patience for murder-mystery dramas.  I have to admit, my first reaction was flat to the idea but I gave it a chance, got hooked and now, got disappointed.  Grr.

One of the most expensive television shows ever produced, Eleventh Hour, apparently was just as flat as I felt it was when I watched the first few episodes.  It never snagged me and seemed what I call OTTO (over the top obvious) in how they initially delivered their character introductions.  Shows that go OTTO on me usually lose me.  I'd rather see compelling story up front and slowly let the characters demonstrate who they are over time.  When I see OTTO, I always fear the show runners are scared about their stories and try to pump us full of concern for the 2-D characters right up front.

NCIS

The NCIS spin-off called NCIS: Los Angeles is right behind NCIS on Tuesdays.  CBS also moved their huge hit, The Mentalist to Thursday nights which is bad news for the other networks.

The much anticipated Alex O'Loughlin drama 3 Rivers will be airing on Sundays between Amazing Race and Cold Case.

Ghost Whisperer star, Jennifer Love Hewitt

Medium was sent packing at NBC, but CBS snatched it up and is now going to air it on Fridays following Ghost Whisperer.  That should be a great combination of shows.  At least they're not going to have two 30-minute, unrelated genre shows like comedies be their lead-in.

If you look closely, Flashpoint, which hooked me in one episode, is not mentioned as being canceled or renewed.  It's in limbo, or more accurately, it will air during the summer time.  Along with Friday nights, the summer season is almost the worst for TV shows.  Most networks don't air new shows they want to succeed during the summer...  it's like a really long drawn out Friday to them.

Mid season shows that are coming at us that aren't on the list below are:

The Bridge: Is about a tough and dedicated police officer who is voted to become the police union's dynamic leader. It stars Aaron Douglas, of Battlestar Galactica fame.

Miami Trauma:  Is about a team of expert surgeons who work at one of the premiere trauma facilities in the country, where only patients with life threatening injuries are treated.  It will star Jeremy Northam.

Below is the schedule CBS released:

MONDAY

8:00-8:30 PM

How I Met Your Mother (NT)

8:30-9:00 PM

Accidentally On Purpose (N)

9:00-9:30 PM

Two And A Half Men

9:30-10:00 PM

The Big Bang Theory (NT)

10:00-11:00 PM

CSI: Miami

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM

NCIS

9:00-10:00 PM

NCIS: Los Angeles (N)

10:00-11:00 PM

The Good Wife (N)

WEDNESDAY

8:00-8:30 PM

The New Adventures Of Old Christine

8:30-9:00 PM

Gary Unmarried

9:00-10:00 PM

Criminal Minds

10:00-11:00 PM

CSI: NY

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM

Survivor

9:00-10:00 PM

CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

10:00-11:00 PM

The Mentalist (NT)

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM

Ghost Whisperer

9:00-10:00 PM

Medium

10:00-11:00 PM

Numbers

SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM

Crimetime Saturday

9:00-10:00 PM

Crimetime Saturday

10:00-11:00 PM

48 Hours Mystery

SUNDAY

7:00-8:00 PM

60 Minutes

8:00-9:00 PM

The Amazing Race

9:00-10:00 PM

Three Rivers (N)

10:00-11:00 PM

Cold Case (NT)

N= New Show.  NT= New Time

Source: CBS Press