We here at Screen Rant are here to cater to you, the reader. Now, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to be bringing over any freshly baked ice cream cone cupcakes (remember those? Awesome.), but that does mean that we like to hear from you about what you like, what you don’t, what you watch and what you’d like to see more coverage about.

Over the past few weeks of the fall season premiere, we have played around with reviews and discussions on a variety of television shows – and while some received the expected responses (Stargate, Flashforward, Smallville), others did not (CSI, CSI:NY, Criminal Minds, MythBusters). And then there were some shows that nobody expected to receive the amount of response it did (Ghost Whisperer).

If we went with writing about the top rated shows, we’d be left with this…

NCIS
Dancing with the Stars
NCIS: Los Angeles
The Mentalist
CSI
Grey’s Anatomy
Desperate Houeswives
CSI: Miami
The Good Wife

While I know a couple Screen Rant writers that just love Dancing with the Stars, we’re not sure that you’d want to read about it. I’m not going to lie, we watch our fair share of television and that means we have the ability to cover many of your favorite shows. The only thing is, we don’t know what you favorite shows are or if you’d want to read more reviews/recaps/discussions of those shows. So, instead of staying the course and writing about shows that are our favorites, we’d like to know what yours are.

If you could list the top 5 shows you’d like to see recaps and discussions on, what would that be? Now we’re not talking about regular news. If James Earl Jones decides to join Cougar Town, you’ll probably hear about it.

For all you manly men out there, don’t’ be afraid to say The Hills or The City. Sure, we’ll mock you for it, but this is all about being open and honest and from my experience there’s usually fair amount of mocking in being open and honest. Especially when it’s about your favorite MTV scripted “realty” TV shows.

So, what have you? What 5 shows would you like to see recaps and discussions on?

• Fall 2009 TV: What’s Premiering Tonight?
• CBS Plans ‘Criminal Minds’ Spinoff
• 2009 CBS Fall TV Line Up: No ‘Eleventh Hour’
• Upcoming 2009 TV Season Finales
• Announcing Game Rant: Video Game News and Reviews
• Dirty Dancing Remake in Development

Are you a fan of Criminal Minds but don’t get your fill of stories from the BAU (Behavioral Analysis Unit)? You’re in luck, as CBS is looking to take the show in way of CSI, JAG and recently, NCIS with a spinoff planned for next fall.

If you’re one of the 15 million viewers that tune into Criminal Minds each week, one shouldn’t be too surprised to hear that they’re trying to cash in on the shows success by replicating their already popular formula.

As with JAG and NCIS, the new show will not feature any current stars from the current show, but focus on a completely new team of agents that, in like fashion, we will be introduced to in a special crossover episode of Criminal Minds, slated to air next year. Current Minds writers/producers, Ed Bernero and Chris Mundy are expected to head the new show.

This news comes a week after their new spin off, NCIS: LA, premiered to 18.7 million viewers, making it the highest-rated new drama this season.

As a fan of Criminal Minds, I don’t know how to feel about this. I’m worried that the over-saturation could hurt the franchise overall. Sure, the CSI spinoffs are successful, but having caught just a portion of the new NCIS:LA, I can already tell that it’s not going to be something I consistently watch. The things I loved about the original NCIS (characters, relationships, character development) cannot simply be replicated by any actors.

But, what do I know… I was a fan of Crystal Pepsi.

Check out a sneak peek of tonight’s Criminal Minds episode:

“Haunted“
When a disturbed man kills several people at a pharmacy, the BAU must figure out what triggered his actions before he hurts anyone else.

Would you been interested in a Criminal Minds spin-off? Who would you like to see lead the new team? How many more franchises do you think we’ll see? Possibly a Numb3rs spin off: LettErs?

Catch Criminal Minds Wednesdays at 9PM on CBS

Source: Hollywood Reporter

• 2009 CBS Fall TV Line Up: No ‘Eleventh Hour’
• Weekly TV Wrap Up -- May 7th 2009
• Criminal Minds Gets A Rock Star Serial Killer
• Fall 2009 TV: What’s Premiering Tonight?
• Criminal Minds Premiere: Review & Discussion
• Weekly TV Wrap Up -- July 16th, 2009

At the end of Criminal Minds last season, the BAU was searching for a serial killer called “The Reaper.” “The Reaper” forced the team from Detroit to Canada in an attempt to apprehend him, but he continued to elude all attempts from the BAU and ultimately attacks Morgan (Shemar Moore), stealing his credentials. As the season finale concluded, we were left with Hotchner (Thomas Gibson) standing face to face with “The Reaper” and as the episode faded to black, we were left with a singular sound; a gunshot.

Join us as I recap the season 5 premiere for criminal minds…

Recap

As the episode  “Faceless, Nameless” opens, we’re met with sirens as the BAU arrives on the scene of a crime. While we, the audience, are led to believe they’re at the location of Hotchner’s altercation with “The Reaper,” we soon find out that it’s the residence of a murder victim and a new case for this episode. Hotchner is still MIA at this moment, but it’s the BAU’s day off so no one was too worried. The new case involves a local doctor who received a threatening letter from someone stating that he is going to kill his son. As the episode goes on, we learn that the threat wasn’t towards the son, but the doctor, and that it was from an angry parent who blames the doctor for his child dying. In a confrontation between the doctor and the unsub, Reid gets shot in the leg and the unsub receives a bullet in stomach.  This case is wrapped a little over half-way through the episode which leaves time to tackle the Hotchner story.

While working on the doctor case, Prentiss (Paget Brewster) feels they need Hotchner’s help and drives to his apartment in an attempt to find him. As she arrives there is no response. She attempts to call his cell phone and it rings inside. Knowing something is up, she kicks in the door and finds broken glass, blood and a gunshot hole in the wall. After calling Garcia (Kirsten Vangsness) and Reid (Matthew Gray Gubler) for help, Prentiss vows them not to inform the rest of the team as they need to stay focused. Garcia ends up calling local hospitals and finds that a “Derek Morgan” had dropped off someone last night. As Prentiss arrives at the hospital, she finds Hotchner in stable condition after being stabbed nine times and they “The Reaper” had dropped Hotchner off using the credentials he stole from Morgan.

After finishing the previous case, the team arrives at the hospital where Hotchner realizes that “The Reaper” took his ex-wife’s address and is going after his son. As the BAU arrive at her house, they find his ex-wife safe and that his son is staying at a friend’s house. Morgan quickly retrieves him, but with a threat on his family, they’re put in protective custody where Hotchner can have no contact with them.

“The Reaper’s” plan was not the kill Hotchner, but to cause him continuous pain by not allowing him to see his son. With a confident comment from Rossi (Joe Mantegna) that “we’ll catch him,” the episode comes to an end.

Review

While I wasn’t too happy at first about them starting a new case instead of jumping right into the more important Hotchner storyline, I ultimately came around. I enjoyed the fact that the new case was abbreviated, but still felt complete. I also liked how they connected Hotchner to the other case and that ultimately finding him gave them information to solve the previous case.

The whole angle about Hotcher never being able to see his son again was pretty intense. I can’t believe they went in that direction with it. It’s something I wasn’t expecting it at all. I hope that “The Reaper” storyline will continue and conclude this season (not drawn out) and not just something they used as a way to write his ex-wife and son off the show. While I don’t really enjoy the actor who plays “The Reaper,” I enjoy what they have written around the character and since we don’t see “The Reaper” character enough, it doesn’t make a difference.

I still miss Mandy Patikin on this show and wasn’t too happy that this was a very Garcia-light episode. Still, it was enjoyable and has me interested on what’s to come next.

Now that you’ve read my ramblings, how do you feel? Do you like where they took “The Reaper” storyline? What do you think is going to happen?

Discuss!

• CBS Plans ‘Criminal Minds’ Spinoff
• Criminal Minds Gets A Rock Star Serial Killer
• 2009 CBS Fall TV Line Up: No ‘Eleventh Hour’
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 16th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – May 7th 2009
• Fall 2009 TV: What’s Premiering Tonight?

With the Fall season starting, we, once again, get a slew of new and returning shows – So many that it’s impossible to watch everything. I have a DVR and even with my nerdy television calculations (Yes, I do have them), I can’t figure out how to watch everything.

Let’s break this down to see what’s on tonight and whether or not it’s worth watching.

What’s New?

NBC: 8pm – Mercy

Mercy is about a whip-smart nurse (that’s not me, that’s straight out of the press release), Veronica Callahan, who has just returned to work at Mercy Hospital after a tour of service in Iraq. She’s not afraid to bend the rules to save her patients, but her outspoken attitude might wind up costing her job. (that’s my favorite part. “she’s not afraid to bend the rules”)

Well, I don’t have much to say about that. I’m just sick of all the nurse shows all of a sudden. Yes, nurses are great. My mother is a nurse, but c’mon… does everyone have to jump on the band-wagon at once? It’s like nurses are the new cops. The only reason why I’d watch this is because Michelle Trachtenberg is in it, but I’ll probably be skipping this one tonight and maybe catch it online later.

ABC: 9pm – Modern Family

Modern Family has a more general description than the rule-bending Mercy. Modern Family is a new half-hour comedy that takes an honest and often hilarious look at the complexities of modern day families,

I know that doesn’t really say much about this show, but I think it may have promise. We’ve got Ed O’Neill starring and Christopher Lloyd as co-creator (he also co-wrote the pilot). Modern Family also has Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who was pretty good in the CBS show, The Class. I think there’s enough comedy credibility behind this show to give it a watch and it has quickly become one of ABC’s major pushes after testing so well with focus groups.

ABC: 9:30pm – Cougar Town

This is my favorite/worst titled show of the upcoming series’. Cougar Town stars Courtney Cox as Jules, a recently divorced single mother exploring the honest truths about dating and aging in our beauty and youth obsessed culture. While most women in their twenties go through life experiencing the challenges and often humorous pitfalls of meeting men, Jules took on the responsibilities of marriage and raising a son. Now in her forties, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery whilst surrounded by fellow divorcees and singletons eager to live or re-live a time gone by.

Oh, wow. This show just doesn’t look good to me. The title alone makes me want to hate this show. I can’t believe that ABC let them go with it. I guess this is how the mouse (Disney owns ABC) gets racy. Still, Team Cox (including David Arquette) has done alright for themselves. I really enjoyed the first season of Dirt, but then the writers strike happened and blah blah blah, it got shut down. Although, it was going in a bad direction before that. I guess this is for more of the Lipstick Jungle/Sex and the City type crowed. I’ll pass, but might catch it online or in repeats.

ABC: 10pm – Eastwick

Eastwick comes from the popular book and movie of the same name. In the seaside village of Eastwick, three very different women (Charmed?) are about to discover some bewitching talents they never knew they had. And once they get together — watch out — (UH-OH! You hear that? Watch out!)

I’m completely indifferent about this. I remember watching the movie and enjoying it. I was terrified of cherry pits for six months after. Still, something about this just doesn’t sit right with me. My problem is that there are endings to this story. I know how the movie ends and because I’ve seen the movie, I pretend to know how the book ends. It’s always hard for me to get into things where I know what the ending is or where it’s going. The Jack Nicholson character is still in this show. We know what he does and where it takes the women. If it takes a full season for the same thing to happen than there’s no point in watching. I’ve already seen it with better talent. Maybe it’s just me being grumpy.

What’s Returning?

CBS: 8pm – New Adventures of Old Christine

Well, this show is back again and I can’t say too much about it because I’ve never seen it – Not even a little bit of it. It’s supposed to be hilarious and I have no reason to doubt it. Although, I do have to mention that I’m a HUGE fan of Clark Gregg. Ever since his stint in the last two episodes of Sports Night as “Guy,” I’ve been a fan. Then I find out he’s married to Jennifer Grey (Baby in Dirty Dancing) and I like him even more.

CBS: 8:30pm – Gary Unmarried

I’m a big fan of Jay Mohr. I think he’s a decent comedian, but a great actor and a really great comedic actor. I think he’s going to win an Oscar or at least an Emmy some day. Mark my words. (If he happens to do neither, erase my words). This marks the sophomore year (love saying that) of Mohr’s comedy endeavor after leaving Ghost Whisperer (He was great in Ghost Whisperer. Really great.) and I will be watching this show. I love this show. I think this show has some of the best writing since Roseanne. The jokes and delivery are perfect. This season will mark Gary’s (Mohr) attempt to become a radio host. I’m not sure how that’s going to work out, but I have a feeling it’s going to play more of a part than his painting job did previously.

CBS: 9pm – Criminal Minds

This show’s about criminals and their minds. Seriously, though… this is a pretty decent show. Sure, it’s take a step down since Mandy (my name is Inigo Montoya) Patinkin stepped down, but Joe Mantegna has done a good job taking over the reigns. This will mark his sophomore year (I told you I love saying it) on the show. I can’t remember where we left off last season, but I’ll be watching it. If anything, just so I can memorize the quotes from the beginning and ending of the show and then spout them off tomorrow and sound really smart. Unless the person saw the show as well. Than I sound really stupid. Either way, it should be interesting.

CBS: 10:00pm – CSI: NY

This week CBS has been pulling out their big guns. Oh, what’s that NBC? Leno? Pshh…. we have CSI. How many nights is Leno on? 5? Yeah… we’ve got 3 CSI’s and we’re going to create 2 more just to make you cry. Tonight is the return of the New York version of the world’s favorite Crime Scene Investigators in their 6th season. The interesting thing about the CSI shows are that I watch them, but for different reasons. There are different things that I like about each one. I like the over-the-top nature of Miami, but I enjoy the character interactions of NY. I think the original one might be my least favorite. Especially now that Grissom is gone.

Phew… There we go. That’s what’s on tonight. I know that I missed many things. Dancing with the Stars, Glee, Ghost Hunters and of course Man Vs Food (I’ll be watching that as well). I just wanted to focus on the premiere episodes of new and returning shows.

What will you be watching tonight? Are any of these new shows going to be winners or can you smell their cancellation a mile away? What show tonight are you most looking forward to returning? Any cliffhangers we should know about? Speak now. I command. (I used my deep, manly voice to say all that. It’s very intimidating. If you could hear it. But you can’t. So it’s not.)

• What TV Shows Do You Want More Coverage Of?
• 2009 CBS Fall TV Line Up: No ‘Eleventh Hour’
• Fall 2009 TV: Premiering Tonight – Sept. 24
• CBS Plans ‘Criminal Minds’ Spinoff
• Jorja Fox’s Return To ‘CSI’ Extended ‘Indefinitly’
• FlashForward Gets Full Season Order

British rocker Gavin Rossdale has been tapped for a guest appearance on Criminal Minds as a brutal serial killer.  How cool is that?  His criminally induced appearance is slated to show up in November in the police procedural.

Don’t fret.  This isn’t Gavin’s first fling with acting.  He’s been in How to Rob a Bank, Zoolander, Constantine & The Mayor of Sunset Strip.  Constantine… oh good, something I’ve seen!

Criminal Minds on CBS, premieres on September 23rd at 9 p.m.  I can’t wait.  This, is a Bruce Fave!

Source:  Entertainment Weekly

• CBS Plans ‘Criminal Minds’ Spinoff
• Criminal Minds Premiere: Review & Discussion
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 16th, 2009
• 2009 CBS Fall TV Line Up: No ‘Eleventh Hour’
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – May 7th 2009
• Fall 2009 TV: What’s Premiering Tonight?

In this weeks TV Wrap Up, I’ve found  casting news about Stargate Universe, Supernatural, Psych, Friday Night Lights, Smallville, Criminal Minds and Stephen King’s book-turned-tv-series, Cell!

As usual, I have a ratings recap at the bottom, but it’s the Summer Lite edition being as how we’re in repeat mode for the Summer (except for the reality drabble that is intertwined throughout the chart).

Let’s “git ‘er done“, shall we?

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Stargate Universe

Stargate Universe is looking to cast a “name actress” to play the wife of Robert Carlyle’s character.

These will be flashback scenes since she will be dead by the time we see her.

.

Supernatural

The CW’s Supernatural is adding a recurring role of a possessed mechanic named Raphael.  He’s supposedly going to be possessed by one of the most powerful entities in the universe.

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Psych

David Naughton (An American Werewolf in London) has signed up to appear in the Halloween episode of Psych.  He’ll be playing a one Dr. Ken Tucker, who is a self-serving sociopath!

Season 4 of Psych will be starting on August 7th.

Source:  EW

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Friday Night Lights

Casting has begun for season 4 of Friday Night Lights.  As high school students graduate, they move on.  So too must Adrianne Palicki, Zach Gilford, and Minka Kelly.

The rolls they’re looking to fill are named Vince, Luke, Jess and Becky.

I’ll miss watching Palicki on FNL, but she’s moving onto Supernatural, so I won’t go through any withdrawals.

Source:  EW

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Smallville

Word on the street is that the upcoming season of Smallville will have a full on Clark and Lois romance going.  I know many of you are of mixed opinions on this issue, but we’ll just have to take what they give us and hope we don’t suffer too much from any forced acting or stretched out story lines.

I guess this means Lois comes back from where ever she went last season.

Oops, does that make this a SPOILER? Sorry.

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Criminal Minds

If you’re wondering if Hotch survived the season finale – heck, I don’t know!  But what I’ve read is that they are casting for the role of an emergency room doctor.

That can’t be bad news.  Can it?

Source:  EW

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Stephen King’s Cell

So how do you get turned into a rampaging killer?  Quite possibly by a signal sent through your cell phone, according to Stephen King.

His novel Cell is being taken up by John Harrison (Tales From The Darkside: The Movie) who is putting together a script for a 4-hour mini-series based on the book.

I don’t know about you, but hopefully Harrison will figure out how to liven up the ending.  I’ve always found endings to King’s movies lacking something, but could never put a finger on it.  But that’s just me.

Source:  Fangoria

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TV Ratings

On the big networks, CBS took the majority of the top spots, with NCIS once again ranking supreme in the ratings.  The Mentalist & CSI: Miami were the other crime dramas filling out the top-10.

Trivia:  Did you know that ABC turned down the CSI franchise when it was being shopped around?  Oops.

In the oddity department, I’m almost relieved to see that Big Brother premiered in 18th.  For me, it shows that at least one more reality cornerstone is slowly losing its grip on the viewers.  My exuberance is short lived though, as I realize the other reality competition shows for dancing and singing are still ranking up there.

On Cable, The Closer keeps closing the door on the other shows, Royal Pains is hanging in there, while the Michael Jackson memorial dominated the top 20 in different slots, as each hour of the event was broken down and placed in the rankings.

Nielsen Top Twenty, for the week ending July 12, 2009, all viewers:

Rank, Program, Network, Viewers (Millions)
1.  America’s Got Talent, Wed, NBC, 11.9
2.  NCIS, CBS, 10.99
3.  America’s Got Talent, Tue, NBC, 10.6
4.  Two And A Half Men, CBS, 9.4
5.  The Mentalist – Tue, CBS, 9.2
6.  60 Minutes, CBS, 8.8
7.  CSI: Miami, CBS, 8.8
8.  Primetime: Family Secrets, ABC, 8.7
9.  The Big Bang Theory, CBS, 8.3
10. The Mentalist, CBS, 8.3
11. Wipeout, ABC, 8.2
12. So You Think You Can Dance, Thur, FOX, 7.9
13. The Bachelorette, ABC, 7.7
14. CSI, CBS, 7.7
15. So You Think You Can Dance – Wed, FOX, 7.6
16. CSI: NY, CBS, 7.3
17. Criminal Minds, CBS, 7.1
18. Big Brother 11 Premiere, Thur, CBS, 6.6

Cable

1.  The Closer, TNT, 6.1
2.  Royal Pains, USA, 5.7
3.  Jackson Memorial Service, CNN, Tue, 3:00P-3:48P, 5.7
4.  Burn Notice, USA, 5.5
5.  WWE Entertainment, USA, 5.4
6.  Jackson Memorial Service, CNN, 2:00P-3:00P     5.4
7.  iCarly, NICK, 5.2
8.  Jackson Memorial Service, CNN, 1:33P-2:00P     5,125
9.  M Jackson Memorial Cvg     CNN     Tue     03:48P-04:00P     4,967
10. WWE Entertainment, USA, 4.9
11. Sprint Cup Racing/Chicago, TNT, 4.8
16. Harry Potter/Goblet, FAM, 4.1
17. In Plain Sight, USA, 3.9

Source: TV By The Numbers

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That’s it for another fun filled week of tidbits.  As always, Screen Rant readers thoughts, ideas or suggestions are always welcomed additions to the article.

• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 23rd, 2009
• Are Smallville And Supernatural Ending Next Season?
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – June 25, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – August 13th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – May 21st, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 2nd 2009

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.

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.

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.

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:

N= New Show.  NT= New Time

Source: CBS Press

• Upcoming 2009 TV Season Finales
• NBC Announces 2009 TV Schedule
• Friday Night Ratings: Dollhouse & Smallville
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – May 21st, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 19th, 2009
• Bruckheimer Pilot Coming To NBC

This is the weekly TV update coming at you yet again.  Today I chat about how Numbers has survived on Friday nights, I share my suspicions on what will happen with Chuck on NBC and I celebrate a bit about Fringe on Fox.

I’ll also touch on how the new Wolverine movie has already had its TV rights secured while I tell you about a couple of upcoming Sci-Fi Channel marathons, and then I’ll close with some depressing inclinations about Dollhouse and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.  At the very bottom, past my ratings chart, I actually make a suggestion about an episode of Criminal Minds that I suggest hunting down to watch.  (Yes, I make a recommendation.)

Let’s get on with it, shall we?

Numbers Survives On Fridays

Even though the viewing audience does not like programmable personalities, they sure do seem to like Numbers on CBS because it keeps trudging along despite airing on Fridays.

The show is about solving the crime of the week using mathematical calculations and you wouldn’t think a concept like that would jive with viewers who slurp up reality TV.  Heck, it’s a great surprise to me that Numbers has survived this long.

In reaching it’s 100th episode milestone, CBS is leaving the show in its present Friday night time-slot because it has a loyal following and they don’t want to upset the applecart.  FOX…  helloooooo?  Applecart?  Dollhouse?  Oh, Nevermind.

Source: Variety

Did I Hear Someone Asking About Chuck On NBC?

Chuck got 25% of the votes from an E Online survey about rescuing shows and there’s a lot going on right now to help Chuck survive.  But I have a bad feeling something is amiss.

Maybe it’s my natural distrust of the system but I think we’ve seen an interesting and probably honest mistake by the keepers of the web over on NBC. Check out the screen captures below of the Chuck website.

If you look real close that the middle of the right side, there’s the next on block…  here, let me zoom in for you:

Yes… it said at one point SERIES FINALE for Chuck.

The wording has since been changed but is this a taste of things to come?  Was NBC referring to the last episode of Chuck because that’s their intent and they’re just placating the fans by not making any decisions right away?  Or was that just an honest mistake?

The sharp guys over on TV by The Numbers thinks it was a screw up.  Color me suspicious, but I think the non-messages are adding up, hate it as I may to say that.

If Chuck does come back it will probably be on a different night because it looks like they will be pairing up Heroes with the new comedy, Parenthood.  Crickets…  What an odd combination of shows.  Which one are they trying to kill off?

Come on NBC, surprise me and renew Chuck!

Sources:  TV By The Numbers, THR Feed, EW

Fringe Gets Renewed

Didn’t I say last week that Fringe will probably be renewed? Fringe has been the number one performing (scripted) drama of the season for Fox and they’ve ordered a full 22 episodes for season 2.  After what Sci-Fi did to Battlestar Galactica, I’m always nervous to reference 22 episodes as a whole season.  Thanks Sci-Fi!  (No, I’m not bitter.)

Also – Keep your eyes out for Leonard Nimoy in the May 12th season finale of Fringe.

Side note:  Is that a Slusho in Walter’s hand?  Yes… and if you look carefully at any of J.J. Abrams other shows, you’ll see it pop up in the most surprising moments.  (I think I might do a report on that unnatural phenomenon.  What do you think?)

Source:  Sci Fi Wire

FX Network Is Getting Aggressive And Has Bucks To Spend

The TV guy gets to talk about movies for a change.  Cool!

Even though X-Men Origins: Wolverine has only been out for less than a week, FX smells a good thing when they see one and went on a spending spree.

The FX cable network has bought the network rights to broadcast Wolverine.  In fact, this isn’t the only movie they’ve snagged up.  In a massively expensive deal they’ve also acquired the network rights to Taken, Marley and Me, The Wrestler, the wonderfully stoic (read: boring) remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still, Bride Wars, 12 Rounds and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li.

This is a big package deal and it can only be seen as an investment.

These latest acquisitions can be added to the network rights they’ve previously acquired for Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Baby Mama, Iron Man, Tropic Thunder, Hancock and DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda.

DVR, meet FX.  FX, meet my DVR.

Source: Variety

Family Guy Spin-off, Cleveland:  Already Renewed! (Weird)

If you order a show and it does well enough in the ratings, you order a 2nd season.  Right?  Well, in my world that’s how it’s done but what do I know?  (You don’t have to answer that.)

Fox ordered this spinoff from Family Guy called Cleveland.  The folks at Fox have gotten so excited about the show that they’ve already ordered a 2nd season… and it has yet to even premiere.  Yep, you read that right.  It hasn’t even aired yet.

First it was a 13 episode order, then they ordered more, making it a 22 episode order.  Then they got even more excited and ordered more, making it a 35 episode order.

From the looks of things Fox is locking up it’s animated talent so they don’t drift off to other network.  Or, the guys at Fox just have  a ton of faith in Seth MacFarlane at this point.

Cleveland is the product of Seth MacFarlane, Rich Appel and Mike Henry with MacFarlane and Henry also doing some of the voice talent for the show.

Source:  The Hollywood Reporter

Sci-Fi Channel Marathons

Over on the Sci-Fi Channel, we have a couple of all-day marathons coming at us.

If you’ve gotten this far in the article, and you’re a Star Trek fan, the Sci-Fi Channel is having a Star Trek marathon on Friday, May 8th.  It’s Star Trek: Enterprise, but at the end of the day, Star Trek: First Contact will air.  I’m guessing they’re trying to capitalize on the opening day hype of J.J. Abrams Star Trek.

If there are any Eureka fans in the crowd here, there will be a Eureka marathon on May 10th.

Source:  The Sci Fi Channel

Dollhouse and Sarah Connor

Dollhouse may have a faithful following, but the ratings aren’t reflecting that there are enough of the faithful tuning in.  Last weeks episode drew it’s worse estimated overnight ratings to date, with a 1.9 / 3 share.  (Huh?  I like using millions because it’s much easier to digest without having to consult my higher reasoning.  A rating point represents approximately 1 million viewers.  The share # is the % of TV’s that were turned on and tuned into the program.  I know it’s not hard, but I like the big numbers.)

The Sarah Connor Chronicles has an even stronger following than Dollhouse and yet Fox is silent about their plans on the show.

Over on E Online they had a “save the show” kind of poll and after all was said and done, TSCC had 53% of the vote.  It sounds impressive but that only accounts for 150k+ potential viewers.  That’s not millions, so I’m guessing Fox or the advertisers probably don’t care.

Josh Friendman, the show runner, hasn’t even heard from Fox so he’s in the dark as much as we are.

Sources:  Airlock Alpha, E Online

TV Ratings from April 27th to May 3rd

The Ratings for the last week had it’s usual ups and downs while Fox held on to the top spots with American Idol.  I have to say, if Adam doesn’t win this season, the voting process needs to change big time.  He is a true talent in the scheme of things.

Of the top 5 shows, 2 were scripted dramas.  Go NCIS and The Mentalist!  The Mentalist gained ~ 5 million viewers from the week before and jumped into the 4th slot.

Though 24 is getting better with each week, it oddly slipped from 16th to 22nd but the number of viewers remained the same. 

Fringe dropped 11 spots (dOh!) to 29th while retaining the number of viewers.

NBC’s newest hot show Southland (so they say) dropped 14 spots to 48th while losing 2 million viewers.

The Unusuals continued its downward slide by 9 spots to be 63rd of 90 shows, losing an additional million viewers in the process.

Bruce’s Closing Thought

Did anyone catch the April 29th Criminal Minds episode titled “Big Wheel”, where Alex O’Loughlin guest starred?  I have never seen an actor transform so differently between television roles like Alex did for this one.  In fact I watched the episode and it wasn’t until the teaser opener was done that I recognized his eyes.  And if I didn’t know at some point he was guest starring, I’d never have caught it.  He changed his looks, his voice and mannerisms to the point of being this character.

Aside from O’Loughlin guest starring, for the first time in my life, I felt truly bad for the murderer.  O’Loughlin pulled this off in a way I never expected and if you are even a partial fan of either the franchise or the actor, TRACK IT DOWN. That’s my recommendation for the week.

After seeing that, I truly am looking forward to his new pilot on CBS, a medical drama called Three Rivers.

• Weekly TV Wrap Up – July 30th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – April 30th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – February 26th, 2009
• TV Renewal And Cancellation Notes To Date
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – May 21st, 2009
• Fox Announces Fall TV Lineup & Squirms On Sarah Connor

Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, the digital dog ate my homework. Or, I had to write this article twice! The digital dog just sounds more light-hearted than what the second line implies. Enough about my woes with technological gremlins.

There wasn’t a ton of news to report or snark on this week, so I had to dig up enough to make this yet another interesting read. Well, at least I think it is! I do have a few snippets that might be spoilers for The Office (Guest appearance) and Lost (Possible finale shoot notes).

Shall we get on with it?

Big Reminder:

The DVD movie, Stargate Ark of Truth will be on Friday night on The Sci-Fi Channel!  Don’t forget!

Viewer Numbers From Last Week

As of Wednesday, these are some of the viewer estimates from some shows we like, and some we think you may follow.

The top performing show of the week was Wednesday’s American Idol which brought in just over 23 million viewers. After that, are some of the shows we’d be more interested in how they’re doing.

Show (Network): Number of viewers in the millions

• 60 Minutes (CBS): 17.04 (Would you look at that! People like the news!)
• NCIS (CBS): 15.84
• The Mentalist (CBS): 15.49
• Desperate Housewives (ABC): 14.75
• Grey’s Anatomy (ABC): 14.61
  
• Two and a Half Men (CBS): 14.12
• Criminal Minds (CBS): 13.74
• CSI: Miami (CBS): 13.61
• House (Fox): 13.13
• CSI: NY (CBS): 12.79
• Without a Trace (CBS): 11.87
• Rules of Engagement (CBS): 11.42
• Cold Case (CBS): 11.41
• 24 (Fox): 11.36
• Castle (ABC): 10.97
• Law & Order: SVU (NBC): 10.74
• Bones (Fox): 10.52
• Lie to Me (Fox): 10.26
• Brothers & Sisters (ABC): 10.15
• The Big Bang Theory (CBS): 9.69
• ER (NBC): 9.47
• Lost (ABC): 8.82
• The Office (NBC): 7.95
• Burn Notice (USA): 7.31
• 30 Rock (NBC): 7.02
• Ugly Betty (CBS): 7
• Heroes (NBC): 6.48
• My Name Is Earl (NBC): 6.42
• Better Off Ted (ABC): 5.50
• Kings (NBC): 4.60
• Dollhouse (Fox): 4.14
• Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox): 3.65
• Smallville (CW): 3.29
• Supernatural (CW): 3.15
• Battlestar Galactica (SciFi): 2.4

Better Off Ted

As you can see the premiere of Better Off Ted wasn’t as big as ABC might have hoped for. Maybe things will pick up after basketball.

Some Of Our Faves

Though the Fox network had its usual low set of numbers for a Friday with Dollhouse and The Sarah Connor Chronicles, both shows had a small improvement from the week before. Supernatural also had some increase in viewers but Smallville had a slight drop.

Word on the street is that despite the numbers, Dollhouse may return next season. No promises Though.

Battlestar Galactice Finale

The highly debated two-hour series-finale of Battlestar Galactica brought in 2.4 million viewers last Friday. No, not big on the numbers compared to network, but good enough for cable networks. That number made it the most-watched episode since Jan. 6, 2006 and it outperformed the season three-finale by 56%.

Burn Notice

The second season-finale of the USA drama Burn Notice hit a record 7.31 million viewers in its Friday 10 p.m. time slot. Go Michael Westin!!

Sources: Media Week, TV By The Numbers, TV Guide

Nothing Says Canceled Like…

This is pure conjecture on my part, but from what I’m seeing, I feel that The Sarah Connor Chronicles is not coming back next season. I say that because Stephanie Jacobsen, (Jesse from The Sarah Connor Chronicles), has joined the cast of the Melrose Place pilot in the role of Lauren. Lauren is a med student who is a high-end call girl by night. (Now let’s see if you can get her accent out of your head now!)

On top of that, Brian Austin Green, is being reported as lining up a role in another CW pilot called Body Politic.

Granted, these two are not main characters and these shows are only pilots, but I’m guessing some contracts either allow for this, or have ended on TSCC. My feel is that the execs at FOX aren’t holding their breath for an additional season and specific characters are not going to be needed. I actually got that feel from the panel at WonderCon in ‘Frisco anyway.

TSCC did get their 2nd season from the advertisers, and again – my conjecture – because of the upcoming Terminator Salvation movie. With that movie fast approaching release date, the curiosity seekers have dwindled and the tie-ins that could be, are no longer.

Last weeks episode carried quite a bit of drama with it and I am enjoying it. Yet there’s only so far they can go with it.

In case you have the hots for additional news on the desperate reboot attempt of Melrose Place, other cast members reporting in are Colin Egglesfield, (All My Children), Michael Rady (Greek), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), Ashlee Simpson (7th Heaven) and Jessica Lucas (90210).

Source: TV Guide

Speaking of Brian Austin Green

Brian Austin Green’s role as Derek Reese on TSCC may not be the only thing he’s possibly leaving behind! This is just shameless gossip, and a great excuse to add a nice picture to my post, but it’s been reported that Megan Fox moved out of the house she was sharing with Brian.

You know those moments that we look back on and reference about the “One that got away”? I think Green just took the cake on this one!

Guys, the line forms to the right!

Source: E Online

The Sopranos Creator Returns To HBO

David Chase, the creator behind The Sopranos, is coming back to HBO with a new idea in mind.

A Ribbon of Dreams is a mini-series that is set in 1913 and follows two very different men — one a college-educated mechanical engineer and the other, a cowboy with a violent past.

They form a partnership and become motion picture pioneers. Their journey is followed as the Hollywood film industry evolves from silent westerns to talking pictures and into the studio system of present day.

The premise initially seems kind of ‘meh’, but if you dwell on this, it may have a ton of potential with the various eras and lots of different people that may come and go through the series.

Source: TV Guide

No Heather Locklear Here

Even though the CW landed many of the veteran stars back on set for the 90210 reboot, they are having no luck getting Heather Locklear for their new version of Melrose Place. I think it might have been a matter of who is employed and who is not. Locklear has a few projects in the making.

The CW has tried to cover their tracks with this thinly disguised cop out press release:

“There wasn’t a way to bring her back that made sense.”

Riiight. I love PR. But some days it seems like it really is their job to get blood out of a turnip. (Have you figured out this was just another excuse to post a pretty face?)

Source: EW

Back Gets More Cast

CBS has two more stars for their new pilot titled Back. The CBS pilot will star Skeet Ulrich (Jericho) and the two new cast members are Sherry Stringfield (ER) and D.B. Woodside (24).

Back is about a man (Skeet Ulrich) who returns home after eight years. The catch? Everyone thought he died in the 9/11 tragedies, so he was reported as missing.

Sherry Stringfield is Ulrich’s wife. Upon his return, he discovers she’s moved on with a new hubby, which is classic Cast Away. (Man I hurt for him when Hanks returned home to find his wife off with a new hubby and kids.) With Ulrich’s return to this depressing scenario, he’s going to need a shrink. That’s where Woodside comes in. He will be playing that shrink.

Dang, I’m depressed for him already!

PS: Before you ask, no, I don’t know why he went away.

Source: TV Guide

The Office Guest Star

(Mild actor / story line Spoiler)

If I’m not mistaken, Idris Elba (The Wire, Rocknrolla), has started his 6 week guest stint on The Office.

Amy Ryan (The Wire, Gone Baby Gone), is also scheduled to show up as the H.R. goddess Holly Flax for the final episode of the season.

Source: E Online

Lost Season Finale Conjecture

(May be a mild finale spoiler)

It seems that ABC was advertising or seeking extras in Hawaii to play the parts of guests at a wedding on Lost. The timing of such an inquiry is not lost on a few. If schedules are on track, this is the time frame that they would be shooting the season-finale.

Now what would a wedding pertain to? Who knows. It could be a past wedding, or a future wedding. Or a future wedding from their past that is really the present yesterday? I think I just hurt my brain.

Eh, just thought I’d toss this snippet out.

Source: E Online

SOME FUN STUFF:

Next Top Model Gone Bad

Last week 4 people were injured and 2 hospitalized after a stampede of high heel cuties erupted in New York during a casting call for America’s Next Top Model.

At first I thought there was an impromptu makeup sale on the street corner.

It turned out that while hundreds of fashion model wannabe’s were lingering around in line to audition for the show, an argument had ensued. During or after the spat, a BMW either drove by or broke down near the mascara smeared mob and when it spewed some smoke, someone in the automotive-challenged hoard had yelled bomb, and the surge for pseudo safety was on!

The three that were arguing were arrested.

I really enjoyed the reference to this whole thing from the source article over on E Online:

“Fashion Week meets Thunderdome.”

I can’t imagine what a herd of spiked heels running might sound like.

Universal Pictures Has Some !!!!’s

The Advertising Standards Authority, (ASA) a London-based watchdog group, is asking British broadcasters to not air a commercial regarding the DVD release of the 2008 Angelina Jolie flick, Wanted. They’re saying that the movie glorifies and glamorizes gun violence.

Being that the ASA doesn’t get that people are not that stupid, Clearcast, the approving agencies for TV advertisements feels confident that viewers just might be able to distinguish the difference between the fantasy shooting action in Wanted vs. real life. What? You can’t curve bullets? Crap.

Per BBC News, Universal Pictures has replied with the most humorous statement:

“Maybe the ASA, which also banned the ‘Wanted’ posters last year, objects to a female lead handling the big guns, rather than the guns themselves.”

Though I have a hard time believing that was their official company line on the issue, I think Universal Pictures just made a fan out of me anyway.

Source: E Online

• The Friday Night Death Slot: Sarah Connor Chronicles & Dollhouse
• TV Renewal And Cancellation Notes To Date
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 12th, 2009
• Are Smallville And Supernatural Ending Next Season?
• Dollhouse & Sarah Connor Ratings Better Than We Think
• Solved: Dollhouse – The Mystery Of The 13th Episode

This week, we chat about Caprica, Supernatural, the NCIS spin-off, a new vampire pilot from The CW, Criminal Minds, Ghost Whisperer, Bones, Grey’s Anatomy and some bits about ABC renewing some shows. Also, since we reported that Dave Letterman was announcing the 2009 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model last week, it’s only right that we finish what we started with a little something at the bottom of this post. Shall we get on with it? I knew you’d say that.

But before I say anything else, I would be remiss to not remind you that Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles are coming to your TV this Friday night!

Caprica, the prequel to Battlestar Galactica:
The two-hour prequel of Caprica is not due to air until the series launches in 2010. That isn’t all that far away but if you can’t handle the wait, you can actually buy it earlier than that on DVD or digital download beginning April 21st.

Caprica will be starring Eric Stoltz, Esai Morales, Paula Malcolmson and Polly Walker. Also Joss Whedon fans are spinning in joy because Caprica is being executive produced by noted Buffy The Vampire Slayer and BSG alumni Jane Espenson.

Stoltz, in his ever dead pan sort of approach said:

“I’m very excited about it. We’re all sort of surprised that something with this kind of rich interesting content is actually going forward.“

Hopefully it’s not too deep of a content filled show to drag it down. We all know how intellectual story lines can kill a show these days with our much valued Nielsen families! Source: E Online,

A Supernatural Brother Is Cast!
It’s finally happened! The CW cast the third Winchester brother for Supernatural! Jake Abel (Threshold) has been tapped to step into this critical role as the third Winchester brother, an 18-year-old named Adam Milligan. He will be joining Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles in the April 23rd episode.

Adam is the product of an affair that John Winchester had while he was off on one of his demon squashing trips. And John knew about him.

He’ll only be in one episode and the episode has got some surprises for us. Hmm.. What do you think girls? Source: E Online.

The NCIS spin-off is getting its cast:
The NCIS spin-off is staffing up nicely. Chris O’Donnell has been tapped to play Callen, a character who changes personalities often! And the other cool cat looking at a role in the show is LL Cool J, who was reported to be in final talks to play the role of Sam Hanna, an ex-Navy SEAL.

CBS still has four other roles to fill and the new team will have their spin-off introduced as an episode of NCIS to air later this season before getting their own show slot. Source: EW.com.

The CW Jumps On the Vampire Bandwagon:
Before the much vaunted series of Twilight books, there was a four-book series called Vampire Diaries written by L.J. Smith. With Twilight having gone all agog, the publisher has released the books again.

At first I thought they were only trying to cash in on the vampire craze, but the books have hit the NY Times best seller list and three more books have been ordered.

Now The CW has ordered a pilot based on the 1993 book series. They’ll be bringing together Kevin Williamson (Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer) and Julie Plec (Kyle XY) to both executive produce and write the pilot.

It will be about a young woman who’s torn between two vampire brothers. There is a good brother and an evil brother and they’re battling for the souls of the young woman, her buddies, her family and the small town where they live in. Sounds like a Mongolian barbecue run to me! Source: Variety

Criminal Minds Guest Star
If you’re an Alex McLoughlin fan, and a Criminal Minds fan, go crazy if you want! McLoughlin will be guest starring in an episode of Criminal Minds where he will be playing the role of a serial killer. Dang, if you think about his demeanor, that just sounds perfect now, doesn’t it?

The episode is going to be unique attempt at seeing things from the killers Point of view.

It’s also been hinted at that we’ll be seeing more of Loughlin on CBS soon. No more details were available. No, don’t get your hopes that high. I doubt it’s Moonlight, but heck, that sure would be nice though, wouldn’t it? Source: EW.com.

Ghost Whisperer
It’s about frackin’ time! Melinda will be finally telling the new Sam about her abilities and she’s going to be letting him in on his own secret issues in the March 6th episode. Now, let’s see how he handles that one!!! Melinda will also be encountering some ghost hunters. LOL… Too bad it’s CBS. NBC could have brought Ghost Hunters International across the set for one episode. Now that would have been an awesome cross-over! Source: CBS Press

Bones News:
Any Bones fans out there? Just a tiny tidbit: Booth and Brennan will be getting “together” before seasons’ end. Something to look forward to… I guess. Source: EW.com.

ABC Will Be Renewing Some Shows
Despite not willing to announce the pickups, it’s being reported that ABC is renewing the following shows:
Ugly Betty,
Grey’s Anatomy,
Desperate Housewives,
Brothers & Sisters,
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,
America’s Funniest Home Videos, and
The Bachelor.

Speaking of Grey’s Anatomy
During an interview, James Pickens Jr. who plays Dr. Richard Webber gave up the ghost and revealed that Katherine Heigl and T.K. Knight are both leaving the show. This news has been floating around as rumors since July on Knight and December on Heigl. I won’t miss Heigl, but it’s a shame about Knight. Source: Us Magazine.

And Finally, The 2009 Sports Illustrated Cover Girl!
How do I put this? Leonardo DiCaprio is one lucky ****. Her name is Bar Refaeli. There ya have it!

You’re welcome!

• CBS Plans ‘Criminal Minds’ Spinoff
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – May 21st, 2009
• Upcoming 2009 TV Season Finales
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 12th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – August 6th, 2009
• Weekly TV Wrap Up – March 19th, 2009

Criminal Minds packed quite a few developments into the season 3 finale, and with season 4 just about to begin here’s a bit of a recap and analysis of the show.

The BAU (Bahavioral Analysis Unit) headed to New York to deal with what appeared to be random killings. Random was not what they were.

The murders were actually coordinated strikes gauging the law enforcement response tactics. Perfectly calculated tests while the un-subs watched.

In the meantime, Derek has a possible promotion available to him and Jennifer Jareau is pregnant. (The actress, A.J. Cook was really pregnant. She learned about it while on the set of her movie, Misconception, a movie about a surrogate mother. Trippy.)

The show comes at us with one heck of a mind bender. We’re watching different team members at the end of the day, as their evening comes to a close, they’re all getting into their black SUV’s and one of them explodes. (One of the SUV’s, not the characters!)

To me, it looks like one of the team has just been hit, and my feeling is that the terrorists were not just testing the police agencies response time, but possibly, the whole thing was a lure for one of the BAU agents. But that’s just my take.

According to TV Guide, the season premiere is pretty good and someone bids farewell to the team. That’s all I’m gonna give you because I think it will be better to be surprised with cool new things. The only other thing I would pass on is if you’ve seen any of the previews, don’t be misled!

Bruce’s Observations:

Last season, they started presenting the Criminal Minds episodes from a new perspective. Previously, we’d watch the BAU pursue the un-sub (Unknown Subject) and then they would zero in on their quarry. Last season, they started showing both sides of the equation. The un-sub as he went about his business, and the team pursuing his clues. It took some of the fun out of wondering who or what, but they made up for it with decent character interaction and development, and there were many last season.

Too many to even try to touch on. Criminal Minds stars Thomas Gibson, Joe Mantegna, Shemar Moore, and Matthew Gray Gubler. Season 4 starts September 24, on CBS.

Source:  TV Guide

• CBS Plans ‘Criminal Minds’ Spinoff
• Criminal Minds Gets A Rock Star Serial Killer
• Fall 2009 TV: What’s Premiering Tonight?
• Criminal Minds Premiere: Review & Discussion
• What TV Shows Do You Want More Coverage Of?
• 2009 CBS Fall TV Line Up: No ‘Eleventh Hour’