As you read in my analysis of ABC, 2014-15 changed the powerplay among the four networks. Like ABC, CBS attempted to shake things up, but with less success. CBS Has regularly placed 2nd since NBC took 1st place with its Voice renaissance. Since 2000, CBS has rested on its laurels as the 1st or 2nd place network in the demo. However, their time in the sun may be eclipsed if ABC rises and CBS continues to erode. The last season saw two deserved cancellations, the end to a diminished Two and a Half Men as well as the end of the Mentalist, which received a mercy swan song in a 7th season.
Commenters scoffed at CBS-owned The Millers receiving a 2nd season, as well as receiving a plum post-Big Bang Theory timeslot. I called bull-smoo when Millers rode on TBBT's coattails to a failed Monday temporary move, only retaining a paltry 45-percent of TBBT's massive demo. The Millers sported a strong cast, featuring screen veteran Beau Bridges, character actress Margo Martindale and Will Arnett. We'll save to mention the Sean Hayes curse, as even he cannot be blamed for this clunker's snuffing. From what I read in the comments section, few praised this boiler plate sitcom, which even some spectators stated made 2 Broke Girls seem sophisticated and original. When CBS su rprised us and pulled the plug mid-fall, we hailed good riddance like when Kate Gosselin ditched that asymmetric wedgie hairdo years ago.
Next, The McCarthys could only brag it was not as horrible as Millers. But then again, that is like claiming you're the second highest rated drama on NBC. The show had some promise, but was deserted behind a faded sitcom to start. I praise Laurie Metcalf, as she can turn a pile of smoo into emeralds. But even she couldn't carry this tenuous show with mostly cardboard caricatures. Tyler Ritter delivered like an angel, channeling all of his late father John Ritter's endearing wit. And the Good Wife references were an excellent touch of synergy. Beyond that though, how can CBS justify keeping a show which loses a rerun's lead-in at b est? In spite of having a 30-minute sitcom hole for the remainder of the season, CBS made a wise choice.
Just as wise as retiring the long-lasting, embattled and unfunny Two and a Half Men. Blaming Charlie Sheen for why this once mighty powerhouse turned into a mess left behind like a fart at a party is so 2012, so let's skip that excuse. By season 10, 2.5M clearly played itself out like Paris Hilton did in the 2000's. CBS should have ended this series after S11, but clearly needed to fill its six sitcom places. CBS is no longer the leader in sitcoms, as I hand that gold to ABC. But it is still a venerable player, and CBS sought to give this once solid show a farewell. I'll hand it to CBS for giving its exiting shows proper treatment, but 2.5M disappointed, and the ratings showed. Was it really a loss not having Alan and Walden on our screens? My verdict is no.
Finally, CBS treated Mentalist viewers to a shortened season, albeit with little fanfare. As I stated above, I applaud CBS for its swan song treatment, but did they have to relegate it to afterthought scheduling over two timeslots? It would have served CBS better to keep Mentalist on Sundays and move potentially cancelled CSI back to Wednesdays, but that is spilled milk from the syndication cow. Risky scheduling failed for CBS, and several shows suffered. CBS lost four shows mid season, and it will be a nail biter finding out which shows will be joining the deceased.
What are your thoughts on CBS's failed scheduling moves? Share your thoughts, or hit me back with your best sandpaper!