CBS jumps into the superhero game and schedules the last episode of “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” quite early in the season on the new 2015-16 schedule announced Wednesday at the network’s upfronts.
With 22 returning shows, the network is bringing just three new dramas and two comedies to the schedule in the fall, with two further dramas held for later in the season, “Rush Hour,” sort of based on the movie, and the spin-off “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.”
Two original cast members, William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger, will return for the September finale of “CSI,” a network staple for 15 years. And with Ted Danson freed up from that show’s end, he’ll join the cast of “CSI: Cyber,” which will continue.
Here’s a look at the new fall shows:
- “Angel from Hell,” a comedy starring Jane Lynch as a boisterous guardian angel that appears for an orderly dermatologist played by Maggie Lawson. With Kyle Bornheimer and Kevin Pollak.
- “Life in Pieces,” a family comedy starring James Brolin, Dianne Wiest, Colin Hanks, Thomas Sadoski, Betsy Brandt and Dan Bakkedahl, among others.
- “Code Black,” a drama starring Marcia Gay Harden as head of the nation’s busiest emergency room. With Bonnie Somerville, Luis Guzman and Raza Jaffrey, among others.
- “Limitless,” an adaptation of the 2011 Bradley Cooper movie about a drug that boosts the brain power of an FBI crime solver. The drama stars Jake McDormand, Jennifer Carpenter, Hill Harper and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio. Cooper, a co-executive producer, will also have a recurring role.
- “Supergirl,” an adaptation of the DC comic from the makers of “Arrow,” with Melissa Benoist as Superman’s cousin, who also wears a cape. With Chyler Leigh, Calista Flockhart and David Harewood.
Later comes:
- “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders,” a spinoff about international crime with Gary Sinise heading up a unit that includes Tyler James Williams and Daniel Henney. Its back door pilot came in a “Criminal Minds” episode last month.
- “Rush Hour,” a remake of the film franchise with John Hoo and Justin Hires in the two leads. With Wendie Malick, Aimee Garcia, from Bill Lawrence and the original “Rush Hour” production team.
Returning shows include “NCIS,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Blue Bloods,” “Criminal Minds,” “CSI: Cyber,” “Elementary,” “The Good Wife,” “”Hawaii Five-0,” “Madam Secretary,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Person of Interest,” “Scorpion,” “Mom,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “The Odd Couple,” “Mike & Molly,” “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race,” “60 Minutes” and “2 Broke Girls.”
Shows not returning to the schedule include “Battle Creek” and he previously canceled “Bad Judge,” “The Mentalist,” “The McCarthys,” “The Millers,” “Reckless,” “Stalker” and “Two and a Half Men.”
“The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” stars on Sept. 8. The two hour “CSI” finale is Sept. 27.