CBS is leaning into two unconventionally brilliant minds this fall.
The most-watched network is adding two new dramas: “The Good Wife” spin-off “Elsbeth” and “Matlock,” starring Kathy Bates. Actress Carrie Preston returns to her “Good Wife” (and “The Good Fight”) character Elsbeth Tascioni in “Elsbeth.” Tascioni has gone from unconventional Chicago attorney to offbeat crime solver in the series, assisting the New York Police Department and Captain C.W. Wagner (Wendell Pierce).
“Matlock,” a reboot of the 1986-95 series that starred Andy Griffith as wily defense attorney Ben Matlock, stars Oscar winner Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock. The savvy septuagenarian rejoins the workforce at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases.
The timing of the new series ― and new episodes of returning favorites ― depends on the resolution of the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike, which began May 2, and if prolonged will delay the fall season.
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The new drama announcements followed CBS’ reversal of its cancellation of drama series “SWAT” starring Shemar Moore, after six seasons. The network renewed the series for a final but shortened 13-episode season just days after announcing it would not return.
But other endangered series “East New York” and “True Lies” weren’t so lucky; both have been canceled, and their final episodes are scheduled to air May 14 and 17, respectively. “NCIS: Los Angeles” also is ending its long run.
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Later next season, CBS will unveil a third new drama, the previously announced “Tracker,” starring Justin Hartley (“This Is Us”) as lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw. It’s been handed the coveted post-Super Bowl timeslot on Feb. 11.
And the network will add one new comedy: “Poppa’s House,” which stars Damon Wayans as a legendary talk show host who is still parenting his adult son (played by his real-life son, Damon Wayans Jr.).
CBS’ fall schedule, day by day
(All times EDT/PDT; new shows in bold, new time slots in italics)
Monday: 8, The Neighborhood; 8:30, Bob Hearts Abishola; 9, NCIS; 10, NCIS: Hawai’i
Tuesday: 8, FBI; 9, FBI: International; 10, FBI: Most Wanted.
Wednesday: 8, Survivor; 9:30, The Amazing Race
Thursday: 8, Young Sheldon; 8:30, Ghosts; 9, So Help Me Todd; 10, Elsbeth
Friday: 8, S.W.A.T.; 9, Fire Country; 10, Blue Bloods
Saturday: 8, Drama repeats; 10, 48 Hours
Sunday: 7, 60 Minutes; 8, Matlock; 9, The Equalizer; 10, CSI: Vegas.
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