This fall, CBS may be sticking to the safe, solid and secure.
The network has announced three new shows. The dramas take a familiar concept (“The Equalizer,” now with Queen Latifah, shown here) and a familiar character (the “Silence of the Lambs” heroine); the comedy is from a top producer, Chuck Lorre.
That follows the previous news that the network is bringing back most of its current shows. If it keeps things where they are, it will only have two holes – a comedy and a drama – to fill.
The COVID-19 shutdown hit at a time when networks are usually making pilot films for the next season. CBS, however, tends to not churn as many shows in and out.
Two series (“Hawaii Five-0” and “Madam Secretary”) have ended long runs; another (“God Friended Me”) had its series-finale after two seasons. Beyond that, CBS has basically renewed everything except “Tommy” and three comedies – “Carol’s Second Act,” “Man With a Plan” and “Broke.”
The network says more will be announced, but the new shows so far are:
– “Clarice,” centering on the FBI agent Jodie Foster played in “Silence of the Lambs.” This begins six months after those fierce events; Rebecca Breeds stars, with Kal Penn and Michael Cudlitz in support.
– “The Equalizer.” which continues the concept of someone with a mysterious background, helping those who have nowhere to turn. The character has already been played by a white man (Edward Woodward in a CBS series) and a black man (Denzel Washington in two movies); now it’s played by a black woman, Queen Latifah. Chris Noth and Lorraine Toussaint are in support.
– “B Postive.” That’s from Lorre, who has scored with “Big Bang Theory,” “Two and a Half Men,” “Mom,” “Bob (Hearts) Abishola” and more. This one centers on a newly divorced dad (Thomas Middleditch) who needs a kidney donor; a woman from his past (Annaleigh Ashford) with a rough exterior volunteers her own. Kether Donohue and Sara Rue are in support.