Cool News

Learn When SURVIVOR, THE AMAZING RACE, MEDIUM And THE MENTALIST Return!! CBS' Autumn Premiere Dates!!

Published at: Jun 24, 2009 9:28:53 PM CDT

I am – Hercules!!

Look! Press release!

CBS ANNOUNCES 2009-2010 PREMIERE DATES

Network To Debut Nearly All of Its New and Returning Series During Official Premiere Week

Pre-Season Launch for "Survivor: Samoa" on Thursday, Sept. 17

Monday Comedies, Including the Series Debut of "Accidentally on Purpose" and the Drama "CSI: Miami," Premiere Sept. 21

"NCIS" and Freshman Dramas "NCIS: Los Angeles" and "The Good Wife" Premiere Tuesday, Sept. 22

CBS Returns its Wednesday Comedy Block of "The New Adventures of Old Christine" and "Gary Unmarried," Along with "Criminal Minds" and "CSI: NY" on Sept. 23

Killer Combo of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "The Mentalist" Opens Thursday, Sept. 24

CBS's Friday Lineup of "Ghost Whisperer," the Network Debut of "Medium" and "Numb3rs" Premieres Sept. 25

"48 Hours Mystery" Returns Saturday, Sept. 26

"60 Minutes," A Special Two-Hour Launch of "The Amazing Race" and "Cold Case" Premiere Sunday, Sept. 27

Freshman Drama "Three Rivers" Debuts Sunday, Oct. 4

CBS today announced dates for the fall premieres of its new and returning series, which include a pre-season debut for SURVIVOR: SAMOA and the launch of the new Sunday drama series THREE RIVERS in early October. The Network will introduce the majority of its schedule beginning Monday, Sept. 21, the official start of the 2009-2010 season.

SURVIVOR: SAMOA, the 19th installment of the hit reality series, will debut a week prior to the formal start of the season, on Thursday, Sept. 17 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).

CBS's new season rollout officially begins on Monday, Sept. 21 with HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (8:00-8:30 PM, ET/PT), the premiere of the new comedy ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE (8:30-9:00 PM, ET/PT), the seventh season premiere of television's Number One comedy TWO AND A HALF MEN (9:00-9:30 PM, ET/PT), the third season premiere of THE BIG BANG THEORY in its new time period (9:30-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and the eighth season premiere of CSI: MIAMI (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

NCIS begins its seventh season on Tuesday, Sept. 22 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), followed by the new NCIS: LOS ANGELES spin-off (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and the freshman drama THE GOOD WIFE (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

CBS returns its Wednesday comedy block on Sept. 23 with the fifth season of THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (8:00-8:30 PM, ET/PT) and sophomore comedy GARY UNMARRIED (8:30-9:00 PM, ET/PT), followed by the fifth season premiere of CRIMINAL MINDS (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and the sixth season premiere of CSI: NY (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION returns for its 10th season on Thursday, Sept. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) followed by the time period premiere of last season's No. 1 new hit THE MENTALIST (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

The Network's top-rated Friday lineup returns on Sept. 25 with the fifth season premiere of GHOST WHISPERER (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), the Network debut of the popular drama MEDIUM (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), followed by the sixth season premiere of NUMB3RS (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

CBS's Saturday schedule premieres Sept. 26 with the return of 48 HOURS MYSTERY (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT), preceded by two hours of CRIMETIME SATURDAY (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT).

60 MINUTES, television's highest rated news magazine, returns for its 42nd season on Sunday, Sept. 26 (7:00-8:00 PM, ET/PT), followed by a special two-hour debut of the 15th edition of the multi-Emmy Award-winning THE AMAZING RACE (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) and the seventh season premiere of COLD CASE in its new time period (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT).

Premiering a week later on Sunday, Oct. 4 is the new drama THREE RIVERS (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT).

CBS's 2009-2010 Premiere Dates

Thursday, Sept. 17

8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR: SAMOA (19th Installment Premiere)

Monday, Sept. 21

8:00-8:30 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (5th Season Premiere, OAD 9/19/05)

8:30-9:00 PM ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE (Series Debut)

9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN (7th Season Premiere, OAD 9/22/03)

9:30-10:00 PM THE BIG BANG THEORY (3rd Season Premiere, OAD 9/24/07)

10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI (8th Season Premiere, OAD 9/23/02)

Tuesday, Sept. 22

8:00-9:00 PM NCIS (7th Season Premiere, OAD 9/12/03)

9:00-10:00 PM NCIS: LOS ANGELES (Series Debut)

10:00-11:00 PM THE GOOD WIFE (Series Debut)

Wednesday, Sept. 23

8:00-8:30 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (5th Season Premiere, OAD 3/13/06)

8:30-9:00 PM GARY UNMARRIED (2nd Season Premiere, OAD 9/14/08)

9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS (5th Season Premiere, OAD 9/22/05)

10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY (6th Season Premiere, OAD 9/22/04)

Thursday, Sept. 24

9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (10th Season Premiere, OAD 10/6/00)

10:00-11:00 PM THE MENTALIST (2nd Season Premiere, OAD 9/23/08)

Friday, Sept. 25

8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER (5th Season Premiere, OAD 9/23/05)

9:00-10:00 PM MEDIUM (Network Debut, OAD 1/23/05)

10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS (6th Season Premiere, OAD 1/21/05)

Saturday, Sept. 26

8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY

9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY

10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY (Season Premiere)

Sunday, Sept. 27

7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES (42nd Season Premiere)

8:00-10:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE (15th Edition Premiere)

10:00-11:00 PM COLD CASE (7th Season Premiere, OAD 9/23/03)

Sunday, Oct. 4

9:00-10:00 PM THREE RIVERS (Series Debut)

Follow Herc on Twitter!

The New Book From The Guy Behind THE WRATH OF KHAN, THE VOYAGE HOME And THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY!!

Galactica: The Complete Series
Galactica: The Complete Series (Blu-ray)

+ Expand All

Readers Talkback

Jun 24, 2009 10:07:34 PM CDT

CBS needs a new Survivor/Race type show.

by shermdawg

Ain't nuthin' on during the summer, and Big Brother don't cut it. Neither does that horseshit NBC's been airing.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Ain't nuthin' on during the summer, and Big Brother don't cut it. Neither does that horseshit NBC's been airing.
Jun 24, 2009 10:32:32 PM CDT

fucking hell

by canuck815

what I meant to say...was I can't believe this Mentalist shit caught on as much as it did. What is it about paranormal serial dramas that middle aged women eat up? Even that Listener shit is kind of succeeding, and it's CANADIAN!

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content what I meant to say...was I can't believe this Mentalist shit caught on as much as it did. What is it about paranormal serial dramas that middle aged women eat up? Even that Listener shit is kind of succeeding, and it's CANADIAN!
Jun 24, 2009 11:01:39 PM CDT

Survivor can't get here soon enough.

by natecore

these new people have some HUGE shoes to fill after Coach Wade.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content these new people have some HUGE shoes to fill after Coach Wade.
Jun 24, 2009 11:10:57 PM CDT

The Philanthropist

by captainaxis

Better than any of this shit. Give it a chance and think for yourself.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Better than any of this shit. Give it a chance and think for yourself.
Jun 24, 2009 11:16:22 PM CDT

CBS needs to get on board and join Hulu.

by kbarber29

Who knew, Hulu!

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Who knew, Hulu!
Jun 24, 2009 11:41:36 PM CDT

Mentalist ended up topping Fringe? Sweet. Suck it, Abrams!

by juansanchez

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content
Jun 24, 2009 11:47:44 PM CDT

ENOUGH FUCKING REALITY SHOWS

by rfid

For crying out fucking loud, dude. Why not actually report on something people find interesting and cool?

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content For crying out fucking loud, dude. Why not actually report on something people find interesting and cool?
Jun 25, 2009 1:12:39 AM CDT

@rfid

by incomplete gamer

I am interested in the start dates of both Survivor and The Amazing Race, and I'm clearly not alone. How about next time you post you talk for yourself and not assume everybody agrees with you. Because they don't.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I am interested in the start dates of both Survivor and The Amazing Race, and I'm clearly not alone. How about next time you post you talk for yourself and not assume everybody agrees with you. Because they don't.
Jun 25, 2009 1:14:20 AM CDT

Medium is a good show.

by mitortilla

I thought the philanthropist was kewl tonite.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I thought the philanthropist was kewl tonite.
Jun 25, 2009 3:15:03 AM CDT

I wish they'd do a summer Survivor

by lockesbrokenleg

I know CBS has Big Brother on during the summer, but that show is stale and trite. Survivor should have a summer edition, and then a spring editon.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I know CBS has Big Brother on during the summer, but that show is stale and trite. Survivor should have a summer edition, and then a spring editon.
Jun 25, 2009 3:28:05 AM CDT

there will be more and more "reality" programming

by bacci40

thanks to both the writers strike and the economy the wga fucked the writers working on reality shows, so they will continue working for slave wages and no residuals...and the shows, no matter what the ratings, will make huge profits oh and even bigger news...on next years's oscars, there will be 10 nominees for best pic...sad thing is, there wont be 10 goode films put out all year

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content thanks to both the writers strike and the economy the wga fucked the writers working on reality shows, so they will continue working for slave wages and no residuals...and the shows, no matter what the ratings, will make huge profits oh and even bigger news...on next years's oscars, there will be 10 nominees for best pic...sad thing is, there wont be 10 goode films put out all year
Jun 25, 2009 4:05:27 AM CDT

Gary, Unmarried

by rolnikov

I like that show, but what was with that Kentucky Grilled Chicken infomercial?

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I like that show, but what was with that Kentucky Grilled Chicken infomercial?
Jun 25, 2009 5:42:24 AM CDT

Why did Medium move to CBS???

by largojr

I'm still confused all to hell about that one.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I'm still confused all to hell about that one.
Jun 25, 2009 6:12:12 AM CDT

Incomplete Gamer

by rfid

Reality shows are NOT cool. They're reality shows--hence, they're worthless crap, made for people with low entertainment thresholds.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Reality shows are NOT cool. They're reality shows--hence, they're worthless crap, made for people with low entertainment thresholds.
Jun 25, 2009 7:05:18 AM CDT

I want a Big Bang Theory talkback on here.

by darthsynn

I'm surprised there isn't one already. Those guys would be right at home on this site.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I'm surprised there isn't one already. Those guys would be right at home on this site.
Jun 25, 2009 7:18:48 AM CDT

Hail Sheldon!

by cutest_of_borg

TBBT is the only sitcom I make time for. Great stuff.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content TBBT is the only sitcom I make time for. Great stuff.
Jun 25, 2009 8:04:57 AM CDT

Go fuck yourself rfid

by giant_dick_bag_filled_with_taco_meat

Get off your high horse. Why don't you list some of your favorite shows? I'm sure there are a few many of us would find piles of shit. Unless you're some sort of snot who doesn't watch TV (or claims to not watch it).Go pour yourself a snifter of brandy James William Bottomtooth and have a seat in the people with clenched assholes section of life.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Get off your high horse. Why don't you list some of your favorite shows? I'm sure there are a few many of us would find piles of shit. Unless you're some sort of snot who doesn't watch TV (or claims to not watch it). Go pour yourself a snifter of brandy James William Bottomtooth and have a seat in the people with clenched assholes section of life.
Jun 25, 2009 8:07:27 AM CDT

Survivor is gettin' stale...

by dingleberryjerry

It's time for Mark Burnett to get a huge set of balls and put those Survivor pussies in Canada...in fucking January!!!!

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content It's time for Mark Burnett to get a huge set of balls and put those Survivor pussies in Canada...in fucking January!!!!
Jun 25, 2009 8:12:52 AM CDT

Dingleberryjerry....

by darthsynn

I'd like to see these Survivor contestants dropped off in Antartica. Leave them unattended for 30 days and see what kind of survival skills they possess.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I'd like to see these Survivor contestants dropped off in Antartica. Leave them unattended for 30 days and see what kind of survival skills they possess.
Jun 25, 2009 8:30:43 AM CDT

Can they pack in a few more...

by stlost

crime/police shows? I don't watch them, but it sure seems like that's all CBS is banking on. I also notice the news type shows (48 hours, 20/20 types) which area always dealing with murdered spouses or family and the family member who killed them. That's basically all they show. It's weird and disturbing that that is what people want to watch.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content crime/police shows? I don't watch them, but it sure seems like that's all CBS is banking on. I also notice the news type shows (48 hours, 20/20 types) which area always dealing with murdered spouses or family and the family member who killed them. That's basically all they show. It's weird and disturbing that that is what people want to watch.
Jun 25, 2009 8:44:37 AM CDT

Too bad they didn't make room for Adam Carolla's new show

by 2for2true

Big Bang Theory is still the only show on CBS I watch with any regularity.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Big Bang Theory is still the only show on CBS I watch with any regularity.
Jun 25, 2009 8:58:21 AM CDT

Survivor new

by himbo

or rather I'm newish to Survivor. During an amazon sale last year, I was able to pick up seasons for $12 each. So I've got three unwatched seasons waiting for me in case I get a jones this summer.

I've not checked, but can you download old seasons from itunes, amazon, or 'other' sources?
And I am thrilled that MEDIUM has moved to CBS. I'm now down to only Office and Chuck on NBC.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content or rather I'm newish to Survivor. During an amazon sale last year, I was able to pick up seasons for $12 each. So I've got three unwatched seasons waiting for me in case I get a jones this summer. I've not checked, but can you download old seasons from itunes, amazon, or 'other' sources? And I am thrilled that MEDIUM has moved to CBS. I'm now down to only Office and Chuck on NBC.
Jun 25, 2009 10:08:52 AM CDT

Survivor: Moosejaw (just for dingleberryjerry)

by big jim

Survivor will never have a "cold" season. Hot locations means bikini babes and shirtless dudes. Although they might be able to fool a few people into watching at least one episode of "Survivor: Dawson Creek". rfid, like any genre, there are sub-categories as well as different levels of quality. While Survivor and The Amazing Race fall into the "Reality TV" genre they have much more in common with The Price is Right than they do have with Keeping up With the Kardashians. No doubt the "reality" genre is loaded down with a ton of crap. However, you can't paint all shows with the same brush.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Survivor will never have a "cold" season. Hot locations means bikini babes and shirtless dudes. Although they might be able to fool a few people into watching at least one episode of "Survivor: Dawson Creek". rfid, like any genre, there are sub-categories as well as different levels of quality. While Survivor and The Amazing Race fall into the "Reality TV" genre they have much more in common with The Price is Right than they do have with Keeping up With the Kardashians. No doubt the "reality" genre is loaded down with a ton of crap. However, you can't paint all shows with the same brush.
Jun 25, 2009 10:29:07 AM CDT

The Mentalist is one pretty mf'er...

by statelywaynemanor

Stopped watching Survior after the idiot tossed himself in the water.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Stopped watching Survior after the idiot tossed himself in the water.
Jun 25, 2009 12:13:26 PM CDT

I not for 60 Minutes

by growltiger

I will have nothing to watch on CBS. How can this be?

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I will have nothing to watch on CBS. How can this be?
Jun 25, 2009 12:14:44 PM CDT

i not --> If not

by growltiger

I wish I could edit that gaff.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I wish I could edit that gaff.
Jun 25, 2009 1:27:53 PM CDT

Another NCIS

by melvin_pelvis

I guess CSI: Albuquerque didn't pan out

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I guess CSI: Albuquerque didn't pan out
Jun 25, 2009 1:38:51 PM CDT

Medium on Fridays? WEAK.

by raymar

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content
Jun 25, 2009 1:55:35 PM CDT

And mainly shit.

by evilwizardglick

Don't watch their comedies. Other than CSI/CSINY and Mentalist all shit.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Don't watch their comedies. Other than CSI/CSINY and Mentalist all shit.
Jun 25, 2009 1:55:44 PM CDT

Giant_Dick_Bag_Filled_With_Taco_ Meat

by rfid

Giant_Dick_Bag_Filled_With_Taco_ Meat, I see no point in listing my favorite TV shows. They have writers...and plots...and interesting premises...and merit. And none of them pander to idiots. Those who watch reality shows aren't likely to appreciate the importance of such qualities. Reality shows are just lowest-common-denominator trash foisted on the more easily amused. They're as cheap in cost as they are in entertainment value, and the networks produce them not because they believe the shows to have any value or quality--but rather because they keep the bills low. That's why so many TV and movie stars (I mean actual stars--not the no-talent 15-minute-famers populating pointless crap like The Apprentice and Survivor) have been forced to severely lower their standards by appearing on such crappy series--the networks have reduced the number of quality series they make, in order to meet the bottom line, so the jobs actually worth having are becoming fewer and farther between. Reality shows were never meant to have quality--they're the bologna of television...the pimento-loaf of programming...and they're meant for people too mentally limited and brainwashed-stupid to recognize the crap they're being spoon-fed. Bon apetit.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Giant_Dick_Bag_Filled_With_Taco_ Meat, I see no point in listing my favorite TV shows. They have writers...and plots...and interesting premises...and merit. And none of them pander to idiots. Those who watch reality shows aren't likely to appreciate the importance of such qualities. Reality shows are just lowest-common-denominator trash foisted on the more easily amused. They're as cheap in cost as they are in entertainment value, and the networks produce them not because they believe the shows to have any value or quality--but rather because they keep the bills low. That's why so many TV and movie stars (I mean actual stars--not the no-talent 15-minute-famers populating pointless crap like The Apprentice and Survivor) have been forced to severely lower their standards by appearing on such crappy series--the networks have reduced the number of quality series they make, in order to meet the bottom line, so the jobs actually worth having are becoming fewer and farther between. Reality shows were never meant to have quality--they're the bologna of television...the pimento-loaf of programming...and they're meant for people too mentally limited and brainwashed-stupid to recognize the crap they're being spoon-fed. Bon apetit.
Jun 25, 2009 2:05:33 PM CDT

rfid: read Big Jim's post...

by giant_dick_bag_filled_with_taco_meat

...you snot and take that broad brush you just painted everyone who watches reality TV, whether it be the top-notch Amazing Race, or the guilty pleasures of Flavor of Love and shove it right up your ass.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content ...you snot and take that broad brush you just painted everyone who watches reality TV, whether it be the top-notch Amazing Race, or the guilty pleasures of Flavor of Love and shove it right up your ass.
Jun 25, 2009 3:14:11 PM CDT

Giant_Dick_Bag_Filled_With_Taco_ Meat

by rfid

Whatever, dude. You watch reality shows. Hence, your opinion of me is irrelevant, since you must not be capable of discerning quality from crap. If you dislike me, that speaks highly of me.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Whatever, dude. You watch reality shows. Hence, your opinion of me is irrelevant, since you must not be capable of discerning quality from crap. If you dislike me, that speaks highly of me.
Jun 25, 2009 3:29:05 PM CDT

If the ever do Survivor: Antarctica...

by kid z

... or Survivor: Sahara, you know, mix up the locales so they're not all tropical green hells, I might watch. But... that's not gonna happen. No chance then for contestants to get naked, no Club Med just out of shot for the camera crews and uncredited writers to stay in.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content ... or Survivor: Sahara, you know, mix up the locales so they're not all tropical green hells, I might watch. But... that's not gonna happen. No chance then for contestants to get naked, no Club Med just out of shot for the camera crews and uncredited writers to stay in.
Jun 25, 2009 3:35:48 PM CDT

rfid, did I say I watched reality shows?

by giant_dick_bag_filled_with_taco_meat

No I did not.What is entertaining is purely subjective, a concept your closed mind is apparently incapable of understanding.You sound like the kind of person who thinks any music that you don't like sucks too.Never has this acronym been more appropriate: EABOD.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content No I did not. What is entertaining is purely subjective, a concept your closed mind is apparently incapable of understanding. You sound like the kind of person who thinks any music that you don't like sucks too. Never has this acronym been more appropriate: EABOD.
Jun 25, 2009 4:04:24 PM CDT

I love Coach's Amazon story

by so_here_i_am

Captured while kayaking the Amazon and beaten with clubs by the natives. Good stuff.
Jeff Probst: Did that really happen, or is that the movie version?
Coach: I had to tone it down. I didn't even mention how they wanted to eat my asshole.

And JT's reason for not believing Coach's story is, obviously, that he didn't go back for revenge. "I mean, I would've reckoned with the son of a bitches. Get back with a damn .30-30 Winchester, see what them bows do then." I'm pretty sure I would watch that movie.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Captured while kayaking the Amazon and beaten with clubs by the natives. Good stuff. Jeff Probst: Did that really happen, or is that the movie version? Coach: I had to tone it down. I didn't even mention how they wanted to eat my asshole. And JT's reason for not believing Coach's story is, obviously, that he didn't go back for revenge. "I mean, I would've reckoned with the son of a bitches. Get back with a damn .30-30 Winchester, see what them bows do then." I'm pretty sure I would watch that movie.
Jun 25, 2009 4:35:44 PM CDT

CBS

by yeti

Could Be Shit

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Could Be Shit
Jun 25, 2009 6:27:18 PM CDT

rfid, by your logic, you must love According to Jim

by big jim

and Private Practice and October Road simply because they are scripted shows. It seems like you are the one incapable of being discerning since you are obviously incredibly biased."They're as cheap in cost..." Cheap? You think a show with 24 or so contestants, a host, several camera crews, a contingent of advance people and logistics coordinators and other crew travelling around the world over the course of a few weeks can be done on the cheap? Or look at the behind the scenes of Survivor. It's not just the host and the 16 or so contestants and a few camera and sound people on a beach for 6 weeks. The erect an entire production facility for the 100 plus crew that it takes to make the show. I'm guessing when you think of a show the only personnel you consider are actors, writers, and directors. Guess what, for every name you see during the opening credits there are dozens of people working behind the scenes. Reality TV does provide jobs for many people who work in the less glamourous positions in the industry.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content and Private Practice and October Road simply because they are scripted shows. It seems like you are the one incapable of being discerning since you are obviously incredibly biased."They're as cheap in cost..." Cheap? You think a show with 24 or so contestants, a host, several camera crews, a contingent of advance people and logistics coordinators and other crew travelling around the world over the course of a few weeks can be done on the cheap? Or look at the behind the scenes of Survivor. It's not just the host and the 16 or so contestants and a few camera and sound people on a beach for 6 weeks. The erect an entire production facility for the 100 plus crew that it takes to make the show. I'm guessing when you think of a show the only personnel you consider are actors, writers, and directors. Guess what, for every name you see during the opening credits there are dozens of people working behind the scenes. Reality TV does provide jobs for many people who work in the less glamourous positions in the industry.
Jun 25, 2009 11:03:51 PM CDT

THE PHILANTHROPIST

by captainaxis

I'm not giving up on this one. Wednesdays @ 10pm on NBC.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content I'm not giving up on this one. Wednesdays @ 10pm on NBC.
Jun 26, 2009 1:18:52 PM CDT

Big Jim

by rfid

Yes, cheap. I have friends who work in television, and know for a fact that the amount of money spent on everything you mentioned doesn't come close to what it costs to pay the salaries of big-name actors and writers. Reality shows are far cheaper to produce than scripted shows. It's not debatable.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Yes, cheap. I have friends who work in television, and know for a fact that the amount of money spent on everything you mentioned doesn't come close to what it costs to pay the salaries of big-name actors and writers. Reality shows are far cheaper to produce than scripted shows. It's not debatable.
Jun 26, 2009 3:55:34 PM CDT

rfid, do your friends work on Survivor or The Amazing Race?

by big jim

You are right, generally speaking, the average cost of a scripted show will be more than the average cost of a reality show. However, the amount of money spent on something like Keeping up with the Kardashians or Denise Richards' show is a lot less than what they spend on The Amazing Race (which would certainly be less than a scripted show with "big-name actors and writers" - "cheaper" but not necessarily "cheap"). I am sure the last season of Survivor cost a lot less to produce than the final season of Friends (where each cast member received $1 million / episode), or even the half season of My Own Worst Enemy (starring Christian Slater). And we all know it's a lot less than Heroes, whose price-tag is around $4 million / episode. That said, just because something has a ton of money thrown at it doesn't always translate into quality.
Like scripted shows, reality shows fall into 3 categories: Good, mediocre, and bad (or shit, if you will). It is my opinion that most of the shows in the "reality" genre are shit. However, there are a few that are actually "Good". That has been my point all along. It is unfair of you to hate a show for what it is rather than how it is; to make assumptions on its quality using your bias against the genre as a whole.Your thinking that Reality TV shows are keeping, as you put it, "quality series" off the air is naive. The Networks air whatever is popular. Look at CBS - only 3 reality shows (one airs in the Summer), the rest are scripted shows (albeit 3 CSIs and 2 NCISs). Certainly it is more cost-effective, and less of a financial risk, to make your own version of The Bachelor than to rip-off Lost. Just like it is more cost-effective, and less of a financial risk, to make you own version of Seinfeld than to rip-off ER. Reality TV is just the newest example of the "I want a piece of that pie" mentality the networks have always had. If it is popular, they all want to copy it and have one of their own. Even these days it's not restricted to Reality shows: remember Surface, Invasion, and Threshold? All attempts to recreate the success of Lost. Reality TV is not keeping the next Pushing Daisies or Battlestar Galactica or 24 off the air, the networks are. What's needed is not the eradication of an entire genre but rather intelligent executives who are able to recognize quality shows, regardless of their genre, and the balls to champion them even if their initial ratings suck. What we need is another Brandon Tartikoff at the head of each of the networks.
As for the Reality TV genre, you can rejoice. Among the major networks it is actually on the decline. The bubble burst a few years ago with the failures of such floaters as The Littlest Groom, the dumb obnoxious boss show, and the Monica Lewinsky Bachelor of the Opera program. A year ago Deal or No Deal was a big deal. Is it even on anymore?

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content You are right, generally speaking, the average cost of a scripted show will be more than the average cost of a reality show. However, the amount of money spent on something like Keeping up with the Kardashians or Denise Richards' show is a lot less than what they spend on The Amazing Race (which would certainly be less than a scripted show with "big-name actors and writers" - "cheaper" but not necessarily "cheap"). I am sure the last season of Survivor cost a lot less to produce than the final season of Friends (where each cast member received $1 million / episode), or even the half season of My Own Worst Enemy (starring Christian Slater). And we all know it's a lot less than Heroes, whose price-tag is around $4 million / episode. That said, just because something has a ton of money thrown at it doesn't always translate into quality. Like scripted shows, reality shows fall into 3 categories: Good, mediocre, and bad (or shit, if you will). It is my opinion that most of the shows in the "reality" genre are shit. However, there are a few that are actually "Good". That has been my point all along. It is unfair of you to hate a show for what it is rather than how it is; to make assumptions on its quality using your bias against the genre as a whole.Your thinking that Reality TV shows are keeping, as you put it, "quality series" off the air is naive. The Networks air whatever is popular. Look at CBS - only 3 reality shows (one airs in the Summer), the rest are scripted shows (albeit 3 CSIs and 2 NCISs). Certainly it is more cost-effective, and less of a financial risk, to make your own version of The Bachelor than to rip-off Lost. Just like it is more cost-effective, and less of a financial risk, to make you own version of Seinfeld than to rip-off ER. Reality TV is just the newest example of the "I want a piece of that pie" mentality the networks have always had. If it is popular, they all want to copy it and have one of their own. Even these days it's not restricted to Reality shows: remember Surface, Invasion, and Threshold? All attempts to recreate the success of Lost. Reality TV is not keeping the next Pushing Daisies or Battlestar Galactica or 24 off the air, the networks are. What's needed is not the eradication of an entire genre but rather intelligent executives who are able to recognize quality shows, regardless of their genre, and the balls to champion them even if their initial ratings suck. What we need is another Brandon Tartikoff at the head of each of the networks. As for the Reality TV genre, you can rejoice. Among the major networks it is actually on the decline. The bubble burst a few years ago with the failures of such floaters as The Littlest Groom, the dumb obnoxious boss show, and the Monica Lewinsky Bachelor of the Opera program. A year ago Deal or No Deal was a big deal. Is it even on anymore?
Jun 26, 2009 4:46:19 PM CDT

Survivor is on a whole other level from the other reality shows.

by flim springfield

Great production values, no annoying "cliffhanger" editing every commercial break, its own style, sound and music. And cool challenges.
Can't wait for Samoa!

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content Great production values, no annoying "cliffhanger" editing every commercial break, its own style, sound and music. And cool challenges. Can't wait for Samoa!
Jun 30, 2009 11:10:06 PM CDT

The best show around is...

by clavo

There is no better show than The Amazing Race. I cannot get enough of it and am bummed when it is over. I look forward to it all year round.

Reply to Talkback

Subject

Content There is no better show than The Amazing Race. I cannot get enough of it and am bummed when it is over. I look forward to it all year round.

User Login

Quick Talkback Form

Please login to post talkback

Learn When SURVIVOR, THE AMAZING RACE, MEDIUM And THE MENTALIST Return!! CBS' Autumn Premiere Dates!!

Readers Talkback

User Login

Quick Talkback Form

Top Talkbacks