Promising a “DVR-proof” season of CSI, CBS Entertainment president Nina Tassler confirmed today that star Billy Peterson would leave the long-running procedural drama after the 10th episode but gave contradicting comments about whether he’s actually being replaced. Speaking at the annual TV critics tour in Beverly Hills, Tassler said the network will bring in a new, yet-to-be cast actor to play a scientist who will eventually become the head of the unit, a position previously held by Peterson’s Gil Grissom. “He won’t replace Billy but will add an element that is going to inform the dynamic of the team,” Tassler said. She also described the role as someone similar to Michael C. Hall’s character on Dexter (“serial killers have the same genetic profile”), but reassured reporters that he won’t be a murderer. “This man knows about himself and [the show] will follow his journey to discover his true character.”
In other news, Tassler said she’s disappointed with the ratings for Swingtown
but has yet to decide whether to order any more episodes beyond the
initial 13 planned for this summer. (She added that there are no plans
for now to renew The Power of 10, hosted by Drew Carey.)
Tassler also explained why Gary Unmarried –- the new sitcom
starring Jay Mohr as a recently divorced dad –- won’t be at press tour
this year: he planned “over a year ago” to renew his vows with wife
Nikki Cox at this time. And she denied any so-called Internet rumors
that CBS was planning to overhaul The Price of Right. “We are
very respectful of the brand and the integrity of the show,” she said.
“Before Bob Barker left, we had a multi-year strategy to put a fresh
coat of paint on the show. Some of those games haven’t been touched in
30 years. We wanted to make minor adjustments.”
Finally, Tassler confirmed that Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) will recur on How I Met Your Mother this season but said “I don’t think she’s the mother.”
In other news, Tassler said she’s disappointed with the ratings for Swingtownbut has yet to decide whether to order any more episodes beyond theinitial 13 planned for this summer. (She added that there are no plansfor now to renew The Power of 10, hosted by Drew Carey.)
Tassler also explained why Gary Unmarried –- the new sitcomstarring Jay Mohr as a recently divorced dad –- won’t be at press tourthis year: he planned “over a year ago” to renew his vows with wifeNikki Cox at this time. And she denied any so-called Internet rumorsthat CBS was planning to overhaul The Price of Right. “We arevery respectful of the brand and the integrity of the show,” she said.“Before Bob Barker left, we had a multi-year strategy to put a freshcoat of paint on the show. Some of those games haven’t been touched in30 years. We wanted to make minor adjustments.”
Finally, Tassler confirmed that Sarah Chalke (Scrubs) will recur on How I Met Your Mother this season but said “I don’t think she’s the mother.”
CBS is so far in the tank for Barrak they can never get out.
I think csi is stupid letting grissom go they can never replace him.
Oh, I hope they keep Swingtown. Why aren’t more people watching this show?
Swingtown is the best show on TV this summer and deserves more episodes. It has brought a lot of viewers back to CBS, and also a lot of new viewers. Now the advertisers need to get on board because the fan base is definitely there and strong. It deserves to be placed against stronger competition in the fall or as a mid-season replacement, as I believe this will also help to build its audience. Anyone who thinks ‘Swingtown’ is just about swinging obviously hasn’t watched even one episode. The focus is a lot more on the ’70′s and the issues that couples faced back then.
I have to admit I was not going to watch Swingtown but decided to catch and episode online. I’m glad I did. It is the one show I have bothered to keep up with even with it being summertime. I think the show is well written, the characters are great, its is COMPLETELY different than any show on TV today. I think the show being honest and a lot healthier than what people perceive open relationships to be. And I like the fact its not only about that subject but about the people and their characters. Come on CBS, you are giving us good TV don’t blow it.
I was not optimistic about Swingtown, but, being a child of the 70′s, I tuned. I have been pleasantly surprised. It is intelligent, and gives a realistic look at an often confusing time for relations, with out the need to moralize, or be salacious. The women on the show evolve and question their current life, in turn their husbands realities become challenged and are often confused and bewildered. Keep it real CBS.I would rather you drop it then sex it up for rating sake.
Keep Swingtown CBS! Great show!!!
I admit I was very upset when I heard Billy was leaving, but I can understand his need to take a break. And I actually believe him when he says he’ll stay involved and bring Grissom back to the small screen on a regular basis (Naive? Maybe, but Grissom is an iconic character). I am glad they are looking for a big name for the replacement role. I hope they find someone really good. And also for the new male CSI role. Can I suggest Columbus Short?
I am also loving swingtown, it’s our favorite new show and is similar to Six Feet Under in quality, tho not as depressing…we love all the characters and that’s what keeps us tuning in. PLEASE RENEW THIS SHOW FOR ANOTHER OR FULL SEASON! thanks
I just loooove Swingtown, can’t believe how good it is. So sad it won’t be renewed, I look forward to it every week even though it’s summer. So sick of all these CSI/Law and Order type crime shows. It’s a breath of fresh air.
SWINGTOWN needs to return this fall. that is the bottom line. this is the first new tv show i’ve watched since six feet under ended and i’ve gotten into the religion of watching it every thursday night. now i see it’s been moved it to friday nights. CBS, you have really screwed up with the handling of this show. big time. i hope it gets picked up somewhere else.
CBS would be stupid to cancel Swingtown. It’s the ONLY show we watch on the network. If they cancel Swingtown I’ll probably give on CBS ever having any creative, fresh, and fun to watch shows…
I too can’t believe they are thinking of canceling the show!! I think the people that criticize the show haven’t actually watched it, to know it’s not all about swinging. This show has the best story line and the best characters on TV. Bravo to the writers. I hope CBS will change it’s views and start giving this show the publicity it deserves and give it a chance to gain a bigger audience, it has the potential it just needs the chance. They won’t be disappointed
I think canceling swingtown is a stupid idea, there are plenty of people that watch it, well in my opinion anyways…I know most of my friends do. And while we’re on that note why move it from Thursdays to Fridays? If you want more viewers keep it on Thursdays more swingers are hope to watch and enjoy it. We love all the characters and like a previous poster said, we don’t watch anything else on CBS besides Swingtown…Just giving our 2cents and weighing in…We vote to keep it.
Swingtown is one of the best shows to come to CBS since CSI originally came to our living rooms. Everyone is talking about it (From the 50yr old set (which I am one) to the 20 year olds (Which wish they were there.)). I thing if CBS keeps it going, they wont be disappointed, and nether will any of us ….****Bravo CBS****