As one TV season ends, another begins.  Every year the big networks hold their own press events to preview their new programming to advertisers and audiences.  The Upfronts is a time when the networks release program information to the public like the creators, producers, and cast behind their new fall and mid-season shows.  Be sure to look after the break for trailers, synopses, and creator/producer/cast information behind CBS’s upcoming TV lineup.

6 new series :: 4 new dramas (Hawaii Five-O, The Defenders, Blue Bloods, Criminal Minds spinoff) – 2 new comedies (Mike & Molly, $#*! My Dad Says)

7 cancellations :: The New Adventures of Old Christine, Accidentally on Purpose, Gary Unmarried, Ghost Whisperer, Numb3rs, Cold Case, Miami Medical

Notable program shuffling :: Survivor to Wednesdays @ 8PM, The Big Bang Theory to Thursdays @ 8PM, CSI:NY to Fridays @ 9PM, CSI:Miami to Sundays @ 10PM

Drama

Hawaii Five-O: From the writers behind the blockbuster “Star Trek” (2009) (and FOX’s Fringe: Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci) comes a clever, adrenaline-fueled update of one of the most iconic shows in television history. When there’s trouble in paradise, Steve McGarrett returns to the islands and joins fish-out-of-water Danny Williams to launch an elite branch of the Hawaii State Police. In this ultimate adventure series, complete with big action and charming characters, the team hunts down ruthless criminal kingpins, who inevitably hear those three feared words: “Book ’em, Danno.”

Starring Alex O’Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim, and Grace Park.  [Mondays @ 10PM]

The Defenders: THE DEFENDERS, from the executive producer of CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, is an irreverent new legal drama about two fiery and charismatic Las Vegas defense attorneys. Tenacious, defiant and completely engaging, they argue the law, and they follow the law, but they always keep a few tricks up their sleeves. No matter what the odds, these lawyers keep fighting for the little guy.

Starring Jim Belushi, Jerry O’Connell, Jurnee Smollett, and Tanya Fischer.  [Wednesdays @ 10PM]

Blue Bloods: From the executive producers of “The Sopranos” comes a gripping multigenerational drama. For the Reagans, putting criminals behind bars is more than just a job—it’s the family business. This tight-knit clan of New York cops may clash over methods, internal politics and Sunday dinner, but they have one thing in common—they’ll stop at nothing to see justice served.

Starring Tom Selleck, Donnie Wahlberg, and Bridget Moynahan.  [Fridays @ 10PM]

Criminal Minds spinoff: Stars Forest Whitaker in a drama about an elite team of agents within the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit who use unconventional methods of investigation and aggressive tactics to capture the nation’s most nefarious criminals.  Unit chief Special Agent Sam Cooper (Whitaker) is a mentally and physically fierce natural leader who is not afraid to put his career on the line in order to stand by his convictions.  Cooper strives to avoid political bureaucracy and has handpicked an eclectic group of profilers to work outside the confines of Quantico:  Former British Special Forces soldier Mick Rawson (Matt Ryan), confident and handsome, works as a highly-skilled marksman with an undiluted eye for rooting out evil; John “Prophet” Sims (Michael Kelly), a former convict with a street-smart edge and a calm, Zen-like presence, who is determined to make amends for past sins; and Gina LaSalle (Beau Garrett), an attractive, tough agent armed with a cunning sense of perception.  This exceptional group of FBI operatives is strong in their beliefs and steadfast in their mission to bring the country’s most dangerous criminals to justice.

Starring Forest Whitaker, Matt Ryan, Michael Kelly, and Beau Garrett.  [Premieres mid-season]

Comedy

Mike & Molly: Police officer Mike Biggs knows his way around the Streets—and the donut shop. As a cop, Mike’s not scared of anything—except dating, so he’s joined Overeaters Anonymous to lose those extra pounds and gain some Much-needed confidence. When he meets Molly at a meeting, the attraction is immediate, and suddenly Mike is excited about the prospect of a new life. But now he must find the willpower to give up his beloved junk food for the apple of his eye.  From producer Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory).

Starring Billy Gardell, Katy Mixon, Melissa McCarthy, Nyambi Nyambi, Reno Wilson, and Swoosie Kurtz.  [Mondays @ 9:30PM]

$#*! My Dad Says: Based on the #1 Twitter skein and best-selling book, $#*! MY DAD SAYS features the caustic musings of Ed, a retired military doctor whose cranky one-liners have left him, at 72, with three ex-wives and a lot of time alone in his garden. With two boys, Ed has a soft spot for younger son Henry, a likable slacker who’s out of work. Unable to pay his rent, Henry takes up his dad’s offer to move home, agreeing to follow house rules. But Ed has a secret plan— a second chance to be the father he never was— if it doesn’t kill them both first.

Starring William Shatner, Will Sasso, and Nicole Sullivan.  [Thursdays @ 8:30PM]

 

2010-11 CBS Schedule (“*” denotes new show)

MONDAY
8 p.m . How I Met Your Mother
8:30     Rules of Engagement
9:00     Two and a Half Men
9:30     Mike and Molly *
10:00   Hawaii Five-0 *

TUESDAY
8 p.m.  NCIS
9:00     NCIS LA
10:00   The Good Wife

WEDNESDAY
8 p.m.  Survivor: Nicaragua
9:00     Criminal Minds
10:00   The Defenders *

THURSDAY
8 p.m.  The Big Bang Theory
8:30     $#*! My Dad Says *
9:00     CSI
10:00   The Mentalist

FRIDAY
8 p.m.  Medium
9:00     CSI: NY
10:00   Blue Bloods *

SATURDAY
8 p.m.  Crimetime Saturday
9:00     Crimetime Saturday
10:00   48 Hours

SUNDAY
7 p.m 60 Minutes.
8:00     The Amazing Race
9:00     Undercover Boss
10:00   CSI: Miami

[Via CBS; EW-HollywoodInsider; Deadline]