CBS Adds 5 New Series With Familiar Stars

[Janice]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/200...D82LNFD80.html


CBS Adds 5 New Series With Familiar Stars

NEW YORK (AP) - CBS is offering Rob Lowe as a doctor, Jason Alexander as a sportswriter and John Goodman as a family patriarch in new series that will debut this fall.

The network will also set up a battle of the franchises, pitting its spinoff series "CSI: NY" against NBC's "Law & Order" Wednesday nights at 10 p.m.

CBS, the nation's most popular network this season, will introduce three new dramas and two comedies next season, it announced Wednesday.

Alexander will be the latest "Seinfeld" alum to try and succeed in a new comedy. In "Listen Up," he'll play a character based on Washington Post sportswriter Tony Kornheiser. The show was placed on CBS' successful Monday night comedy lineup.

Lowe, who failed last year as a lawyer in NBC's short-lived "The Lyon's Den," will play a doctor at a Las Vegas casino in "Dr. Vegas."

"It's a traditional medical show during the day and during the night, he sleeps with chorus girls and gambles," said CBS Chairman Leslie Moonves. "What could go wrong with that?"

In "Center of the Universe," Goodman plays a security company owner with Ed Asner portraying his father, Olympia Dukakis his mother and Jean Smart his wife.

CBS is canceling the dramas "Hack,""The District" and "The Guardian." The comedy, "Yes, Dear" is off the schedule, but CBS has ordered 13 episodes for a midseason replacement.

After trying, with limited success, to build an audience with dramas on Saturday nights, CBS will save money on that night by programming the newsmagazine "48 Hours Mysteries," the reality show "The Amazing Race" and reruns of one of the "CSI" shows.

With "60 Minutes" founder Don Hewitt stepping down, CBS is stripping the "II" from the Wednesday spinoff, "60 Minutes II."

Besides "CSI: NY," the other new series will be "Clubhouse," a feel-good drama about a 16-year-old boy who becomes a batboy for the mythical New York Empires.

[PZelda]

Yes, Dear will be gone next season? That means no more Vicki guesting...

[TJL]

Way to go Rob.

"Dr. Vegas," huh?

Sounds great...

Why did you leave "West Wing" again?

[Pavan]

CBS also announced two special reunions for next season:

The original cast of "Dallas," the long-running, beloved CBS series will be reunited. It's been over 25 years since Larry Hagman, Victoria Principal, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, Ken Kercheval and Steve Kanaly first took up residence at the famous Southfork Ranch just outside of Dallas. They will meet there again for this special reunion to tour the famous grounds, talk about the series' most infamous storylines, reminisce about their time together on the show and sit down to a Texas-style barbeque. Larry Hagman will also share his own home movies that were shot as the series was actually being filmed.

The "One Day At A Time" reunion will bring together original cast members Bonnie Franklin, Pat Harrington Jr., Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli who will reminisce about their days together on the popular, long-running comedy about a single mother trying to raise two teenaged daughters. Vintage clips from the series will highlight the special.

[FamilyTiesGOP]

Originally posted by Miss Vicki
Yes, Dear will be gone next season? That means no more Vicki guesting...

I almost posted this on the Mama's Family board because I thought the same thing. Maybe Vicki will appear in an episode for the midseason replacement though.

[ClassicTV4Ever]

In "Center of the Universe," Goodman plays a security company owner with Ed Asner portraying his father, Olympia Dukakis his mother and Jean Smart his wife.

Oh my gosh, I might have to check that out. I love all of those actors

The "One Day At A Time" reunion will bring together original cast members Bonnie Franklin, Pat Harrington Jr., Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli who will reminisce about their days together on the popular, long-running comedy about a single mother trying to raise two teenaged daughters. Vintage clips from the series will highlight the special

Wow, I had no idea that there's going to be a "One Day at a Time" reunion. I'm really jazzed about that. Maybe that will prompt DVD releases

[barwars]

Listen Up and Center of the Universe sound like the best new sitcoms of the year.

[spunkygirl]

Originally posted by pavanbadal
CBS also announced two special reunions for next season:

The original cast of "Dallas," the long-running, beloved CBS series will be reunited. It's been over 25 years since Larry Hagman, Victoria Principal, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, Ken Kercheval and Steve Kanaly first took up residence at the famous Southfork Ranch just outside of Dallas. They will meet there again for this special reunion to tour the famous grounds, talk about the series' most infamous storylines, reminisce about their time together on the show and sit down to a Texas-style barbeque. Larry Hagman will also share his own home movies that were shot as the series was actually being filmed.

The "One Day At A Time" reunion will bring together original cast members Bonnie Franklin, Pat Harrington Jr., Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli who will reminisce about their days together on the popular, long-running comedy about a single mother trying to raise two teenaged daughters. Vintage clips from the series will highlight the special.

Woohoo can't wait to see the Dallas reunion, I am hooked on this show, I never miss it on Soapnet

[Pavan]

CBS's official announcement:

May 19, 2004

CBS -- AMERICA'S MOST WATCHED NETWORK --
UNVEILS 2004-2005 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE FEATURING FIVE NEW SHOWS

“CSI: NY” to Air Wednesday at 10 PM

CBS to Win Current Season in Viewers by Widest Margin of Any Network in 14 Years

CBS, America's most watched network, will add five new series to its 2004-2005 primetime schedule, headlined by the highly anticipated CSI: NY. The new CBS lineup will include three new dramas and two comedies – shows that will strengthen an already dominant primetime schedule and continue CBS’s ratings leadership.

CBS will win the 2003-2004 season by more than two million viewers ahead of second place NBC -- the largest margin any network has held in 14 years. The network is also #1 in adults 25-54 for the first time in a non-Olympics year since 1980. CBS is also the only network to have audience growth versus last year in all major rating categories.

In addition to CSI: NY, the Network will premiere four additional series – all supported with lead-ins from established, successful shows. The new series include: dr. vegas, CLUBHOUSE, LISTEN UP and CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE.

They join a lineup that is uniquely balanced with established franchises, young hits and strong CBS News magazines. CBS will return television's number one drama, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION; the #1 returning comedy, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND; television’s number one new comedy, TWO AND A HALF MEN; the top two new dramas, COLD CASE and NCIS, and the number one news magazine, 60 MINUTES.

Overall, the Network will return 16 primetime programs, including two editions of 60 MINUTES (Sunday and Wednesday) and 48 HOURS MYSTERY; 13 entertainment series (STILL STANDING, EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND, TWO AND A HALF MEN, CSI: MIAMI, NCIS, JUDGING AMY, THE KING OF QUEENS, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, WITHOUT A TRACE, JOAN OF ARCADIA, JAG, COLD CASE and SURVIVOR), as well as the Emmy award-winning THE AMAZING RACE and the CBS SUNDAY MOVIE.

CBS’s powerful Thursday night line-up of SURVIVOR, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION and WITHOUT A TRACE returns intact. The Network is #1 on Thursday, ahead of NBC’s Thursday lineup by an average of more than two million viewers this season.

In a newly modeled Saturday night lineup, 48 HOURS MYSTERY will lead-off at 8 PM, followed by the critically acclaimed reality series THE AMAZING RACE 6 at 9 PM. CRIMETIME SATURDAY, which will air at 10:00 PM, will feature encore broadcasts of CBS’s deep and successful roster of crime dramas including CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, CSI: MIAMI, COLD CASE, WITHOUT A TRACE and NCIS.

CBS also announced that it has ordered a new midseason series starring Jenna Elfman (“Dharma & Greg”) to be executive produced by Chuck Lorre (creator, “Dharma and Greg,” “Two and a Half Men”).

The new dramas (all times ET/PT):

CLUBHOUSE (Tuesday, 9:00 PM) is a drama about a 16-year-old boy who becomes a man in a world of overgrown boys when he takes a job as a batboy for a professional baseball team. For the first time, Pete Young (Jeremy Sumpter) takes a risk – perhaps the only risk of his young life - when he applies for and lands his dream job as a batboy for the New York Empires. The problem is his single mom, Lynne (Mare Winningham), has no idea what he’s up to. Until now, he’s been the golden boy while his rebellious older sister, Betsy (Kirsten Storms), has always been in the doghouse. On the job, Pete becomes a part of a new family that includes Conrad Dean (Dean Cain), the team’s captain and star third baseman and one of the boy’s all-time idols who takes on the role of an older brother. Also, in the clubhouse is his boss, Lou Russo (Christopher Lloyd), a gruff but fair equipment manager who becomes a much-needed father figure; Rich (Marc Donato), a fellow batboy who just happens to be the general manager’s nephew; Carlos Tavares (John Ortiz), a rookie who believes that Pete is his good luck charm, and Jose Marquez (J.D. Pardo), the Empire’s territorial head batboy. Pete is over the moon at being a member of his favorite team, but he must still balance life at home and life in the big leagues as he faces the moral dilemmas and curve balls that life throws his way. Emmy Award-winners Aaron Spelling and E. Duke Vincent (“And The Band Played On,” “Day One”), Academy Award-winner Mel Gibson (“Braveheart”) and Bruce Davey (“The Passion of the Christ”), Daniel Cerone (“Charmed”) and Ken Topolsky (“Party of Five”) are the executive producers for Spelling Television.

CSI: NY (Wednesday, 10:00 PM) stars Academy Award-nominee, Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (“Forrest Gump,” “Truman") and Emmy Award-nominee Melina Kanakaredes (“Providence”) in a crime drama, spun-off from “CSI: Miami,” about forensic investigators who use high-tech science to follow the evidence and solve crimes in The Big Apple. Det. Mack "Mac" Taylor (Sinise) is a dedicated and driven crime scene investigator who believes that everything is connected and for everyone there is a story. He and his partner, Det. Stella Bonasera (Kanakaredes), a workaholic and a jack-of-all-trades, share a passion for the job. They lead a team of experts amid the gritty and kinetic city that never sleeps. Their team includes Danny Messer (Carmine Giovinazzo), a Brooklyn-born investigator with rugged good looks, an unflappable spirit and a colorful family history, and Dr. Sheldon Hawkes (Hill Harper), a reclusive coroner who walked away from a promising surgical career after the traumatic loss of two patients. Rounding out the team is Aiden Burn (Vanessa Ferlito), a smart and sexy investigator whose chameleon-like behavior allows her to adapt to any situation at any time. Inspired by the #1 drama series, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," the New York CSIs may have a different process than those in Vegas or Miami, but they are guided by the same steadfast determination. These skilled investigators, who see New York City in a whole different light, follow the evidence as they piece together clues and eliminate doubt to ultimately crack their cases. Jerry Bruckheimer (“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl”), Anthony E. Zuiker (“CSI”), Carol Mendelsohn (“CSI”), Ann Donahue (“CSI”), Danny Cannon (“CSI”) and Andrew Lipsitz (“CSI”) are the executive producers for Jerry Bruckheimer Television and CBS Productions in association with Alliance Atlantis Communications.

dr. vegas (Friday, 10:00 PM) stars Emmy Award-nominee Rob Lowe (“The West Wing”) and Emmy Award-winner Joe Pantoliano (“The Sopranos”) in a drama about an unconventional physician who takes a gamble when he leaves behind the world of emergency medicine to become the in-house doctor at a high-end casino in Las Vegas. From his penthouse office suite, Dr. Billy Grant (Lowe) attends to the round-the-clock medical needs of guests, employees and their families amid the lures of Sin City. The doctor’s always in when it comes to catering to the often frivolous medical requests of his good friend and boss, Tommy Canterna (Pantoliano), the hotel’s general manager. Tommy’s priority is the well-being of his high rollers and the casino’s bottomline, while Billy’s committed to upholding the Hippocratic Oath, often putting them at odds. Assisting Billy is his former ER colleague, Alice Doherty (Amy Adams), who serves as his trusted nurse practitioner but who spends most of her time watching his back. The frenetic pace continues on the casino floor where the action never stops. Always on hand is beautiful blackjack dealer, Veronica Harold (Sarah Lancaster), who attends classes during the day and works nights to help support her father. Whether it’s a celebrity headliner who takes a header from the stage, an employee hurt on the job or a desperate guest whose luck has run out at the tables, it’s a safe bet that Dr. Grant will see his share of unique medical cases. But, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, and for Billy, it’s all in a day’s work on the Strip. Jack Orman (“ER”), Lawrence Bender (“Pulp Fiction”), Kevin Brown (“The Survivor’s Club”) and Mark Sennett (“Martin and Lewis”) serve as executive producers for CBS Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television Production, Inc.

The new comedies (all times ET/PT):

LISTEN UP (Monday, 8:30 PM) stars Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) in a comedy about a well-regarded sports talk show host and columnist who struggles to get the respect and admiration from his family that he gets from his fans. Based on the writings of real-life sports commentator and columnist Tony Kornheiser, Tony Clineman (Alexander) is an irreverent sports show host who banters about all things sports with his witty sidekick, Bernie Widmer (Malcolm-Jamal Warner), a former football player turned sports show host, on their television talk show, “Shut Up and Listen.” Tony has also begun writing a humorous syndicated newspaper column that includes commentary on his family who are less than thrilled to have their trials and tribulations made public. Tony's wife, Dorothy, works as a fundraiser. While not a sports fan, she is always supportive of her paranoid and obsessive-but-loving husband. Lauren (Daniella Monet) is the Clineman’s know-it-all, soccer-playing 14-year-old daughter. Mickey (Will Rothhaar) is their 15-year-old golf prodigy son. While Tony’s inability to self-edit before broadcasting his thoughts is what makes him most endearing to his fans, it keeps his friends and family on their toes as everything could be fodder for his column. Jeff Martin (“The Simpsons”) and Lindy DeKoven are the executive producers for Regency Television in association with CBS Productions.

CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE (Wednesday, 9:30 PM) stars Emmy Award-nominee John Goodman (“Roseanne”) in a comedy about a family man who, by default, is the go-to guy for his eccentric extended clan. John (Goodman) and Kate (Emmy Award-winner Jean Smart, “Frasier”) Barnett are still very much in love after 20 years of marriage and are looking forward to the next 20. Only one thing interrupts their bliss: John’s family. His sex-obsessed father, Art (Emmy Award-winner Ed Asner, “Lou Grant”), and his loopy mother, Marge (Academy Award winner Olympia Dukakis, “Moonstruck”), have a penchant for coming over unannounced, ready to stir the pot. As the owner of a security company, John just hired his gleefully oblivious brother, Tommy (Diedrich Bader), who is having trouble wrapping his mind around the concept of “office hours.” John’s sister, Lily (Melinda McGraw), is a therapist who is her own best patient. If that’s not enough, their 12-year-old son, Miles (Spencer Breslin), has the makings of a perfectly nutty third generation Barnett. As the family patriarch, John fights an uphill battle with Kate’s help to keep the peace while his oddball family spins around him. Mitch Katlin & Nat Bernstein (“The Gregory Hines Show”), and Eric Tannenbaum & Kim Tannenbaum (“Two and a Half Men”) are executive producers for Warner Bros. Television Production, Inc. in association with CBS Productions.




Following is the 2004-2005 CBS Television Network primetime schedule:

CBS TELEVISION NETWORK
2004-2005 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE
(N=New; NT=New Time; all times ET/PT)

MONDAY

8:00-8.30 PM STILL STANDING (NT)
8:30-9:00 PM LISTEN UP (N)
9:00-9:30 PM EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND
9:30-10.00 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN
10:00-11:00PM CSI: MIAMI

TUESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM NCIS
9:00-10:00 PM CLUBHOUSE (N)
10:00-11:00 PM JUDGING AMY

WEDNESDAY

8:00-9:00 PM 60 MINUTES
9:00-9:30 PM THE KING OF QUEENS
9:30-10:00 PM CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE (N)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY (N)

THURSDAY

8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR: VANUATU
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION
10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE

FRIDAY

8:00-9:00 PM JOAN OF ARCADIA
9:00-10:00 PM JAG
10:00-11:00 PM dr. vegas (N)


SATURDAY

8:00-9:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERIES
9:00-10:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE (NT)
10:00-11:00PM CRIME TIME SATURDAY

SUNDAY

7:00- 8:00 PM 60 MINUTES
8:00- 9:00 PM COLD CASE
9:00-11:00 PM CBS SUNDAY MOVIE





Specials:

TWO-HOUR EVENT STARRING POP MUSIC SUPERSTAR MADONNA AND A REUNION WITH THE CAST FROM "DALLAS" TOP THE LIST OF NEW SPECIALS FOR THE 2004-2005 SEASON ON CBS

Original "Dallas" Cast Members Larry Hagman, Victoria Principal, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, Ken Kercheval and Steve Kanaly Will Reunite At The Southfork Ranch To Celebrate The Long-Running,
Hit Series

Bonnie Franklin, Pat Harrington Jr., Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli Will Remember One Of Television's Classic Comedy Series, "One Day At A Time"

Daytime TV Star Dr. Phil Will Take On the Biggest Problems Facing Parents Today

"The 47th Annual Grammy Awards" Will Highlight The 2005 Awards Season

"The 5th Annual Latin Grammy Awards" Is Set for Sept. 1 In Los Angeles

A two-hour event starring pop music superstar Madonna and a reunion with the original cast of "Dallas" top an exciting list of new specials for CBS that includes musical superstars, reunion specials, America's favorite performers, award shows, perennial holiday favorites and parades in the 2004-2005 television season.

The new specials for the upcoming season feature: Pop icon Madonna on her "Reinvention Tour"; a reunion of the original cast of "Dallas," one of the most-beloved dramas in television history; a reunion with the original cast of "One Day At A Time," Bonnie Franklin, Pat Harrington Jr., Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli, and, Dr. Phil's first Network special where the star of daytime television answers parents' most difficult questions.

The Entertainment Specials:

Madonna stars in a two-hour live concert special, featuring her greatest hits -- some performed in their original form and some reinterpreted -- as part of her "Reinvention Tour." Songs will include "Papa Don't Preach," "Express Yourself," "Vogue" and many more.

The original cast of "Dallas," the long-running, beloved CBS series will be reunited. It's been over 25 years since Larry Hagman, Victoria Principal, Linda Gray, Patrick Duffy, Charlene Tilton, Ken Kercheval and Steve Kanaly first took up residence at the famous Southfork Ranch just outside of Dallas. They will meet there again for this special reunion to tour the famous grounds, talk about the series' most infamous storylines, reminisce about their time together on the show and sit down to a Texas-style barbeque. Larry Hagman will also share his own home movies that were shot as the series was actually being filmed.

The "One Day At A Time" reunion will bring together original cast members Bonnie Franklin, Pat Harrington Jr., Mackenzie Phillips and Valerie Bertinelli who will reminisce about their days together on the popular, long-running comedy about a single mother trying to raise two teenaged daughters. Vintage clips from the series will highlight the special.

Who better to lay down the laws of parenting than Dr. Phil? This fall the daytime host will produce and star in his first Network special, using his tell-it-like-it-is style to answer parents most frequently asked questions. Are you raising a bully, a brat or a wallflower and don't even know it? He'll reveal what type of child you have and what to do about it. Taking on some of the biggest challenges and problems facing parents today, he'll literally change the life of one family…and just may change the way you look at your own.

THE 47TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS, the presentation of the recording industry's highest honors, will feature live performances by top recording artists. This year's GRAMMY broadcast was the most-watched and highest-rated in all key demographics since 2001 with an audience of 26.4 million viewers.

THE 5TH ANNUAL LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS will originate live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Sept. 1, and will feature Latin music's biggest stars in one of the hottest showcases for Latin music on television. It is a celebration of the creative spirit, artistic achievement and diversity that are found in today's Latin music.

THE 38TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS, originating live from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Tuesday, Nov. 9, will feature performances from country music's biggest stars as they gather to receive their industry's most prestigious accolades.

THE KENNEDY CENTER HONORS: A CELEBRATION OF THE PERFORMING ARTS will pay tribute to outstanding Americans who have distinguished themselves in the performing arts.

THE 31ST ANNUAL PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS will honor America's favorites in the fields of television, motion pictures and music. It will be the first Awards show of the year.

THE 40TH ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS will feature live performances by the biggest stars in country music. The annual broadcast is a fan favorite every spring.



THE 59TH ANNUAL TONY AWARDS, the presentation of the most prestigious honors in the American theater, will salute the finest shows and the brightest stars of the 2004-2005 Broadway season.

Holiday Programming:

A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS VI, a touching annual special, will continue to present inspirational new stories about adoption to raise awareness of this social issue.

Returning animated holiday specials include RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER, FROSTY THE SNOWMAN, FROSTY RETURNS, ROBBIE THE REINDEER IN HOOVES OF FIRE and ROBBIE THE REINDEER AND LEGENDS OF THE LOST TRIBE.

The Parades:

THE ALL-AMERICAN THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE and THE 115TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE.

Additional specials will be announced in the coming months.



Movies & Mini-Series:

CBS ANNOUNCES MOVIES AND MINI-SERIES SLATE
FOR 2004-2005 SEASON

Kirstie Alley, Anne Heche, Rob Lowe, Joe Mantegna, Mary Louise Parker,
Tom Selleck And Sela Ward Are Among The Stars Set To Appear In
The “CBS Sunday Movie”

“Elvis,” A New Four-Hour Mini-Series About The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, To Be Produced With The Cooperation Of The Presley Estate

Rosie O’Donnell Makes Her Network Television Movie Debut
In “Riding The Bus With My Sister”

“Surburban Madness” Tells The True Story of The Texas Woman Who
Ran Over And Killed Her Husband With Her Mercedes Automobile

“A Christmas Without Ornaments” And “Say When” Continue
CBS’s Tradition of Holiday Themed Movies

Blythe Danner, Faye Dunaway, Peter Fonda, Jack Palance, Peter Riegert,
Keri Russell, Skeet Ulrich and Mare Winningham Star In Two New
“Hallmark Hall of Fame” Presentations

Theatrical Movie Premieres Include “The Bourne Identity,” “I Am Sam,”
“How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days,” “The Scorpion King,” “Oceans 11”
And “John Q”

CBS, which continues to broadcast the highest-rated and most-watched television movies, will again present a star-studded slate of movies in the 2004-2005 season.

CBS has the top six and eight of the top 10 most-watched television movies of the 2003-2004 season including No. 1 “Fallen Angel” (17.39m). The CBS SUNDAY MOVIE, which has enjoyed its best season since 2001-2002, is up 8% in households, 13% in viewers, 10% in adults 18-49 and 14% in adults 25-54 compared to last year.


Highlights for the 2004-2005 season include ELVIS, a mini-series about the life of Elvis Presley, one of the most famous stars the world has ever known; THE DEAD

WILL TELL, inspired by the readings of famed psychic James Van Praagh, starring Anne Heche in a supernatural thriller about a young woman whose world is turned upside down when her fiancé gives her an antique engagement ring; RIDING THE BUS WITH MY SISTER, starring Rosie O’Donnell, who makes her network television movie debut in an inspiring true story about the unbreakable bond between two very different sisters; SUBURBAN MADNESS, starring Sela Ward and Elizabeth Peña in the stranger than fiction true story of Clara Harris, the woman who killed her philandering husband by running over him with her Mercedes automobile; PERFECT STRANGERS, starring Rob Lowe in a romantic comedy about a high-powered New York advertising executive and a junior ad rep in London who switch lives for a month and learn that they have more in common than they imagined, and, THE CULPEPPER CATTLE COMPANY, starring Tom Selleck in a drama about a cattle drive boss who mysteriously comes out of retirement to look for work.

Additional highlights include WHILE I WAS GONE, starring Kirstie Alley in a drama based on the Oprah Book Club Selection and New York Times best-seller by Sue Miller, about a woman whose existence is shaken to the core when a friend from her past comes back into her life; JAMES PATTERSON’S SUZANNE’S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS, a haunting love story, based on the author’s New York Times best-seller, about a woman who discovers the truth about her lover from the diary his wife, Suzanne, wrote to their son Nicholas; STRANGE FITS OF PASSION, an emotional thriller, based on the book by best-selling author Anita Shreve, about a woman who escapes from her abusive husband with their baby girl and is then faced with a terrifying choice when he tries to get her back, and, VINEGAR HILL, based on an Oprah Book Club Selection, starring Mary Louise Parker in a drama about a schoolteacher and her husband who are down on their luck and are temporarily forced to move their family into his parents’ home.

The two “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentations are: BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS, starring Blythe Danner, Faye Dunaway, Peter Fonda, Jack Palance and Peter Riegert, in a quirky story based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Ann Tyler, about a widow who is contemplating what her life would have been like if she had married someone else, and THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS, starring Keri Russell, Skeet Ulrich and Mare Winningham, in a drama set during World War II about an unwed pregnant woman who is sent to a small Colorado town to marry a lonely farmer who agrees to raise her child as his own.

The two holiday movies are: A CHRISTMAS WITHOUT ORNAMENTS (working title) that once again features the angel Max in a heartwarming story about two very different families who need his help at Christmastime, and, SAY WHEN, starring Joe Mantegna in a story, based on the best-seller by Elizabeth Berg, about a man whose orderly life begins to fall apart when he learns that his wife is having an affair and wants a divorce during the holiday season.

The mini-series:

ELVIS (four hours) is a fact-based drama about the life of Elvis Presley, one of the most famous stars the world has ever known. With the full cooperation and participation of the Elvis Presley estate, his electrifying yet tumultuous story will be told. Elvis’s rise to fame was meteoric. He was born into poverty in Tupelo, Miss., honed his musical sensibilities as a teenager in Memphis, and was universally proclaimed the King of Rock 'n' Roll by age 21. He also provided the catalyst for a revolution in music and popular culture. His life -- both public and private -- his music, his movies, his personal and professional relationships, his style and his impact will be explored. For the first time, actual master recordings of Elvis’ most famous hits will be heard in the film. Robert Greenblatt and David Janollari (“Six Feet Under”), Howard Braunstein and Michael Jaffe (“It Must Be Love”) are the executive producers for Jaffe/Braunstein Films, Ltd.

Among the television movies:

THE CULPEPPER CATTLE COMPANY stars Emmy Award-winner Tom Selleck (“Magnum, P.I.”) as a cattle drive boss who mysteriously comes out of retirement to look for work. Cap Mabrey (Selleck) was once the best cattle drive boss in the West, but he stopped working for hire after he had raised enough money to buy his own cattle concern. When he returns to Little Aberdeen, Texas, looking for a job, it takes the townspeople by surprise. Known and respected for his cattle sense and for being a man of principle, Cap lands a job but is forced to take on a rough, untrained boy as one of his cowhands when help is scarce. The drive itself is hard work, but even a man of Cap’s skill and principles is challenged by the new wave of settlers who are mostly fortune seekers in pursuit of land and prestige that threaten the cowboy way of life. Adding to his personal struggle, Cap battles a growing attachment to the boy who threatens to break open the secret behind Cap’s return. Laurie Parker (“Twelve Mile Road”) for Fox Television Studios.

THE DEAD WILL TELL, inspired by the readings of famed psychic James Van Praagh (“Living With The Dead”), stars Anne Heche (“John Q”) in a supernatural thriller about a young woman whose world is turned upside down when her fiancée gives her an antique engagement ring. Soon after she begins to wear it, Emily Parker (Heche) begins to see fleeting images of a beautiful young woman who then disappears into thin air. Emily visits the dealer who sold her fiancée the ring and learns that its original owner, Marie Sallinger, died 35 years earlier. Convinced that Marie is trying to make contact with her, Emily begins to investigate the mysterious circumstances of her death and soon becomes entangled in a series of terrifying circumstances as the afterlife and present day collide. Barbara Lieberman (“Gleason”) and James Van Praagh (“Beyond with James Van Praagh”) are the executive producers for Barbara Lieberman Productions in association with Robert Greenwald Productions.

JAMES PATTERSON’S SUZANNE’S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS, based on the author’s New York Times best-selling novel, is a haunting love story about a woman who discovers the truth about her lover from the diary his wife, Suzanne, wrote to their son Nicholas. Katie Wilkinson is a New York book editor who falls deeply in love with author Matt Harrison. On the night Katie plans to take their relationship to a deeper level, Matt tells her that he is breaking up with her and leaves with no further explanation. Katie is devastated and, unbeknownst to Matt, pregnant with his child. As she struggles to make sense of what has happened, Katie receives a package from Matt containing a diary written by his wife to their young son with a note that though it will not be easy to read, he hopes will help Katie understand him better after she finishes it. Katie is compelled to open the journal, as Matt had never told her much about his past. As she reads, she begins to comprehend the painful journey that he recently experienced and how it influenced everything in his life and, in turn, in Katie’s life as well. David Madden (producer, “Runaway Bride”), James Patterson (writer, “Miracle on the 17th Green”) and Lourdes Diaz (producer, “And Starring Pancho Villa As Himself”) are the executive producers for Fox Television Studios.

PERFECT STRANGERS stars Rob Lowe (“The Christmas Shoes”) in a romantic comedy about a high-powered New York advertising executive and a junior ad rep in London who switch lives for a month, as part of a company exchange program, and learn that they have more in common than they imagined. Lloyd Rockwell (Lowe) is a star at his agency and newly engaged to a beautiful society girl when he is asked by his boss to work in the firm’s London office in preparation to make partner. Susie Wilding, a terminally single junior ad rep, is offered the opportunity to work in the New York office, a change that her boss feels will help heal her broken heart. A condition of the exchange is that Lloyd and Suzie swap apartments as well. Lloyd lives in a white, minimalist, ultra-modern Manhattan apartment that couldn’t be more different than Susie’s kitschy, colorful old English cottage cramped with furniture and cluttered with pets. Things get off to a terrible start when Susie takes some questionable career advice from Lloyd that almost causes her to lose one of the company's principal accounts, and Lloyd is accused of giving away proprietary client information to the competition. On the verge of losing his career and his fiancée, Lloyd realizes that Susie may be the only one who can save his job, if only he can convince her, from across the Atlantic, that he's not the arrogant, underhanded jerk she's come to believe he is. Simon Wright (“Double Bill”) and Analisa Barreto (“Last of the Blonde Bombshells”) are the executive producers for Working Title (“Notting Hill,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Bridget Jones's Diary”).

RIDING THE BUS WITH MY SISTER stars Rosie O’Donnell, who makes her network television movie debut, in the inspiring true story about the unbreakable bond between two very different sisters. Beth (O’Donnell) is endearing, feisty and developmentally disabled. Her sister, Rachel, is an in-demand New York City photographer whose busy life camouflages her emotional isolation. When their father suddenly dies, Rachel comes face to face with the family problems she has tried so hard to avoid. Forced to spend time with Beth, who fills her days riding city buses, Rachel discovers that her sister has created a whole family for herself with bus drivers and regular passengers who value Beth in a way that Rachel could never have imagined. Their days together are both demanding and challenging, but for the first time, the disparate sisters have the opportunity to really get to know one another and find a way to communicate as a family. Larry Sanitsky (“Open House”) and Rosie O’Donnell are the executive producers for The Sanitsky Company.

STRANGE FITS OF PASSION is an emotional thriller based on the book by best-selling author Anita Shreve (The Pilot’s Wife) about a woman who escapes from her abusive husband with their baby girl, and is then faced with a terrifying choice when he tries to get her back. Maureen Cowan is a striking, ambitious young woman beginning her journalism career at a respected New York magazine where she meets charismatic Harrold English, a worldly, seasoned reporter. Things heat up quickly between the magnetic couple and their whirlwind romance quickly turns into marriage. At first, Harrold convinces Maureen that his volatile behavior is just how he expresses his passion for her, but she soon comes to realize that it's much more. After one particularly terrifying, violent episode, Maureen takes their 6-month-old daughter Caroline and flees. Her drive up the coast of Maine leads her to a small fishing town where she eventually settles, starts a new life as Mary Amesbury and becomes friendly with some of the good-hearted townspeople. But when one desperate moment forces her to make contact with her old life, she knows her future will never be the same. Arla Sorkin Manson (“The Wedding Dress”) and David Manson (“Nothing Sacred”) are the executive producers for Sarabande Productions.

SUBURBAN MADNESS stars two-time Emmy Award-winner Sela Ward (“Once and Again,” “Sisters”) and Elizabeth Peña (“Tortilla Soup”) in the stranger-than-fiction true story of Clara Harris, the woman who killed her philandering husband by running over him three times with her Mercedes automobile. The story is told through the eyes of Bobbi Basha (Ward), the private investigator who was hired by Harris (Peña) to investigate her husband, David. What seems like a perfect life and marriage for the two well-respected Houston orthodontists comes crumbling down the day Clara learns that her husband is sleeping with a divorced mother of three who is working as a receptionist at their dental practice. The movie is based on a true story as reported in the Texas Monthly article by Skip Hollandsworth. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“Martin and Lewis”) are the executive producers for Storyline Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television.

VINEGAR HILL, based on an Oprah Book Club Selection, stars Golden Globe Award-winner Mary Louise Parker (“Angels In America”) in a drama about a schoolteacher and her husband who are down on their luck and, with their two children, are temporarily forced to move into her husband’s parents’ home. Once there, they discover that his parents have a loveless, bitter relationship that thrives on making each other miserable. Ellen (Parker) realizes that there are dark and terrifying secrets being kept inside and watches helplessly as her husband, torn between his father and herself, begins to change into a person with whom she doesn’t want to live. In the end, in order for her family to survive, Ellen must discover the mysteries that are tearing everyone apart. Frank von Zerneck, Robert Sertner (“We Were The Mulvaneys”) and Ira Pincus (“Scared Silent”) are the executive producers for von Zerneck/Sertner Films.

WHILE I WAS GONE, based on the Oprah Book Club Selection and New York Times best-seller by Sue Miller, stars Emmy Award-winner Kirstie Alley (“David’s Mother,” “Cheers”) in a drama about a woman whose existence is shaken to the core when a friend from her past comes back into her life. Jo Becker has everything she ever wanted -- a successful veterinary practice, a devoted husband and a beautiful home. Still, she is strangely dissatisfied with her life and even has a premonition that she is no longer in it. When a man brings his dog into her practice to be treated, Jo recognizes him as a former housemate from her bohemian days who is now married and has moved to her small town. Though they were never involved in the past, Eli is still attractive to Jo and when he invites her to lunch in a neighboring city, she goes with the intention of sleeping with him. Instead, Eli reveals a secret to Jo that returns her to the darkest moments of her past and threatens to destroy her life as she knows it. Frank von Zerneck and Robert Sertner (“Scott Turow’s Reversible Errors”) are the executive producers for von Zerneck/Sertner Films.

The “Hallmark Hall of Fame” Presentations:

BACK WHEN WE WERE GROWNUPS stars Tony Award-winner Blythe Danner ("Sylvia"), Academy Award-winner Faye Dunaway ("Network"), Golden Globe Award-winner Peter Fonda ("The Passion of Ayn Rand," "Ulee’s Gold"), Academy Award-winner Jack Palance ("City Slickers") and Peter Riegert (“Bleacher Bums”) in a new “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentation based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Ann Tyler. The quirky story revolves around a widow who is contemplating what her life would have been like if she had married someone else and calls her ex-
boyfriend to see if she can rekindle the old flame and spice up her life. Since her husband’s death after only six years of marriage, Rebecca (Danner) has single-handedly raised his ever-challenging and now adult daughters. She also inherited his uncle, 99-year-old Poppy (Palance), whose total focus is his upcoming 100th birthday. As she questions how her life might have been different if she hadn’t jilted her former boyfriend, Will (Fonda), for her husband, Rebecca decides to contact him. Seeing Will, who is now a divorced college professor, only adds to her dilemma. As her family life continues to swirl around her, Rebecca begins to understand how much they rely on her and, in their own unique way, truly appreciate her. Faye Dunaway plays the wholly self-absorbed real mother of Rebecca’s stepdaughters and Peter Riegert plays Zeb, her brother-in-law and close confidant. Richard Welsh (“A Painted House”) and Brent Shields (“Brush With Fate”) are the executive producers for Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions.

THE MAGIC OF ORDINARY DAYS stars Keri Russell (“We Were Soldiers”), Skeet Ulrich (“As Good As It Gets”) and Emmy Award-winner Mare Winningham (“George Wallace,” “Amber Waves”) in a new “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentation, set during World War II, about an unwed pregnant woman who is sent to a small Colorado town to marry a lonely farmer who agrees to raise her child as his own. Livy Dunne (Russell) dreams of a career as an archeologist until she becomes pregnant by a dashing soldier who leaves her behind. Her father, a stern minister, banishes her from his family and sends her away to an arranged marriage with Ray Singleton (Ulrich), a hard-working man with whom she initially has little in common. Though far from happy, Livy accepts her fate and is graciously taken in by the town’s people and Ray’s family including his sister, Martha (Winningham), a warm, friendly woman who welcomes Livy with open arms. Still, she continues to send letters to the missing soldier and holds out a grain of hope for his return. Ray is patient and willing to do anything he can to make Livy comfortable in the home he has lived in all of his life. But it takes a visit from Livy’s sister, who presents an opportunity for Livy to return home, and a friendship with a Japanese family who live in a nearby internment camp, for her to begin to see the magic that ordinary life with Ray has to offer. Richard Welsh (“The Blackwater Lightship”) is the executive producer for Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions.

The holiday movies:

A CHRISTMAS WITHOUT ORNAMENTS (working title) once again features the angel Max (“A Town Without Christmas,” “Finding John Christmas”) in a heartwarming story about two very different families who need his help at Christmastime. This time, Max’s job may be at stake when a supervising angel, Jo, comes to earth to discipline him for contacting the wrong family in need. Max first appears to Sally Reid, a hardworking young woman whose goal is to get a promotion and a raise so that she can get her younger brother out of foster care. Jo tells him that he made a mistake on the address and should have contacted Karl Hoffman, a young man who is about to automate his family’s Christmas ornament factory and eliminate its artisan personnel. As the story unfolds, it appears that Jo may have made the real mistake and that the families may be connected in many surprising ways. Daniel H. Blatt (“Finding John Christmas”) is the executive producer for Daniel H. Blatt Productions.

SAY WHEN stars Joe Mantegna (“Joan of Arcadia”) in a lighthearted holiday story, based on the best-seller by Elizabeth Berg, about a man whose orderly life begins to fall apart when he learns that his wife is having an affair and wants a divorce. Frank Griffin (Mantegna) works as a computer IT consultant and is used to a quiet, uneventful existence. When his wife, Ellen, suddenly announces that she's fallen in love with an auto mechanic, Frank refuses to accept it and further refuses to even consider getting a divorce. In spite of the fact that Ellen’s affair is very serious, Frank remains steadfast in his desire to keep their marriage from completely falling apart. Desperate to fill his time, Frank signs up as a volunteer Santa Claus at the local mall, and suddenly finds himself attracted to Donna, who runs the Santa Claus Training Class, though he soon learns that Donna has marital problems of her own. Frank’s loneliness drives him to consider an affair with Donna, despite his desire to keep his family intact. He realizes that only a true Christmas miracle will be able to restore happiness to both his and Donna’s families. Larry Sanitsky (“Open House”) is the executive producer for The Sanitsky Company.

Among the theatrical motion pictures CBS will present during the season are THE BOURNE IDENTITY, starring Matt Damon, Chris Cooper and Julia Stiles; I AM SAM, starring Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dakota Fanning, Dianne Wiest and Laura Dern; HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS, starring Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Robert Klein and Bebe Neuwirth; THE SCORPION KING, starring The Rock, Michael Clarke Duncan and Kelly Hu; OCEANS 11, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Bernie Mac and Carl Reiner, and, JOHN Q, starring Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche and Ray Liotta.

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by pavanbadal

A two-hour event starring pop music superstar Madonna. . . top[s] an exciting list of new specials for CBS that includes musical superstars, reunion specials, America's favorite performers, award shows, perennial holiday favorites and parades in the 2004-2005 television season.

The new specials for the upcoming season feature: Pop icon Madonna on her "Reinvention Tour. . . .

I thought this was the "Tiffany" network?!? Doesn't this crap belong on Fox, or maybe a porn channel? One more reason to follow that bumper sticker's advice and KILL YOUR TELEVISION!

[Steve M.]

Originally posted by barwars88
Listen Up and Center of the Universe sound like the best new sitcoms of the year.

I agree!

[James]

Originally posted by pavanbadal
PERFECT STRANGERS stars Rob Lowe (“The Christmas Shoes”) in a romantic comedy about a high-powered New York advertising executive ...

Don't they have to get permission from ABC since it aired a sitcom with that exact same title, starring Mark Linn-Baker and Bronson Pinchot, in the 1980s and early 1990s?

[Mr. Television]

I'm definately going to check out Center Of The Universe. It has a great cast. I might check out Listen Up too.

[barwars]

Originally posted by James
Don't they have to get permission from ABC since it aired a sitcom with that exact same title, starring Mark Linn-Baker and Bronson Pinchot, in the 1980s and early 1990s?

ABC has no control over people using the term "Perfect Strangers".... nobody does, its too common of a term.
If they had to get "permission" (pay legal fees) they'd have to go to WarnerBros.