CBS Summer Programming Announcement

CBS Says Stay Tuned

Story by David Clark

CBS tells network viewers this week to prepare for their summer-original programming schedule. The rotation of popular shows that go on winter-break can leave viewers desperate for something new and exciting to watch. As always the latest announcement is a welcome relief this time of year as the major networks prepare to roll out a new season of shows. The news from CBS will help fill that void and create anticipation for upcoming shows that are just around the corner.

The lineup includes a couple well known shows in Under The Dome and Extant returning for additional seasons after strong showings last year. The ever popular Big Brother will return for a 17th season. Last but not least the press release announced that the Zoo, a new show based on a James Patterson novel, will join the CBS summer lineup.

Under The Dome:

Based on a Stephen King novel, Under The Dome follows a town that inexplicably finds itself trapped inside of a transparent dome. This season will follow the town as people begin to learn the purpose of the dome. Original cast members will be returning and a new story arc will follow guest star Marg Helgenberger as she joins the cast this season. The 2 hour season premiere is scheduled for Thursday June 25th 9pm-11pm (ET/PT). with additional shows airing at the show’s scheduled time on Thursdays from 10pm-11pm (ET/PT). CBS is counting on the popular show to start season 3 as strong as season 2 finished. Under The Dome lead in viewership through season 2 with 11.32m and lead in ratings for scripted programming in viewers ages 18-49 and 25-54.

Extant:

Returning for season 2, Extant is coming off a run whereby the show ranked #1 as the most watched new show during the summer of 2014 (8.65m). Starring the infamous Halle Berry the show will follow Molly Woods (Halle Berry) as she discovers humanity may be doomed because of her actions. Also starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan the show hopes to duplicate the success of season 1. Fans of the show can stay tuned for the premiere episode on Wednesday July 1, 10-11pm (ET/PT).

Zoo:

Given the success of recent pilots CBS is looking forward to season 1 of the Zoo. Based upon James Patterson’s #1 best selling novel, the show pits man versus nature in the guise of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Happening. However, unlike the movie, this show has potential. The show premise follows a young biologist played by James Wolk as he tries to uncover the reason behind a wave of animal attacks spanning the globe. The plot of the show grows even more intriguing as the animal attacks grow more violent, intelligent, and coordinated. The show pilot will premiere on Tuesday June 30th 9-10pm (ET/PT).

Big Brother:

Unless you have been living under a rock, Big Brother probably needs little in the way of introduction. One of the staple reality competitions on television Big Brother stands tall entering the 17th season amongst other popular shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor. The show sequesters a group of contestants away from contact with the outside world as they compete for a cash prize. The show which spans the majority of the summer follows a standard competition format whereby contestants are eliminated each week until a winner is selected. The two night premiere will air Wednesday June 24th and Thursday June 25th from 8pm-9pm (ET/PT).

Source: CBSPress