By Lynn Elber, Television Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) --CBS is reviving its hit "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" brand with a series that brings original cast members William Petersen and Jorja Fox back home.
"CSI: Vegas" will debut this fall alongside the network's expansion of its "NCIS" and "FBI" drama franchises, CBS said Wednesday in unveiling its 2021-22 schedule for advertisers and media.
"NCIS: Hawai'i," starring Vanessa Lachey, will be paired Monday night with "NCIS," entering its 19th season with star Mark Harmon. "FBI: International" will be bookended on Tuesday by family members "FBI" and "FBI: Most Wanted."
Peterson and Fox's characters, who were based in Las Vegas in the original 2000-2015 "CSI" that spawned a trio of spinoffs, will join ranks with a new team of forensic crime-busters led by Paula Newsome ("Chicago Med").
"We're very excited to have three new franchise shows come on, which we know are going to help the schedule everywhere" they're placed, said Kelly Kahl, president of CBS Entertainment. A freshman series with a family pedigree gets a leg up, he said.
Another fall newcomer is the comedy "Ghosts," about the new owners (Rose McIver, Utkarsh Ambudkar) of a country estate that comes with spirits described as "eclectic." It's based on a eponymous British series, a critical darling.
Midseason shows will include the medical drama "Good Sam," with Sophia Bush and Jason Isaacs; the comedy "Smallwood," starring Pete Holmes, Katie Lowes and Chi McBride and based on pro bowler Tom Smallwood's second-act career, and the reality show "Come Dance With Me."
An unusual entry is "The Activist," described as a competition series in which teams try to bring "meaningful change" in the areas of health, education or the environment. The goal: to seek funding and awareness from world leaders at an international summit.
The drama "All Rise" and comedy "The Unicorn" have been canceled.
Two CBS series will be making the jump to streaming on Paramount+, the network's ViacomCBS corporate sibling. Dramas "Evil" and "Seal Team" will be available only on the service, although the latter will air four episodes on CBS this fall before its time slot goes to another series.
CBS' night-by-night fall schedule, all times Eastern:
MONDAY:
8 p.m. — "The Neighborhood."
8:30 p.m. — "Bob Hearts Abishola."
9 p.m. — "NCIS."
10 p.m. — "NCIS: Hawai'i."
Tuesday:
8 p.m. — "FBI."
9 p.m. — "FBI: International."
10 p.m. — "FBI: Most Wanted."
Wednesday:
8 p.m. — "Survivor."
9 p.m. — "Tough as Nails."
10 p.m. — "CSI: Vegas."
Thursday:
8 p.m. — "Young Sheldon."
8:30 p.m. — "United States of Al."
9 p.m. — "Ghosts."
9:30 p.m. — "B Positive."
10 p.m. — "Bull."
Friday:
8 p.m. — "S.W.A.T."
9 p.m. — "Magnum P.I."
10 p.m. "Blue Bloods."
Saturday:
8-10 p.m. — Saturday reruns.
10 p.m. — "48 Hours."
Sunday:
7 p.m. — "60 Minutes."
8 p.m. — "The Equalizer."
9 p.m. "NCIS: Los Angeles."
10 p.m. "Seal Team."
“Scandal” cast will reunite for online script reading for hurricane relief in western North Carolina
The cast of ABC's hit political drama "Scandal" may need to brush up on their snappy, speedy delivery known as "Scandal-pace," because they're reuniting for a good cause. Its stars including Kerry Washington, Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young will take part in a live virtual script reading on Nov. 17 to raise money for hurricane relief in western North Carolina.
Beginning Friday, fans can go online and donate to reserve a spot for the online reading. Proceeds will benefit United Way of North Carolina. Everyone who donates will be able to take part in a virtual pre-event with the cast and Shonda Rhimes will give an introduction.
Additional guest stars will also be announced. The online fundraising platform Prizeo is also holding a contest where one person who donates online via their site will be selected to read a role from the script with the actors. The winner should not worry about the "Scandal"-pace, assured Young over Zoom.
"Whomever the lucky reader is can read at whatever pace they want," she said.
Young, who played Mellie Young, the first lady and later Republican presidential nominee on "Scandal," was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina. She came up with the idea for the effort with a friend and took it to her fellow "Scandal" actors, who all jumped on board. Young said this is the first script reading the cast has all done together since the show ended after seven seasons in 2018.
Which episode they will be reading has not been announced yet.
Young said it's "been devastating" to see so many parts of her hometown badly damaged by Hurricane Helene, which ravaged western North Carolina one month ago.
To research the best use for donations, Young spoke with numerous political leaders, including North... Read More