CBS sets premieres after debates
Network preps upcoming fall schedule

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

CBS is sticking with tradition, launching the lion's share of its fall sked during fall premiere week - with a few, election-related exceptions.

With a presidential debate scheduled for Friday, Sept. 26, the net is delaying its Friday bows until Oct. 3. Also, with a vice presidential debate lined up for Thursday, Oct. 2, the Eye is bowing that night's lineup out of pattern.

As a result, "Survivor: Gabon" will bow prior to premier week, on Sept. 18, while the rest of its Thursday sked - including "CSI" and newcomer "Eleventh Hour" - will wait until Oct. 9.

Other than that, the roll-out is pretty elementary. Monday's lineup returns Sept. 22 (including the series bow of new laffer "Worst Week"), Tuesday is back Sept. 23 (including newcomer "The Mentalist"), Wednesday bows Sept. 24 (with new sitcom "Project Gary"), while Saturday and Sunday arrive on Sept. 27 and 28, respectively.

The Oct. 3 return of Friday ight includes new hour-long "The Ex-List."

The early bow of "Survivor," which is back with its 17th cycle, reps the seventh consecutive year CBS has launched the franchise a week prior to the start of the TV season. Early launch allows "Survivor" to air two weeks in a row before the debate pre-emption.

Not a comment about the premieres really...But why in the world did they schedule a debate on a Friday night in the fall when a LOT of people are out at high school football games and other weekend activities?