2015 CBS Upfronts: The Major Takeaways To Know For Fall TV Viewing
NEW YORK (CBS) -- The 2015 CBS Fall Upfronts happened yesterday, live from Carnegie Hall in New York City, giving us a glimpse into the future of America's most-watched network's fall schedule.
The event, a presentation that reveals the network's upcoming slate of programming, included a hilarious introduction to Stephen Colbert, a spotlight on CBS' success by President and CEO of the network Leslie Moonves, excitement about the upcoming Super Bowl 50 and previews of new shows set to premiere later in the year.
All-in-all, there was a lot to digest and it's easy to get lost in all the information out there, so check out some of the best takeaways from the event below!
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
While Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" takeover is already official, CBS' Upfronts seemed to cement the new late-night host into the upcoming fall schedule.
Colbert took the stage at the beginning of the event in a pre-recorded skit that highlighted the binge-worthiness of CBS television programs, namely the "CSI" franchise. The laughs kept coming when CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves got in on the binge-watching as well.
When Colbert finally took the stage, he gave his thanks to David Letterman, vowing to make the best show he possibly can while also expressing his excitement to work with the CBS family.
CBS Success
Following his speech, Colbert introduced Moonves who remarked on the network's excellence in primetime, sports and late-night programming. The network chief went on to talk about the progression of television-watching, citing broadcast, cable and digital as continued and emerging mediums.
Before exiting, Moonves excitedly announced the growth of CBS Sports over the last year, citing that 2015 had the most-watched NCAA Championship in 22 years and that CBS is the only network with two sports packages happening twice a week; on Sunday and Thursday. He ended by telling audience members that CBS' viewership should only increase in February when Super Bowl 50 airs on the network.
CBS Primetime Schedule
Nina Tassler, the President of CBS Entertainment, took the stage as well to remark on new shows from last season that have been renewed, namely "Madam Secretary," "NCIS: New Orleans" "Scorpion," "The Odd Couple" and "CSI: Cyber." She also made the very special announcement that iconic show "CSI" will end with a two-hour series finale event after 15 years on TV.
Tassler then presented seven new shows that will be added to the CBS Primetime lineup. Starting off with the new family-based comedy "Life in Pieces" which stars Academy and Emmy Award winner Dianne Wiest, Emmy Award winner James Brolin, Zoe Lister Jones and Colin Hanks.
Next up was the announcement of "Supergirl," an action-filled show based on the DC Comics super-heroine that stars "Whiplash" star Melissa Benoist.
"Late Late Show with James Corden" was Tassler's next topic of discussion, pointing out its success, Corden's viral sketches like carpool karaoke, and his unique approach to late-night television.
The new show "Limitless," which is produced by Bradley Cooper (who is now Tony-nominated) and who also will guest star on the first episode, was brought up next. Tassler described it as "fast-paced and action-packed."
Jane Lynch's next comedy venture "Angel From Hell" was also previewed along with the upcoming drama "Code Black," which Tassler brought up by reminiscing about her work on the classic show medical drama "E.R."
Finally, Tassler nodded to two other new dramas, "Rush Hour" and "Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders" that will more than likely premiere mid-season before laying out the 2015-2016 TV schedule.
Fall 2015 is still a few months away, so you'll have to wait to see most of these shows, but you can take a look at the "Code Black" preview below to prepare yourself for what is sure to be an exciting line-up.
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Shawn Thomas writes Entertainment and Lifestyle content for CBS Local. Follow him on Twitter.
