On the heels of their improved ratings performances Thursday, new sitcoms “The Millers” and “The Crazy Ones” have earned full season pickups from CBS.
The network also renewed Monday night sitcom “Mom.”
Boosted by “The Big Bang Theory,” television’s most enviable comedy lead-in, it is far from certain that “The Millers” would be a hit in another timeslot. But as it has showed solid retention in its slot–and actually made a week-to-week gain this week–it is certainly working well enough to get an extended look from CBS.
After premiering to monster ratings, “The Crazy Ones” endured sizable drops for its second and third episodes. But the high-profile series remains in solid ratings territory, and after making gains this week, will remain on CBS’ calendar for the rest of the season.
Considered its most bankable new comedy, “Mom” has underwhelmed as the 9:30PM part of CBS’ weakened Monday night comedy block. And based on CBS’ usual ratings standards, the show’s 2.0 adults 18-49 rating this week would not seem strong enough to warrant a quick back nine order.
By picking up the full season, CBS is sending the message that it blames lackluster lead-in support, rather than the appeal of the show itself, for the sluggish start. Once considered the future face of CBS’ comedy division, “2 Broke Girls” underperformed in each of its supportive 9PM airings and was actually relocated to 8:30PM this past week. A re-run of “The Big Bang Theory” did little to remedy the lead-in situation, and it is unlikely “Mike & Molly,” which takes over 9PM in November, will be a difference maker.
But given its support for the show’s creative division, its support for the cast and its faith in a product created by Chuck Lorre, who also provided the network with “Two and a Half Men,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “Mike & Molly,” it decided to move forward with a full season.
“We’re proud of CBS’s leadership position in comedy and excited to build on it with the back nine pick-ups of these three new comedies,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “These series are creatively distinct, continue to improve each week and are led by strong showrunners, writing and production staffs, and feature amazingly talented casts.”
