CBS Backloads Fall Premieres for Big October Push
The network will use NFL games to debut its new shows 'Matlock' and 'The Summit' and promote its returning shows.
Kathy Bates in CBS’ ‘Matlock’
Brooke Palmer/CBSCBS will load up the majority of its fall debuts in a single week in October, creating its own premiere week a month into the 2024-25 season.
The network will feature a dozen season and series premieres in the week of Oct. 14, including those for two of its new series: NCIS: Origins (a two-hour debut on Oct. 14), a prequel to the flagship series, and the Young Sheldon follow-up Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage (Oct. 17). Prior to that, CBS will air the series debuts of its Kathy Bates-led Matlock update and competition series The Summit on Sundays — when there’s a big NFL audience flowing into primetime — before they move to their regular homes on, respectively, Thursday and Wednesday nights.
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CBS will also heavily promote its premieres during other NFL and college football telecasts in an attempt to re-create the concentrated, post-strike launch of most of its scripted lineup in February, when it used the Super Bowl as a launching pad.
The 47th edition of Survivor has the earliest date on CBS’ calendar, opening on Sept. 18. Monday night comedies The Neighborhood and Poppa’s House are set for Oct. 21. Sunday dramas Tracker — last season’s most-watched series — and The Equalizer had initially been set for Oct. 27 debuts, but on July 26 the network moved them up to Oct. 13 and 20, respectively.
CBS’ fall premiere dates are below. All times are ET/PT unless noted.
Wednesday, Sept. 18
8 p.m.: Survivor
Saturday, Sept. 21
9 p.m.: 48 Hours
Sunday, Sept. 22
7 p.m.: 60 Minutes
8 p.m.: Matlock
Sunday, Sept. 29
9 p.m. ET (approximate)/8:30 p.m. PT: The Summit (follows NFL doubleheader and 60 Minutes)
Sunday, Oct. 6
8 p.m.: American Music Awards
Sunday, Oct. 13
8 p.m.: Tracker
9 p.m.: Big Brother (finale)
Monday, Oct. 14
8 p.m.: NCIS
9 p.m.: NCIS: Origins (two hours)
Tuesday, Oct. 15
8 p.m.: FBI
9 p.m.: FBI: International
10 p.m.: FBI: Most Wanted
Wednesday, Oct. 16
9:30 p.m.: The Summit (regular time)
Thursday, Oct. 17
8 p.m.: Georgie and Mandy’s First Marriage
8:30 p.m.: Ghosts
9 p.m.: Matlock (regular time)
10 p.m.: Elsbeth
Friday, Oct. 18
8 p.m.: SWAT
9 p.m.: Fire Country
10 p.m.: Blue Bloods (second half of final season)
Sunday, Oct. 20
9:30 p.m.: The Equalizer
Monday, Oct. 21
8 p.m.: The Neighborhood
8:30 p.m.: Poppa’s House
9 p.m.: NCIS (regular time)
10 p.m.: NCIS: Origins (regular time)
July 26, 9:05 a.m. Updated with new premiere dates for Tracker and The Equalizer.