Criminal Minds

CHICAGO – The first new Wednesday of the Fall 2012 season told a predictable story — CBS and ABC are doing well, FOX is still under-delivering, and NBC is in dire shape. As for new shows, “The Neighbors” was well-sampled out of mega-hit “Modern Family” but we’ll see if that lasts while “Animal Practice” and “Guys with Kids” can practically feel the blade of the cancellation axe already.

CHICAGO – America’s #1 TV network showed a sign of their force today by renewing EIGHTEEN programs from their reliable hits to shows that many considered to be on the bubble. The renewals include four comedies, nine dramas, three reality series, and two newsmagazines and include programs that currently air on every night of the week. CBS really is in charge.

CHICAGO – The highly-anticipated series premiere of “The X Factor” on FOX was watched by enough people to not be considered a failure but its numbers were well below insider expectations, falling FAR short of “American Idol” numbers and not even topping the night as the most-watched program. It was a solid opening by most standards when it comes to assessing new programs but far from an instant hit, and if it slides (as most new shows do) it could be one of the year’s surprise losers.

CHICAGO – Shouldn’t there be a rule against having the words ‘criminal’ and ‘suspect’ in the same title? We get it. It’s overkill.

CHICAGO – The first proper reveal of the new video game “L.A. Noire” from Rockstar Games was released on Thursday. The game, which is coming in 2011 to Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, features TV stars Kevin Scott Allen and Aaron Staton.

CHICAGO – CBS announced their Fall 2010 premiere dates for their new and returning series this week and most of their programming will launch during the same premiere week, which kicks off on Monday, September 20th, 2010.