Entertainment, TV, Television - Marine Corps Times

CBS buzzwords: ‘A little bit daring’

BEVERLY HILLS — CBS is courting controversy and risk in a bid to build buzz for its lineup.

New series next season include “Kid Nation,” a reality contest among 40 kids ages 8 to 15 stranded in a New Mexico ghost town with no adults, and a midseason ’70s drama called “Swingtown” that’s heavy on wife-swapping and drug-taking. There’s also “Viva Laughlin,” an un-CBS-like show set in a casino that features actors breaking into song.

“We looked for programming that was a little bit different and a little bit daring,” says CBS Entertainment chief Nina Tassler, who reminded critics they had earlier complained about the network’s crime-laden schedule. “The concepts give us something juicier, with a little more potential to attract a new audience.”

“Swingtown,” she says, reflects “a period in social cultural history where there was a mandate to experiment and try something,” though when screened for affiliates, you could hear a “pin drop.”

On “Nation,” we know it’s going to stir controversy,” she says, but the children are “incredibly articulate (and) have very strong opinions and in many cases their own worldviews.”

The show is already under attack from those who fear that the children are being abused emotionally, exploited financially and put at physical risk. Producer Tom Forman says the children were thrilled with “Nation. “Almost to a one, the kids would tell you this was the best experience of their lives.”

As with any reality show, he says, there was a “large adult safety net,” including pediatricians and psychologists. There are elements of “Lord of the Flies” to the show, he says — “I’m not going to deny it” — but he says adults were ready to step in if the children grew violent.

As for any child-labor questions, Forman denies accusations that producers forced the children to film from early in the morning to late at night and says “the kids woke up whenever they wanted and went to bed whenever they wanted.” He says they weren’t doing “labor” under the law because he does not consider performing on a reality show working: “We’re not going to consider them actors.”

Tassler says the parents knew what was involved and “embraced the experience.” Even so, she doesn’t mind if the show stirs up an attention-grabbing, headline-friendly controversy.

“You have to stir up public debate,” she says. “It’s good that we’re talking.”

Other TV news:

• Some of the controversy about CBS’ shows was unwanted. Many questions from critics centered on Mandy Patinkin’s abrupt departure from hit “Criminal Minds.” In a statement released by CBS Monday, the actor cited “creative differences,” upsetting producer Ed Bernero, who earlier had said the actor simply didn’t show up for work.

Tassler says, “I think ‘creative differences’ is a euphemism for personal issues.” Patinkin has agreed to return to shoot a final episode.

• In another prickly issue, “NCIS” star Mark Harmon’s complaints about creator Donald Bellisario led to the producer’s ouster from the 4-year-old series. “It was a conflict that was resolved in the best interests of the show,” Tassler says.

• Fresh off his presidential run on “The West Wing,” Jimmy Smits takes a new power role as the head of a rum-rich Cuban family in CBS’ “Cane.” Why this series? In part, he says, because of his co-stars, including Hector Elizondo and Rita Moreno. “This is like a deep bench, if we were a sports team.”

Having a strong bench is important, he says, even though the show was shaped around him. “I function best when we have that ensemble element going on. It has to do with my background in theater. We have this beautiful wheel here; there are a lot of possibilities.”

Though there are admirable aspects to the character, he’s a far cry from the heroes Smits has played before. By the end of the first episode, his efforts to protect his family and his sugar-and-rum business make him look a lot like a Latino version of Tony Soprano. Smits says he and the writers are still discussing how far they will go with that aspect of the show. “One of the great things about serialized television is it’s fluid.”

Still, Moreno says, the thing to keep in mind is that “Cane” is the first series to feature a successful, articulate, wealthy and well-educated Latino family. “I’m 75. I’ve been around a long time now. If nothing else, I’m pleased beyond belief I’m going to have gorgeous clothes.”

“I don’t know if a Latino audience is going to watch this because it’s about Latinos,” producer Jonathan Prince says. “I hope they watch it because it’s a good show.”

• And to satisfy the media’s consuming interest — and fans of “The Price Is Right” — Tassler confirms that CBS is in talks with Drew Carey to replace Bob Barker. But, she says, others remain in the mix.

CBS Fall premiere dates

Sept. 19

“Kid Nation,” 8 p.m.

Sept. 20

“Survivor: China,” 8 p.m.

Sept. 23

“60 Minutes,” 7 p.m.

“Cold Case,” 9 p.m.

“Shark,” 10 p.m.

Sept. 24

“How I Met Your Mother,” 8 p.m.

“The Big Bang Theory,” 8:30 p.m.

“Two and a Half Men,” 9 p.m.

“Rules of Engagement,” 9:30 p.m.

“CSI: Miami,” 10 p.m.

Sept. 25

“NCIS,” 8 p.m.

“The Unit,” 9 p.m.

“Cane,”10 p.m.

Sept. 26

“Criminal Minds,” 9 p.m.

“CSI: NY,” 10 p.m.

Sept. 27

“CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” 9 p.m.

“Without a Trace,” 10 p.m.

Sept. 28

“Ghost Whisperer,” 8 p.m.

“Moonlight,” 9 p.m.

“Numb3rs,” 10 p.m.

Sept. 29

“48 Hours Mystery,” 10 p.m.

Oct. 18

“Viva Laughlin,” 10 p.m.