CBS Sets Stephen Colbert's Late Show Premiere, Renews NCIS: NOLA and Two More

CBS is still No. 1!

That's the message that Nina Tassler, Chairman of CBS Entertainment, drove home at the Television Critics Association winter previews on Monday. The network is No. 1 in viewers and was up 2 percent from last year. It has seven of the Top 10 shows and 12 of the Top 20.

In fact, three of those top shows were freshman series NCIS: New Orleans, Madam Secretary and Scorpion -- the No. 1, 2, and 3 ranked new series of the season. The new 2015-2016 season will bring changes in late-night programming. Stephen Colbert will take over the Late Show on Sept. 8.

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Ratings were also higher on DVR, VOD and online, and in October, the networks launched their digital platform CBS All Access.Check out other highlights from the CBS executive session:

Stalker, The McCarthysBoth new shows are still being considered for renewal. Ratings in the second half of the season will be in play.

Two and a Half MenThere aren't many details about Chuck Lorre's plans for the comedy's swan song except that he has promised "a mystery sandwich." No word on whether that includes a return appearance by Charlie Sheen, whose character was killed off-screen when the actor left the show.

David Letterman Tassler says that it will be difficult to say goodbye to Letterman when he leaves the Late Show. The network is currently in conversations for special programming or presentations leading up to his final episode.

Colbert During the gap between Letterman's farewell and Colbert's premiere, CBS will play reruns of their prime-time series. Tassler also says that Colbert is still working on his new format. Details such as the traditional monologue are still up in the air. He will have a band and interview guests.

SupergirlTassler is high on joining the superhero programming game and says that CBS' strong female characters on television is a "real passion." There will be elements of humanity to the storytelling.

Late Late ShowTassler is a fan of James Corden and described him as a "combination of Jack Black and Fred Astaire" because he's a multi-hyphenate who write, produces, acts, dances, sings and hosts. His time on the British TV show A League of Their Own demonstrates his facility to host and in the interview format. He had very funny segments with David Beckham on the show.

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CSI: CyberTassler says the series will be a reflection of what's happening in our world today and will have "ripped from the headlines" stories that are relevant and topical.

Extant In the second season of the summer series, Molly (Halle Berry) will be more proactive in light of threats to her world and the sanctity of her family and home life. Creator Mickey Fisher will still be involved.

The Amazing RaceThere will be a lot of surprises in store for the new season, Tassler promises.

The MillersTassler says that although CBS gave the comedy a "terrific launch," it didn't get traction or build its audience. In the end, it was a tough call, but it is the "nature of the beast" of making television that it had to be canceled.

CSICBS has not yet determined if this will be the forensic series' final season. It is still a strong performer for the network.

Criminal Minds spin-off CBS has learned to do a better job than the last time it had attempted to spin off to Suspect Behavior. Erica Messer, who is executive-producing and writing the backdoor pilot, has been part of the flagship series since Day 1.

(Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by CBS.)

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