• by Wayne Friedman , March 14, 2012

CBS, the model of consistency for TV advertisers, says it will return 18 series for the 2012-2013 season.

But one major show left hanging is “Two and a Half Men,” the still high-rated Monday comedy that witnessed its own off-line drama with the ousting of actor Charlie Sheen and the arrival of Ashton Kutcher. CBS says negotiations are ongoing for the show.

CBS returning shows include comedies “Big Bang Theory,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Mike & Molly” and new comedy, “2 Broke Girls.” CBS dramas coming back include “NCIS," “NCIS: Los Angeles," “Hawaii Five-0," “Criminal Minds,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and new drama “Person of Interest.” Also on board: “The Mentalist,” “Blue Bloods” and “The Good Wife.”

Returning reality shows include “Amazing Race,” “Undercover Boss,” and “Survivor.”  News magazine shows include “60 Minutes” and “48 Hours Mystery.”

Not included in the release of returning shows is new drama “Unforgettable.”

CBS says season-to-date it is first in overall viewers, averaging a Nielsen 12.13 million viewers and adults 25-54, a 4.1 rating/10 share. It is second in among adults 18-49, 3.1/08. It adds that it has improved in all major viewing categories versus a year ago.