• by Wayne Friedman , August 3, 2011

CBS says it is first in upfront revenues, overall viewer ratings and Emmy nominations, says Nina Tassler, president of CBS Entertainment. Now, she adds, they just need to add some positive spin from the critics. 

CBS doesn't usually get into controversy. And then came the travails of Charlie Sheen and "Two and A Half Men," CBS' high-rated comedy, this spring. That perked up critics' ears -- but probably not the way CBS intended.

Speaking at the Television Critics Association meeting here, Tassler revealed that new "Men" character, played by actor Ashton Kutcher, will be Walden Schmidt, an Internet billionaire with a broken heart. She adds the beginning episode will run over two episodes. But she didn't disclose much else.

In terms of other story lines and facts about the new show, Tassler says: "A little bit of the mystery is part of the marketing." In regard to "Two and a Half Men," she added, "who could have predicted that we'd be here six months ago? It will be irrelevant as it has always been. Our standards and practices are on high alert."

Kutcher isn't the only new cast addition to an existing CBS show. In an effort to reinvigorate "CSI," the longtime CBS drama, Tassler says hiring Ted Danson is intended to bring back some ratings appeal.

Concerning other special programming, Tassler says the network's decision not to renew its famed franchise of 16 years -- the Hallmark Hall of Fame movies -- came down to not having enough room on the schedule. One caveat: the network will still be airing the occasional Jesse Stone movies.

Big reality shows dominate networks like Fox with "American Idol," ABC with "Dancing with the Stars," and NBC with "The Voice." CBS doesn't have that kind of reality show. But Tassler says "for a schedule to grow and be balanced, we have to have that piece of the puzzle."