• by Wayne Friedman , March 13, 2014

CBS has long touted its consistency for TV advertisers, and for next season, it will prove that again with the network renewing a whopping 18 prime-time shows for the 2014-2015 year.

This includes “NCIS,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Person of Interest,” “CSI,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “Blue Bloods,” “Criminal Minds,” “Elementary” and “The Good Wife” -- as well as comedies “2 Broke Girls,” “Mike & Molly” and “Two and a Half Men.” Two rookie comedies also made the cut -- “The Millers” and “Mom.”

Reality shows that are coming back include “The Amazing Race,” “Undercover Boss,”  “60 Minutes” and “48 hours.”
Earlier in the week, CBS’ best-rated prime-time show, “The Big Bang Theory,” grabbed a eye-opening three-year renewal order. “Survivor” was given an early renewal for 2014-2015, as well.

Which shows did not make the current renewal list? Three rookie shows: comedy “The Crazy Ones,” featuring Robin Williams; drama “Intelligence” and limited series “Hostages.” Long-time veteran drama “The Mentalist” was not included in this announcement.

Next year, CBS has the added scheduling squeeze of fitting in some early-season NFL “Thursday Night Football” for eight nights. That will mean a shift of some programming, including probably sending “Big Bang Theory,” temporarily, to its once familiar night on Monday.

Earlier this week at an investor conference Les Moonves, president/chief executive officer of CBS Corp., said prime-time slots will again be tight -- there may be only room for two new dramas and two new comedies for next season .