Jericho's date

[moyer777]

CBS doesn't seem too concerned about the ongoing writers' strike, announcing a spring line-up that includes both the triumphant return of "Jericho" and a new installment of "Big Brother."

Let's get the important business out of the way: Rescued from cancellation by an outpouring of nuts, "Jericho" will begin its seven-episode second season on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 10 p.m. ET, airing in the time slot where "Cane" is currently struggling.

"Jericho," the story of a plucky band of Kansas survivalists trying to kick-start society in the aftermath of a nuclear attack, will capitalize on the lead-in of the first-ever winter edition of "Big Brother."

Hosted, as always, by Julie Chen, "Big Brother" will also premiere on Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 9 p.m. ET, following "NCIS." Additional installments of "Big Brother" will air on Wednesdays and Sundays at 8 p.m., premiering on Feb. 13 and Feb. 17.

The Wednesday "Big Brother" episodes will take the place of "Power of 10," as the summer competition hit begins a string of new episodes on Wednesday, Jan. 2.

In general, CBS won't lack for new programming, even in the scripted department, as Monday, Jan. 28 will see the premiere of "The Captain," featuring Chris Klein and Jeffrey Tambor, and the Emmy-winning "The New Adventures of Old Christine," which will air at 8:30 and 9:30 respectively, as "The Big Bang Theory" and "Rules of Engagement" go on hiatus (unlike the other Monday comedies, they lack the necessary number of repeatable installments).

Also returning is the 16th edition of "Survivor," which will premiere from a yet-to-be-announced location on Thursday, Feb. 7.

Plus, CBS' big Monday (Dec. 3) scheduling release included a new air-date for the "Lonesome Dove" prequel "Comanche Moon," which will now be sacrificed to the premieres of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" and "American Idol" on Sunday, Jan. 13, Tuesday, Jan. 15 and Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 9-199 p.m.

To recap, CBS' Jan. and Feb. scheduling highlights:

Wednesday, Jan. 2


8:00-9:00 PM -- "Power of 10" (Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM -- "Criminal Minds"
10:00-11:00 PM -- "CSI: NY"

Tuesday, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29
10:00-11:00 PM -- "48 Hours Mystery"

Monday, Jan. 28
8:00-8:30 PM -- "How I Met Your Mother"
8:30-9:00 PM -- "The Captain" (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM -- "Two and a Half Men"
9:30-10:00 PM -- "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (Season Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM -- "CSI: Miami"

Thursday, Feb. 7
8:00-9:00 PM -- "Survivor" (16th Edition Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM -- "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation"
10:00-11:00 PM -- "Without a Trace"

Tuesday, Feb. 12
8:00-9:00 PM -- "NCIS"
9:00-10:00 PM -- "Big Brother 9" (Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM -- "Jericho" (Season Premiere)

Wednesday, Feb. 13
8:00-9:00 PM -- "Big Brother 9" (Wednesday Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM -- "Criminal Minds"
10:00-11:00 PM -- "CSI: NY"


Sunday, Feb. 17
7:00-8:00 PM -- "60 Minutes"br> 8:00-9:00 PM -- "Big Brother 9"(Sunday Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM -- "Cold Case"
10:00-11:00 PM -- "Shark"