CBS sets a staggered start this fall

After rushing into a post-strike season this spring, CBS is taking a pause.
Its new season will officially start Oct. 14, three weeks later than usual. And its ratings-leaders – “Tracker” and “The Equalizer” –will wait until Oct. 27.
Those dramas usually dominate Sundays. This fall, however, the Sunday slot will be used for various things – advance previews of “Matlock” (shown here) and “The Summit,” a music special and “Big Brother,” a summer show that extends to Oct. 13.
The network’s reality shows will have staggered starts – “Survivor” on Sept. 18 and “The Summit” on Sept. 29, with the two finally paired on Oct. 9 “The Amazing Race” will wait until mid-season.
Other shows will arrive during that delayed premiere week or will be part of the Sunday strategy. Sundays will include”:
— Sept. 22: “Matlock,” — with Kathy Bates as a canny lawyer with a folksy facade –debuts at 8 p.m., after the “60 Minutes” season-preview.
— Sept. 29: “The Summit” at 9 p.m., after a football doubleheader and a 90-minute edition of … well, “60 Minutes.”
— Oct. 6: “American Music Awards” from 8-10 p.m., after another football doubleheader.
— Oct.13: The 90-minute “Big Brother” finale at 8:30.
Then premiere week begins, with Thursdays being key. The “Young Sheldon” sequel leads into “Ghosts.” “Matlock” and “Elsbeth.”
Two comedies – “The Neighborhood” and “Poppa’s House” – will have to wait until Oct. 21; on Oct. 14, they’ll be bumped because the “NCIS” prequel has a two-hour opener.