CBS has given second-season orders to freshman dramas “Madam Secretary,” “Scorpion” and “NCIS: New Orleans,” CBS Entertainment Chairman Nina Tassler said at the Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour in Pasadena on Monday.
Tassler also revealed that “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” will premiere Tuesday, Sept. 8.
“NCIS: New Orleans” is the most-watched new show on broadcast this season, CBS touted in the accompanying press release. “Madam Secretary” and “Scorpion” are Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.
“These freshman dramas have each made a big impact on key nights of the week,” Tassler said in the media statement. “Creatively distinctive, the series are backed by strong showrunners with amazingly talented casts, and have resonated with a big, broad audience.”
Season-to-date, CBS remains America’s most-watched network, averaging 11.53 million viewers, the channel boasted.
In terms of Colbert’s new 11:35 p.m. show, Tassler said via a second release: “The production office is open, the premiere date is set, and we’re incredibly excited to welcome the creative and comedic genius of Stephen Colbert to CBS late night this fall.”
“I have nine months to make a show, just like a baby. So first, I should find out how you make a baby,” Colbert added in the statement.
As previously announced, David Letterman‘s final “Late Show” broadcast is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2015.
Specific creative elements and producers of the Colbert version will be announced at a later date, CBS said.