Though it may be a consistent ratings champ, CBS has seen more than its share of controversies in recent months, most having to do with high-profile executives and stars being accused of sexual misconduct. In that context, TV-watchers have been especially curious to see what shows CBS would keep, and which ones would be ditched, in this period leading up to the network presenting its finalized 2019-2020 schedule to advertisers at the “upfronts.” Though hits such as “NCIS” have already been renewed, it wasn’t certain what would happen to “Bull,” the legal drama starring former “NCIS” favorite Michael Weatherly. But today, CBS announced that six more drama series -- including “Bull” -- have been renewed, along with news programs “48 Hours” and “60 Minutes” (that last renewal was no surprise to anyone). For the 2019-2020 season, CBS announced that, in addition to shows already renewed, the network has ordered additional seasons of “SEAL Team," “S.W.A.T.,” “Madam Secretary,” Bull," “Hawaii Five-0” and “MacGyver.” Though it wasn’t a sure thing that all those shows would get another season, the news of “Bull” is especially noteworthy, because of offscreen issues surrounding the series. As the Wrap and other industry sources reported, the show’s future was clouded by the revelation that in January of 2018, the network agreed to pay actress Eliza Dushku a $9.5 million settlement after Dushku alleged Weatherly had sexually harassed her and engaged in other misconduct. The New York Times originally reported the case, in which Dushku, who had been hired to appear on “Bull,” alleged that Weatherly made inappropriate comments about her appearance, along with jokes about rape, and engaging in a threesome. Dushku’s claim was that she was written out of the show because she spoke up about Weatherly’s conduct. Weatherly said, in a statement to the Times, that he was “mortified” to have offended Dushku, and “immediately apologized.” He added that after further reflection, he understood that his comments were “both not funny and not appropriate,” and that he regretted “the pain this caused Eliza.” After mediation, the network reached the settlement agreement with Dushku. Today, Deadline reports that Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television production company, and executives with the company, which had been executive producers of “Bull” for its first three seasons, are ending involvement in the show, “in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against star Michael Weatherly,” as Nellie Andreeva writes. Andreeva includes a statement given to Deadline from a representative for the company, which reads: “Steven Spielberg, Amblin Television, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey are no longer attached to ‘Bull.’" The report about “Bull” and Dushku’s settlement was just one of several stories that have emerged about a pattern of inappropriate behavior and sexual harassment within CBS. The network’s CEO, Leslie Moonves, was forced out following a network investigation into allegations against the executive made by several women. The flagship news program “60 Minutes” also came under fire as investigators found now-fired executive producer Jeff Fager had “engaged in certain acts of sexual misconduct” (though Fager had denied the allegations, as AdWeek reported). Charlie Rose, the cohost of “CBS This Morning” and a “60 Minutes” correspondent, was also fired in 2017 after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. CBS has, in addition to the shows mentioned above, renewed “Young Sheldon,” “Mom,” “Criminal Minds,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “NCIS: New Orleans,” “Blue Bloods,” “FBI,” “God Friended Me,” “The Neighborhood” and “Magnum P.I.” for next season. -- Kristi Turnquist kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist Visit subscription.oregonlive.com/newsletters to get Oregonian/OregonLive journalism delivered to your email inbox.<doc-sep>A day after handing out renewals to six dramas, CBS Friday canceled four comedies: "Murphy Brown," "Fam," "Life in Pieces" and "Happy Together." The revival of 1990s CBS hit "Murphy," starring Candice Bergen and created by Diane English, was an anticipated remake of the classic CBS comedy, but drew tepid ratings and middling reviews. "Life in Pieces," a family comedy led by Colin Hanks and in the midst of its fourth season, suffered from its ownership by an outside studio, 20th Century Fox Television, in an era when networks favor in-house production. And "Fam" and "Happy Together" were freshman comedies that never clicked. On Thursday, CBS renewed "Madam Secretary," which led USA TODAY's 2019 Save Our Shows poll, along with five other dramas. "Secretary," which stars Tea Leoni as the Secretary of State (and soon-to-be presidential candidate) will return for a sixth season. The drama joins another endangered series, a remake of "MacGyver," along with four more series that were considered locks to return: "SEAL Team" and "SWAT," which will see their third seasons; "Bull" (for its fourth) and "Hawaii Five-0" (for its 10th). Earlier, CBS picked up eight other dramas, including all three editions of "NCIS," "Blue Bloods," "FBI," "God Friended Me" and a final run for "Criminal Minds." And it's already renewed comedies "Young Sheldon," "Mom" and "The Neighborhood." Thursday, the network also formally renewed its newsmagazines, "60 Minutes" and "48 Hours." "Secretary" easily topped this year's Save Our Shows poll: 53% of more than 90,000 votes aimed to save it from cancellation, while just 20% wanted to drop it. Voters were less enthusiastic about "MacGyver," as an equal percentage of voters – 26% – wanted to keep and kill it. The most-watched network will unveil its new fall lineup at a presentation to advertisers on Wednesday in New York. Save Our Shows 2019: Which network series are returning, departing or 'on the bubble'<doc-sep>ABC’s decision-making continues as the broadcast network renewed four sitcoms and one freshman drama for the 2019-20 season on Friday. On the comedy side, “American Housewife” and “Fresh Off the Boat” have been renewed for a fourth and sixth season, respectively. Freshman sitcoms “Single Parents” and “Bless This Mess” have also been renewed. ABC has also handed out a second-season pickup to the Nathan Fillion-led cop dramedy “The Rookie,” the network said Friday. Also Read: 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'How to Get Away With Murder' and 'Station 19' Renewed at ABC The latest round of decisions leaves just “The Goldbergs,” its spinoff “Schooled” and the action-comedy “Whiskey Cavalier” awaiting their fates from the network. Earlier in the day, ABC renewed a trio of Shondaland dramas — “How to Get Away With Murder,” “Station 19” and “Grey’s Anatomy” — while the fourth, the legal drama “For the People,” was axed late Thursday. Family comedies “The Kids Are Alright,” “Splitting up Together” and “Speechless” were also not renewed for next season, nor was the Marcia Clark-produced drama “The Fix.” Previously announced ABC renewals include “Black-ish,” “The Conners,” “A Million Little Things,” “The Good Doctor,” “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D” and “Modern Family,” the latter of which will conclude with an 11th and final season next year.<doc-sep>
Cause One Productions Inc. and Cause One Manitoba Inc. CBS has renewed six drama series for the 2019-20 fall season, although one comes with some complications. "Murphy Brown," "SEAL Team," "S.W.A.T.," "MacGyver," "Hawaii Five-0" and "Bull" have all been renewed ahead of next week's Upfronts presentations. While it was good news for these six series, the "Bull" renewal comes with some complications. CBS has ordered another season of the legal drama, but the series production company, Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television, has severed ties with the series following a sexual harassment controversy. In December, it was revealed that CBS paid cast member Eliza Dukshu $9.5 million over allegations that "Bull" star Michael Weatherly had sexually harassed her and forced her to leave the series. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: 'Big Bang Theory' cast shares secrets, sorrow as finale draws near As for other CBS shows, "Madam Secretary" has been renewed for a sixth season. The political drama stars Tea Leoni as the Secretary of State, and recently topped USA Today's "Save Our Show" poll. "SEAL Team" has been renewed for its third season. The series follows the professional and personal lives of an elite Navy SEAL team, and stars David Boreanaz. "S.W.A.T." returns for a third season on CBS. The series was inspired by a classic 1970s series of the same name and a 2003 film. "S.W.A.T." stars Shemar Moore as the head of a tactical law enforcement unit in Los Angeles. The reboot of "MacGyver" will be returning for a fourth season. The series stars Lucas Till and originally George Eads, but Eads left the series this season. Levy Tran has been brought into the series as a regular cast member to replace Eads. Finally, "Hawaii Five-0" has been renewed for a 10th season on CBS. The reboot of the classic 1960s series stars Alex O'Laughlin and Scott Caan. CBS also renewed news magazines "60 Minutes" and "48 Hours." OUTDOOR CONCERT: 'Game of Thrones' Live Concert Experience coming to The Woodlands Thursday's renewals join the previously renewed series "Young Sheldon," "Mom," "Criminal Minds," "Blue Bloods," "NCIS," "NCIS: Los Angeles," "NCIS: New Orleans," "FBI," "God Friended Me," "The Neighborhood" and "Magnum P.I." Check out the gallery above for all the other series that have been renewed and canceled and those still waiting to hear their fates. Therese Odell writes about television at FoolishWatcher.com. NEWS WHEN YOU NEED IT: Text CHRON to 77453 to receive breaking news alerts by text message | Find fun things to do and see around Houston in our weekly Preview newsletter. Subscribe here.