Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
‘Big Bang’ moves, ‘Sheldon’ returns
The calendar doesn’t say November, but the November ratings period starts Thursday. It’s a time of awards shows, guest stars and reality results.
CBS debuts the last of 19 new fall series, “S.W.A.T.,” on Thursday. Inspired by a 1970s show, the police drama is flashy, violent and utterly conventional. But there are reasons to hope: Shemar Moore stars, and executive producer Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”) is showrunner.
“The Big Bang Theory” shifts to Thursday on Nov. 2, and Bob Newhart guest stars as Sheldon auditions to be the new Professor Proton. “Big Bang” spinoff “Young Sheldon” follows, and Annie Potts plays Meemaw. CBS will learn if it has a true hit after a high-rated premiere in September.
ABC will bank on awards shows. On Nov. 8, Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood host the CMA Awards for the 10th time. Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan and Miranda Lambert perform. Diana Ross receives a lifetime achievement prize at the American Music Awards, which ABC presents Nov. 19.
ABC wraps up season 25 of “Dancing With the Stars” on Nov. 20 and 21. Starting Monday, Kelly Clarkson serves as an adviser on NBC’s “The Voice,” which names its winner in December.
NBC will get a huge ratings lift when it starts airing “Thursday Night Football” on Nov. 9. Fox will benefit from the World Series.
Get ready for guest stars and big events. On Tuesday, Frankie and Mike celebrate their 25th anniversary on “The Middle,” and “This Is Us” looks back at Halloween.
On Wednesday, Forest Whitaker and Demi Moore guest on “Empire,” Shelley Long returns to “Modern Family,” and Brooke Shields visits “Law & Order: SVU.” On Thursday, Minnie Driver guests on “Will & Grace,” and Missi Pyle acts on the fifth season premiere of “Mom.”
Stacy Keach and Mimi Rogers visit “Blue Bloods” on Friday. On Nov. 7, Joe Spano is back on “NCIS.” Keke Palmer and Richard Roundtree join the Nov. 8 “Star,” and Dean Norris guests on the Nov. 9 “Scandal.”
Big events continue after the November ratings period ends Nov. 22. Fox presents Miss Universe on Nov. 26. Reba McEntire hosts ABC’s “CMA Country Christmas” on Nov. 27. Singer Bruno Mars headlines his first