CBS Renewals: ‘Code Black’ & ‘Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders’ Making Writers Deals; ‘Odd Couple’ Also Looking Good

I have learned that two freshman CBS series that have been looking good for renewal, Code Black and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, have received permission from the network to begin making if/come deals with writers for Season 2. Both are co-productions between ABC Studios and CBS TV Studios. Among the remaining CBS series whose fate has not been decided, sophomore comedy The Odd Couple starring Matthew Perry is looking good to return after better-than-expected ratings performance for the current second season. I hear the show also had asked for approval to make if/come deals but it already has many of the writers in place, so there was no real need to do much more. Meanwhile, I hear freshman drama Limitless is not likely to continue at CBS. It is being shopped.

Medical drama Code Black, from creator Michael Seitzman, had been gaining momentum the past couple of weeks. I hear the show, which is expected to undergo some changes for Season 2, already has been looking into director hires for next season. It was a consistent ratings performer, never falling under 1.1 ratings among adults 18-49  in Live+same day.

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders also has held up well, especially when airing behind a new Criminal Minds episode. The mothership series was recently renewed for Season 12.