CBS ready to go to bat for women, gays in new season

PASADENA, Calif. - CBS defended its hiring of actresses yesterday during the annual meeting of television critics here. The network has come under fire for canning such female-skewing vehicles as "Ghost Whisperer" and "The New Adventures of Old Christine" as well as dropping popular actresses from the procedural "Criminal Minds." Nina Tassler, CBS entertainment president, said there are many actresses headlining returning and new programs. She noted Sela Ward joins "CSI: NY" and Bridget Moynahan co-stars in "Blue Bloods." "Bridget is a huge part of the show," she said lady gaga gigs. The network is also adding gay characters to a few of its shows. GLAAD recently gave the network a failing grade for its portrayal of gays. "We're very disappointed in our track record so far," Tassler said. Alicia's gay brother will be introduced on "The Good Wife," a recurring gay character will pop up on the William Shatner comedy "S#*! My Dad Says," and Jeff and Audrey will pick a lesbian surrogate on "Rules of Engagement." While there are no negotiations taking place with David Letterman to extend his contract as a CBS late-night host, Tassler hopes he will remain. "As long as Dave is happy and Dave wants to stay around, we're very happy to have him," she said. "Craig (Ferguson), as well." "Two and a Half Men" and "Big Bang Theory" executive producer/writer Chuck Lorre is serving up a third series for CBS this fall - "Mike & Molly," a sitcom starring Billy Gardell ("My Name Is Earl") and Melissa McCarthy ("Gilmore Girls") as plus-size folks who fall in love. "Make no mistake," Lorre said. "('Mike & Molly') is a love story. This is a show that people can look at and say, 'I'm like that.' "