The CBS scheduling scientists are experimenting with "The Big Bang Theory."
The network told affiliates on Wednesday that it will air a special 9 p.m. Monday episode of the comedy on May 3, followed by a repeat at 9:30 p.m.
This is another sign CBS is considering shifting the red-hot "Big Bang" into the 9 p.m. anchor spot next fall.
Presumably, "Two and Half Men" (or "One and a Half Men" if Charlie Sheen is serious about ending his sitcom career) would move to 9:30 p.m. — or another night.
CBS has two fewer first-run "Men" to run this season due to Sheen’s pre-hab detour, so that might have played into the stunt. But the main reason CBS is doing this is to see just how "Big Bang" would play in the new slot.
One other scenario that’s no doubt in consideration is shifting "Bang" to 8 p.m. Thursdays. This is riskier — particularly with Sheen a question mark — but also potentially lucrative if it means CBS could expand its comedy strength to such a key night.
If so, another CBS sked move might make even more sense. CBS is planning to air "How I Met Your Mama" and "Rules of Spader" in the 8 p.m. Thursday hour on May 27.
Don’t read too much into this: CBS has previously aired comedies on Thursdays at times when "Survivor" is off the air.
Other changes made by CBS today include repeats of "Big Bang" on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. (sorry, "Accidentally on Purpose") and a repeat of "Undercover Boss" on Wednesday, May 26 (opposite the "American Idol" and what we’re betting will be a repeat of the "Lost" series finale).
