CBS Picks Up 'Threshold,' Drops 'The Commuters'

The CBS television network is expected to announce tomorrow that it has given a series order for new sci-fi project Threshold, but has apparently passed on The Commuters, starring Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine).

According to Variety, the Threshold order is part of an effort by CBS to broaden its appeal, rather than just rely on ever-more CSI-like crime shows. The trade paper described Threshold as "a spooky hour depicting how the government responds to an alien threat." The series is produced by Blade: Trinity director David S. Goyer, Harry Potter producer David Heyman, and Star Trek: Enterprise co-creator Brannon Braga, who also co-wrote the pilot.

The cast of Threshold includes Brent Spiner (Data), who will be playing a doctor. Other cast members are Felicity's Robert Patrick Benedict, Spin City's Carla Cugino, Lost's William Mapother and Charles S. Dutton. Variety speculated that CBS may place Threshold on Tuesdays, right after The Amazing Race, but cautioned that the show's final timeslot won't be known until tomorrow.

One show that apparently didn't make the cut was The Commuters, in which Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine) was to have played a role as a successful and assertive investment banker. Former Voyager staff writer served as one of the project's executive producers, along with Friends star Lisa Kudrow. Location shoots took place in New York in early April for the show's pilot, but the finished product may have failed to impress network executives. However, as CBS has not had its official upfront presentation yet, there is still a slim chance the show will be picked up before tomorrow.

The full CBS schedule for next season will be announced tomorrow. Meanwhile, the original Variety report can be read by following this link.

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