The broadcast network has handed out early renewals for its Monday comedies, handing out a third season for Chuck Lorre’s Bob Hearts Abishola and a fourth season to Cedric the Entertainer’s The Neighborhood.
Both multicamera comedies — which have been filmed during the pandemic without their traditional live studio audiences — have helped CBS break through on Monday nights. The Neighborhood, from Big Bang Theory grad Jim Reynolds, ranks as TV’s second most-watched comedy with a reach of more than 7 million viewers. Bob Hearts Abishola, which marks a reunion for Lorre with Mike & Molly alum Billy Gardell, has collected 6.7 million viewers after moving from its perch on Thursdays last season.
“We’re extremely proud of these two comedies, and delighted to bring them back next season,” said Thom Sherman, senior exec vp programming at CBS. “The Neighborhood and Bob Hearts Abishola masterfully blend humor with relatable and culturally relevant storylines, and are tremendous, successful Monday night anchors.”
The two comedies mark the first renewals for CBS this season. Bob Hearts Abishola, from Warner Bros. TV, is one of multiple Lorre-produced shows at CBS. Big Bang Theory prequel Young Sheldon is awaiting word on its fifth season; Mom — the network’s longest-running comedy — is currently in its eighth season, while rookie B Positive was picked up for a full season. Fellow freshman United States of Al will debut in April.
Bob Hearts Abishola, co-starring Folake Olowofoyeku, is exec produced by Lorre, Al Higgins and Beth McCarthy Miller. Gina Yashere is co-executive producer and writer. The Neighborhood, featuring Max Greenfield, Beth Behrs and Tichina Arnold, is from CBS Studios and is exec produced by Reynolds, Aaron Kaplan, Dana Honor, Wendi Trilling, Cedric the Entertainer and Eric Rhone.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
