Regis, "Password" Return To Prime-Time This Summer On CBS; "Swingtown," "Jingles," "Flashpoint," Also Scheduled

CBS has been very active today at the National Association of Broadcasters convention.  After revealing plans to shoot the upcoming seasons of "Survivor" in HD (it's about time... exotic location, hello, HD is perfect for that show,) comes the new summer line-up.

I'll reserve my remarks till some of these shows actually make it on air, but I see no need to change my usualy summer plans of catching up on good TV on DVD.  ("The Tudors," "Bones," "Weeds," "Damges," "Dirt," & "30 Days" are on my to watch list right now.)

CBS begins its announcement by highlighting that it will provide 90-hours of original programming this summer.  That's an accomplishment, since I can still remember the days when networks thought it risky to even offer 24-hours of new stuff.  The 90-hours includes three new reality shows, two new dramas, more Big Brother, two live mixed martial arts events, and specials like the Tony Awards and AFI Top 10.

The new reality series include Greatest American Dog, Jingles, and Million Dollar Password.  Dog features owners and their pets competing to win money.  The show will feature "pageant dogs" and those simply trained at home, living together and competing in games that put the owners' ability to train their dogs to the test.  Dog debuts Thursday July 10th at 8:00pm.

Million Dollar Password returns Regis Philbin to prime-time gameshow hosting duties, where he shine.  Basically, its an update of the old "password" show with C-list "celebrities" and more money at stake.  Some of the names attached to the show already include Rosie O'Donnell, Betty White, Rachael Ray and Neil Patrick Harris.  Password debuts June 1st at 8:00pm.

The other new reality show has the potential to be the next Whose Line Is It Anyway  or the next Secret Talents of the Stars.  It's called Jingles, at least that's the working time.  The Mark Burnett (Survivor) executive produced show challenges contestants to write and perform a jingle about anything from products to sports teams.   The products might be a toy or food... while sports "jingles" could range from a team fight song.  Contestants may also be called on to make TV show themes and update a classic jingle.  To survive each competition, they will have to impress a panel of judges, a live audience, and the American public.  Jingles begins its run Sunday July 27th at 9:00pm.

If you hate reality show, here's a look at the two new drama series.  Previously announced Swingtown premieres Thursday, June 5th at 10:00pm.  During the 70's, Susan and Bruce Miller move their family to an affluent Chicago suburb where they're confronted with personal choices, experimentation and shifting attitudes, against the backdrop of a changing social climate.

As for Flashpoint, the show follows the risk-filled lives of a group of cops.  Debuting Friday July 11th at 10:00pm, these special cop rescue hostages, bust gangs, defuse bombs, climb the sides of buildings and talk down suicidal teens.  So, each week, its a new Die Hard.

For you Big Brother fans, mark your calendars for July 16th.