Summer series shake-up at CBS

CBS has ordered a new summer drama series in the same week as cancelling another two of its summer offerings.

New greenlight, Salvation, comes from Star Trek: Discovery creator Alex Kurtzman, who has an overall deal with CBS through his Secret Hideout prodco.

The event series, produced by Secret Hideout and CBS Television Studios, will run to thirteen episodes.

Set for summer 2017, it will follow a tech genius who discovers a giant asteroid is on course to collide with Earth.

Meanwhile, CBS has cancelled two other summer series, BrainDead and American Gothic, after their first year. The US broadcaster has pioneered the idea of launching new dramas in the summer as well as the fall, with summer series including Zoo, which has been greenlit for a third run, and Under the Dome and Extant.

CBS Studios International will handle global sales of Salvation, which will hit CBS’ air next summer.

“Salvation is the type of fast-paced, dramatic ride that viewers look for in a summer event series,” said Glenn Geller, president, CBS Entertainment.

“We’re excited to launch another high concept, highly promotable show with great auspices that adds to our roster of year-round, original scripted programming.”