'Jericho' rises

It's the date dedicated fans have been waiting to hear for months: On Feb. 12, "Jericho" officially returns to CBS for a second season. Seven episodes will air Tuesdays at 10 p.m., with a special winter edition of "Big Brother" serving as a lead-in. Read the official word from CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler.

What that means for fans of the low-rated Jimmy Smits soap "Cane," which currently occupies the time slot, we can't say. (The prognosis isn't good, but if you'd like to organize a "Save Our Show" effort, CBS executives would no doubt appreciate any bottles of rum sent in for support.)

Obviously, CBS isn't taking this whole strike thing lying down. They've also announced that "The Captain" (a new comedy about a young writer and a bunch of Hollywood eccentrics) and the third season of "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (starring WGA supporter Julia Louis-Dreyfus) will sub for "The Big Bang Theory" and "Rules of Engagement" on the Monday night comedy lineup beginning Jan. 28. Both "Big Bang" and "Rules" have shut down production due to the writers strike; "Captain" and "Christine" filmed their episodes pre-strike.

In addition to Tuesdays at 9 p.m., "Big Brother 9" will air Wednesdays and Sundays at 8 p.m., beginning the week of Feb. 12.

-- Geoff Berkshire