Upfronts: CBS gets rolling with more pickups

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It’s been a busy morning at CBS.

The network has picked up two more dramas and one comedy.

Simon Baker, last seen on the short-lived CBS drama ‘Smith,’ returns to CBS in a starring role in ‘The Mentalist.’ The series centers on a man with psychic abilities who works as an independent contractor for the police.

Created by Bruno Heller of ‘Rome,’ the pilot was directed by David Nutter, who has an uncanny ability to pick projects to direct that go to series. It is produced by Warner Bros. Television.

As expected, ‘Elemental,’ by Jerry Bruckheimer Films & Television, also was ordered to series. Formerly titled ‘Eleventh Hour,’ the British miniseries adaptation is about a professor who works as an advisor to a government scientific agency. It stars Rufus Sewell and is produced by Warner Bros. Television.

CBS also has picked up ‘Project Gary,’ a comedy created by Ed Yeager of ‘Reba.’ The series
revolves around a recently divorced father coming to terms with his kids, ex-wife and new dating life. (Sounds like a good companion to ‘The New Adventures of Old Christine -- hint, hint).

--Maria Elena Fernandez