CBS sets date for Kutcher debut

The first episode of Two and a Half Men without Charlie Sheen will air on CBS in September, kicking off a fortnight of fall premieres.

CBS parted company with Sheen earlier this year after a series of high-profile problems in the actor’s private life.

It was announced in May that the show would continue with Aston Kutcher replacing the troubled star. Viewers will get their first chance to see him in action on Monday September 19 when the ninth season premieres at 21.00.

New comedy 2 Broke Girls will debut at 21.30 before moving to its regular 20.30 slot from September 26, where it will be followed by the second season of Mike and Molly at 21.30.

CBS’s other new comedy commission, How to be a Gentleman, starts on Thursday September 29 at 20.30.

As reported by C21 in May, new police detective series Unforgettable will air on Tuesdays at 22.00 from September 20. Its fellow police drama Blue Bloods is back for a second season at 22.00 from Friday September 23.

Another crime thriller, Person of Interest, will debut at 21.00 on Thursday September 22 and medical series a Gifted Man airs for the first time a day later at 20.00.

Kelly Kahl, senior executive VP of CBS Primetime, said: “Wherever and whenever possible we use established, successful series to introduce new shows. We’ve also asked a couple of our strongest series to work overtime during premiere week in order to support the new series and bolster our performance.”