The Primetime Puzzle: Why CBS Shows Never Start on Time

For countless television viewers, Sunday and Tuesday nights often begin with a familiar dance of anticipation, followed by a sigh of exasperation. CBS, a network known for its robust lineup of engaging dramas, has developed a reputation for consistently delaying the start times of its most popular shows.

From the action-packed 'Tracker' to the thrilling 'The Equalizer,' and even anticipating future woes with 'Watson,' fans are left wondering: why can't CBS shows ever start on time?

The root cause of this persistent scheduling conundrum almost always points to the unpredictable nature of live sporting events.

Whether it's an NFL game extending into overtime, a golf tournament running longer than anticipated, or even pre-game analysis pushing past its slot, these broadcasts frequently spill over into the primetime schedule. While sports fans might appreciate the uninterrupted coverage, drama enthusiasts find themselves in a perpetual state of waiting, often with their DVRs set to record the wrong segment or entirely missing the beginning of an episode.

This isn't a new phenomenon, but the advent of streaming and on-demand viewing has only amplified the frustration.

In an era where content is available at our fingertips, the traditional broadcast model's inflexibility feels increasingly anachronistic. Viewers meticulously plan their evenings around their favorite shows, only to find their plans disrupted by a football game that refuses to end. The ripple effect is significant: not only do shows start late, but subsequent programs are also pushed back, creating a domino effect of delays that can extend late into the night.

The impact on the audience is palpable.

Social media platforms often light up with complaints and memes expressing collective exasperation. "Did 'Tracker' start yet?" or "My DVR missed the first 15 minutes of 'The Equalizer' again!" are common refrains. It's a testament to the loyalty viewers have to these series that they continue to tune in despite the inconvenience.

However, it also begs the question of how long this goodwill can last before viewers seek more predictable entertainment options.

While CBS is not alone in facing the challenges of live programming overlaps, the frequency and impact of these delays on its most-watched scripted series appear particularly pronounced.

The network is caught between a rock and a hard place: satisfy sports fans with complete coverage or appease drama aficionados with punctual scheduling. For now, it seems the unpredictability of live events holds sway, leaving primetime viewers in a perpetual state of 'wait and see.' As new shows like 'Watson' enter the fray, the hope is that CBS might find a more consistent solution, or at least better communication, to mitigate the ongoing viewer frustration.