In a move that renews a large portion of television’s #1 primetime lineup, CBS announced today it has picked up 18 returning series for the 2012-2013 broadcast season.

Via Press Release:

CBS ANNOUNCES RENEWALS FOR 18 PRIMETIME SHOWS FOR THE 2012-2013 SEASON
Renewals Showcase the Strength, Stability and Success of Television’s #1 Network

The renewals include four comedies, nine dramas, three reality series and two newsmagazines.  The returning shows encompass every night of the week and every hour, many of which are #1 in their time period and some #1 on the entire night.

The renewed comedies include the previously announced multi-year pickups of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER and THE BIG BANG THEORY, the season’s #1 comedy and the first scripted program to top “American Idol” in viewers and adults 18-49; 2 BROKE GIRLS, the season’s #1 new comedy in viewers and key demographics; and sophomore hit MIKE & MOLLY.

Also in comedy, CBS and Warner Bros. Television are in preliminary discussions regarding future seasons for TWO AND A HALF MEN.

Renewed dramas are NCIS, television’s #1 drama/scripted program for the third consecutive year; NCIS: LOS ANGELES, the #2 drama for the second straight year; HAWAII FIVE-0, CRIMINAL MINDS, CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION, PERSON OF INTEREST, the #1 new series of the season, THE MENTALIST, BLUE BLOODS and the award-winning and critically acclaimed THE GOOD WIFE.

Among the Network’s returning reality series are THE AMAZING RACE, UNDERCOVER BOSS and the previously renewed SURVIVOR.

Television’s top newsmagazines, 60 MINUTES and 48 HOURS MYSTERY, will also return in the fall.

“This large-scale renewal is testimony to the strength, stability and success of a deep and diverse roster of top-rated programming,” said Nina Tassler, President, CBS Entertainment. “It positions us for continued success next season and certainly creates an environment that will give our new shows the best possible chance to succeed.”

Season-to-date, CBS is first in viewers (12.13m) and adults 25-54 (4.1/10) and a strong second in adults 18-49 (3.1/08).  The Network is posting across-the-board year-to-year growth, up +1% in viewers, +2% in adults 25-54 and +3% in adults 18-49.