CBS renews 3 sitcoms, including ‘Christine’

LOS ANGELES - “The New Adventures of Old Christine,” which stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a divorced mother, is returning to the CBS schedule with a 22-episode order.

The network also has picked up the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother,” the action drama “The Unit” and the relationship comedy “Rules of Engagement.”

The James Woods-starring crime drama “Shark” and cult favorite “Moonlight” were canceled.

CBS renewed “Old Christine” Tuesday morning, a day before its “upfront” presentation to advertisers and hours before ABC was to unveil its lineup. According to sources, ABC had been ready to announce a 22-episode pickup of “Christine” if CBS opted for a cancellation or a shorter order.

The renewal of “Mother” follows a strong return for the show after the writers’ strike, buoyed by guest appearances by Britney Spears.

Meanwhile, CBS brass is said to have been very pleased by Shawn Ryan’s outline for the upcoming season of “The Unit,” which centers on covert warriors.

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